Wonderfully warm-hearted people like the late journalist Jorge Ruiz Aguilar make it easy to understand why Puerto Vallarta was named the world’s friendliest city by “Condé Nast Traveler” magazine.

Quick-witted and insightful, the bilingual 62-year-old was felled by a heart attack March 1 while at a press conference doing what he loved in his adoptive town. A respected long-time reporter for the Spanish-language “Opina,” sought-after master of ceremonies, and recently appointed director of media relations for the Puerto Vallarta Office of Conventions and Visitors, Aguilar’s life was rich with good food and conversation, music and dancing. We’ll miss his energy and ready smile.

I think you’ll find that our second Readers’ Choice competition, which ended February 28 and the results of which will be revealed in April, contains a couple of surprises. But “the people have spoken,” and those who did not will get an opportunity again next year to state their preferences. What the results do show is not only the value of being good at what you do, but also of getting the word out that you are.

Knowing how vital it is to the wellbeing of their citizens to have up-to-date information about the rules and procedures we gringos need to follow, the American and Canadian consulates frequently put on information sessions featuring local authorities.

In conjunction with Jurimex International, a consortium of multi-language professionals that can smooth the way to getting settled here, Canadian Consul Lyne Benoit recently held a “Legal facts of living and investing in Mexico” panel discussion. Due to our increasing reliance on computers, I took the opportunity to ask customs head Miguel Colorado about the duties payable when bringing them into the country for personal use.

As an aside, I don’t think he remembered giving me a hard time when I last flew in because I brought what he considered too many suitcases. After showing him every item in all five, saying they were for my personal use only, he still insisted that I was going to sell some of them. In desperation I gave him the coy argument that there was no way I was going to sell anything “because a girl my age has to try harder, so I need it all.” Instantly he understood, which certainly wasn’t flattering, but I was relieved. As I exited, he shouted, “You’ll break my heart if you’re lying, and I’ll hunt you down and make you sorry. And don’t you forget it.” Complying, I didn’t.

Anyway, back to import duties on computers. Turns out there are none if, and I repeat if, it’s a notebook. Desktops, however, are subject to 17% duty on their value above $300, that amount being the duty-free allowance. So, a desk model worth $1,500 would cost you $204, plus broker fee. Brokers are mandatory when bringing in items valued at more than $1,000, with several right across the street from the airport.

Bringing a used computer into Mexico, however, is much less straightforward. Chances are the declared value will be questioned, so try to have both the original sales receipt as well as your receipt of purchase to avoid a potential headache.

Benoit made her oft-heard plea to Canadians to register with the consulate. “Registration is not related to your health plan or your taxes, but it is the only way we can help you in an emergency. I’m very seriously stressing that I am only interested in helping you.”

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