Until I began writing this column recently, I’ve exposed the thoughts and actions of countless others during 25 years as a journalist, but never my own. And that’s been just fine by me, letting me feel safe because I’m not putting myself on the line like the people I’m interviewing. And besides, I’d always told myself, being subjective is a big “no-no” professionally.

Well, live and learn. Turns out writing Hot Points is both a challenge and an opportunity. For the first time I’m writing in my own voice. And guess what? In the process I’m clarifying my values and taking a stand for what I believe in. And it feels great.

Now the journalistic bomb dropped on me and a fellow reporter this week by city hall is quite another story. We had just interviewed Mayor Pedro Ruiz Higuera, as I have every few months since his term began a year and a half ago. And it seemed routine, although I noticed a couple of people walking around his office. But no introductions were made, and accustomed to staff filing in and out, it didn’t occur to me that they had anything to do with us.

A bemusing quarter-page article full of assumptions which appeared in the Vallarta Opina proved me wrong. Turns out the mystery couple work for the municipal communications department and “reported” on our interview. What’s especially ironic is that one of the subjects raised was the state of journalism in Vallarta, which the mayor called “horribly unprofessional.” I couldn’t agree more. In this instance, weaving interviewers into the story without their knowledge is just that. It’s also a healthy reminder of how important ethics is in journalism – and life in general.

On the other hand, things are looking up when it comes to coconut pruning. Yesterday I watched mesmerized as proactive barefoot gardeners shimmied up palm trees several stories high to chop down the heavy fruit before it ripens, falls to the ground, and hurts someone. With a ropes around their waists – which have nothing to do with safety, but drag machetes along behind them – they climbed heavenward on what to me would be a very scary mission. To them it’s all in a day’s work in paradise, as well as a no-charge tree canopy experience.

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions about what you’re reading, you’re encouraged to let me know at heather@mexmags.com.