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Bounty Hunter Charged, Movie Script Re-Written A Mexican judge charged US bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman and two relatives on Thursday with illegal deprivation of liberty for abducting Max Factor cosmetics heir Andrew Luster in Puerto Vallarta last week. A defense lawyer said the judge charged Chapman, his son and his brother, but dropped an investigation into the two others, members of a US television team. Luster, deported from Mexico last week, is now serving a 124-year prison term in California for drugging and raping three women. Luster had jumped bail at his trial in January and headed to Mexico, but was found guilty in absentia. “Dog,” a former convict himself, boasts on his Web site (www.dogthebountyhunter.com) of capturing 6,000 fugitives over the years. Luster's capture came as the cast and crew of "A Date With Darkness: The Trial of Andrew Luster" had five days left on their production schedule in British Columbia, Lifetime network executive Trevor Walton said last week. The makers of the two-hour made-for-cable movie had to tear up their script and shoot a new ending to include Luster’s arrest in Vallarta. The feature stars Jason Gedrick of the NBC crime series "Boomtown" as Luster and Marla Sokoloff from the ABC legal drama "The Practice" as one of his date-rape victims. It is slated to air August 11 on “Lifetime,” a channel geared mainly toward female viewers.

Vallarta Could Become a Homeport The creation of a homeport in Puerto Vallarta is feasible, pointed out Port Administration Director Francisco Martínez Narváez during the Seventh National Congress on Ferries and Cruises that took place in Vallarta last week. He explained that a homeport is one in which a cruise originates and ends. As such, it requires a terminal building, luggage and trash handling facilities, as well as the ability to provide vessels with fuel, among other things. Presently, our terminal functions as only a “transit” facility, where ships dock for a few hours. Turning our terminal into a homeport would open up two routes originating in Vallarta: one northbound to Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas and one southbound to Manzanillo, Ixtapa, Acapulco and Huatulco. Puerto Vallarta’s maritime terminal handled 173 cruise arrivals last year, making it the third busiest destination in Mexico.

American Express “Adopts” Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta is a preferred destination among American Express card members. As such, American Express has put forth a proposal, offering to invest $480,000 USD in our destination – $380,000 would be used in an advertising campaign, while the remaining $100,000 would be offered to the city directly. Jorge Vázquez Valdés, AMEX director of Tourist Destinations, indicated that “working together on a campaign focusing on Vallarta and directed to card members would result in a partnership that would benefit both parties.” City officials have until June 30 to make a decision on this issue.

Vallarta Airport Renovation Almost Complete Vallarta’s International Airport has been undergoing renovations for over two years and they are almost complete, according to Cesar García Pérez, manager of Operations and Security. Most of the work has been infrastructure-related, and wouldn’t necessarily be apparent to travelers; however, improved lighting, new green areas, a new taxi entrance and better exterior light poles, among other enhancements, have been well received by the public.

Week of June 21, 2003

Max Factor Cosmetics Heir Caught in Vallarta Vallarta experienced a “bad heir” day this Wednesday, June 18, as fugitive convicted rapist Andrew Luster was captured along with bounty hunters who were attempting to subdue him at a taco stand. Luster, 39, the great-grandson of cosmetics magnate Max Factor, had been registered at a local hotel under an assumed name since June 15. For six months, US state and federal authorities had pursued Luster, who broke off an electronic monitoring bracelet and fled during a break in his Ventura County trial in January. A jury convicted him shortly thereafter on 86 counts for drugging and raping three women. He was sentenced to 124 years in prison. Bounty hunter Duane Lee Chapman, 50, had tracked Luster for several months, hoping to collect a percentage of Luster's forfeited $1 million cash bail. Having been tipped about Luster’s location, he headed south along with his two sons and a television crew, presumably for the popular show “America’s Most Wanted.” Local police were alerted of the scuffle and arrested Luster, whose fortune is worth over $30 million, along with Chapman and his crew. US bounty hunters have no legal authority to make arrests in Mexico and such cases have been politically sensitive here since 1990, when the US Drug Enforcement Administration employed local bounty hunters to kidnap a doctor accused of involvement in the murder of an anti-narcotics officer. A day after his arrest, Luster was deported by Mexican authorities and flown back to the United States.

Local Efforts to Protect the Sea Turtle Pay Off The sea turtle population is experiencing a marked recovery as a result of an increasing number of protected nesting areas along Banderas Bay, pointed out Luis Fernando González Guevara, a Centro Universitario de la Costa researcher. This has been possible due to the partnership of local and national government agencies, the local hotel industry and environmentally conscious volunteer organizations, all of which began an organized effort to protect the species locally 15 years ago. Year after year, the beginning of the rainy season heralds the sea turtles’ return to bury their eggs in the sand. When the eggs hatch, it is up to the newborn turtles to instinctively find their way back to the ocean, a time-honored process that is frequently jeopardized by predators, both human and animal – last year’s hurricane Kenna and its effects on local beaches further decreased the odds. The creation and patrolling of said protected areas increases the species’ chances of survival. One local organization making a difference is Nuestra Tierra, A.C. This year, in partnership with Hotel Velas Vallarta, Nuestra Tierra, A.C. has set up a campground/school area in Boca de Tomates, an area north of Vallarta that stretches from the Bay View Grand to the outlet of the Ameca river. The non-profit organization recruits local and international volunteers, offering training and educational programs. For more information call (322) 225-6940.

Concerts and Outdoor Events Banned From Flamingos and Pitillal Areas Folks living in areas adjoining the Flamingos and Pitillal esplanades have had their share of sleepless nights due to the increased noise and traffic that prevail whenever large scale events such as fairs, expos, concerts and dances take place at these locations. A group of concerned citizens recently brought matters to the attention of City Hall officials, who have banned such events indefinitely. Several alternatives were proposed, including relocating events to the northern areas of Las Juntas or Ixtapa, locations which would also benefit the neighboring state of Nayarit. The construction of a multiple-use hall was also considered; however, this effort would require not only a conveniently located piece of land but also a considerable sum of money, presumably from private investors. Predictably, no specific action plans were formalized. Meanwhile, those presently affected by these events can once again enjoy peace and quiet in their neighborhoods, at least for the time being.

Vallarta One Step Closer to Convention Center The proposal to develop the land next to the protected salt marsh known as El Salado has been approved by the scientific council in charge of overseeing its protection and development, bringing the idea of a convention center in Vallarta one small step closer to fruition. This process has been overseen by the Fideicomiso del Estero El Salado, whose goal is to minimize the impact that urban development might have on and around the preservation area. The aforementioned proposal has yet to be presented officially to Jalisco Governor Francisco Ramírez Acuña. Nonetheless, work continues to move forward in the areas of research, conservation and cleanup of the mangrove, as prescribed by the scientific council. While the original proposal, submitted by the architectural firm Ares, has been repeatedly modified, some of the approved projects it encompasses include the aforementioned convention center, an ecological research center, a cultural park, a sports facility and a shopping area along F. Medina Ascencio.

Week of June 14, 2003

Local Golf Course Considerd Third Best Worldwide The golf course at the Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita is considered third best in the world, according to a survey conducted by “Condé Nast Traveler” magazine. For their eighth annual golf resort survey, published in this month’s issue, the magazine asked more than 6,000 readers to not only pick the best resorts and the courses affiliated with them, but also to rate the pro staff, hotel accommodations, food quality and other available activities. Aside from being picked third “Best of the Best” of the top 100 golf destinations worldwide, Four Seasons Resort received the highest rating for food alone and third place in the accommodations category. Those interested in putting their golf balls elsewhere might consider the Lodge at Koele in Lanai, Hawaii, or the Westin Turnberry Resort in Ayrshire, Scotland, considered first and second “Best of the Best” respectively.

Rainy Season Returns to Vallarta The first rains of the season have returned to Puerto Vallarta, bringing our vegetation a much-needed break from the winter dry spell. Traditionally, the rainy season arrives at the end of May and continues through mid-October with a September peak – an average of 20 days with rainfall can be expected. Along with early morning and evening showers, there is also a noticeable increase in humidity.

Quinta Real Provides New Offerings One of the finest luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta is the Quinta Real located in Marina Vallarta along the 18th fairway. Quinta Real is a chain of small luxury hotels in Mexico, and this is one of their newest additions. Previous to this, the hotel was known as Hacienda Cora; before that, Sierra Plaza; before that the Bel-Air; and, finally, it became a Quinta Real hotel! So, it has come full circle, and been completely remodeled. Three of these great new changes are worth mentioning. First, they have added a beach club right next to the Marriot hotel with a very upscale clubhouse and transportation by golf cart. Secondly, they are now offering dining on the terrace overlooking the gardens, pool and golf course. The lounge, which was in this location, has been moved inside to their fabulous lobby. And thirdly, the Quinta Real Puerto Vallarta has been accepted by the prestigious Mexico Boutique Hotels – a group of 32 exceptional small hotels situated throughout Mexico (mexicoboutiquehotels.com). Be sure to stop by and check it out, especially the Sunday brunch, voted best in Vallarta Voice’s 2003 Readers’ Choice poll!

Nacional Dancing Horse Competition Returns The National Dancing Horse Competition returned to Vallarta this past week as part of a national circuit tour. The sport, which originated in Europe, involves training horses to perform specific steps or “tricks” while live music is performed, usually harp and violin. The circuit idea was originated by participants, all members of the Asociación de Caballos Bailadores de México, or Mexican Dancing Horse Association, as a means to expose more people to this type of competition. So far, competitions and exhibitions have been held in Leon, Guanajuato, Aguascalientes and Morelia, among other cities.

Week of June 07, 2003

New South Side Gallery Makes an Impressive Debut Galería Gradiva, a new art gallery specializing in contemporary art, opened its doors to the public for the first time this past week. The new gallery brings a breath of fresh air to a section of I. Vallarta otherwise cluttered with ubiquitous tourist art stores and provides local and visiting art collectors yet another reason to spend both time and money in Vallarta’s trendy South Side. Galería Gradiva’s modern, sleek interior was designed by architect Julio César García Peña, also responsible for the recently opened Cinema Versalles. The gallery, owned by Roberto García Zepeda, his wife, Silvia Peña de García, and partner Carlos Melgoza Martín del Campo will specialize in contemporary paintings by artists from, or with a strong connection to, the state of Oaxaca. Several contemporary artists, including Francisco Toledo, Rodolfo Morales and Rufino Tamayo – considered one of the most important Mexican artists of the century by art critics – were born there. Galería Gradiva’s current exhibition, on display until July 27, includes encaustic paintings, oils and collages by Josefa García, Arthur Miller, Guillermo Pacheco and Tomás Pineda among others. Visit Galería Gradiva at I. Vallarta 179, Emiliano Zapata, or online at www.galeriagradiva.com.

Vallarta – Mascota Highway to be Completed Next Year The construction of a highway between Puerto Vallarta and Mascota will be concluded next year, announced Jalisco Governor Francisco Javier Ramírez Acuña during his visit to Vallarta last week. This stretch of highway not only will connect Vallarta with Jalisco’s mountainous region, but also will significantly reduce travel time between Vallarta and Guadalajara, the state’s capital. Mascota, a quaint agricultural town also known for its horse breeding and training industry, has been a popular destination among Vallarta locals and visitors for some time – a 20-minute daily flight is available. And while there is presently an access road and even bus service between Vallarta and Mascota, the road is not paved, making travel during the rainy season slow and treacherous for vehicles not designed accordingly.

Puerto Vallarta Celebrates its 85th Birthday Vallarta celebrated its 85th birthday as a municipality and 35th as a city this past Saturday. The special event included several civic and cultural activities, presided by Governor Francisco Javier Ramírez Acuña, guest of honor. In an official speech, Ramírez Acuña congratulated Vallartenses and proceeded with the closure of the May Cultural Festival, which included the presentation of the Premio Vallarta 2003, a yearly recognition offered by the city to individuals who excelled in the fields of art, social services, culture, sports, ecology, education and tourism. Award recipients included journalist Laura Quiroz Buenrostro and Ronald C. Walker for art and ecology, respectively.

Alaska Airlines Will Increase Flights Alaska Airlines general manager Julián Acosta y Castellá recently announced a two-fold increase in flights for the upcoming high season, making Vallarta an increasingly attractive destination for visitors from the United States and Canada’s western states. Having initiated flights to Puerto Vallarta 15 years ago, Acosta y Castellá remarked that Vallarta has become the airline’s primary destination despite the 9/11 crisis, which affected the airline and travel industry worldwide. Alaska Airlines serves the Pacific Northwest corridor, currently offering direct flights to Vallarta from San Francisco, Los Angeles, San José, Phoenix and Seattle.

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