Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit News

Vallarta Paper

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May 8 - 14, 2020 Free Issue 015

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omissions or erroneous information published by the advertisers or the parties involved in events. Printer: Tinta y Papel Impresos Santa

Maria. 316 Col. La Moderna Puerto Vallarta, Jal. Mexico.

The Vallarta Paper team gives you the warmest welcome to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. We wish you the best of the stays and hope you find the following information useful.

TIME ZONE: The state of Jalisco and the Riviera Nayarit area (Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta de Mita, Litibú, Sayulita, and San Pancho, and Lo de Marcos) are on Central time. beyond that point, time changes to Mexican Pacific Standard Time, or Mountain Time, one hour behind Puerto Vallarta time. Please keep this in mind for your f light schedule.

CURRENCY: Mexican peso is the legal currency. However American and Canadian dollars are widely used and accepted in most establishments. We recommend you try to be aware of the exchange rate.

MONEY EXCHANGE: The easiest and cheapest way to exchange money is to use your debit card in the ATM to withdraw pesos. Be aware of the exchange rate option some ATMs offer upon withdrawal. Exchange houses and hotels usually offer higher rates.

TAXIS: The town and surrounding areas are divided into defined zones. if you are staying in a hotel, fares will be posted by the lobby. If you f lag a cab on the street, ALWAYS agree on the

Welcome!

cost beforehand. In town, prices are by trip, not by person. Only airport- and maritime port-based taxis charge by person, but you can´t catch those in town. UBER is available in town but will not pick you up in federal-sanctioned areas such as the airport.

Important NumbersPhone Calls Mexico has recently adopted the 10-digit system for all

local, long distance, and toll-free numbers, either land or mobile lines. If you bring your mobile phone from home, check with your provider about services available in Mexico, or consider getting a Mexican SIM card. Most domestic carriers will give you unlimited calls to Mexico, US and Canada for as little as $200 pesos per month, plus some data included.

International Long-Distance Calls From MexicoUS & Canada: Dial 001 + Area Code + NumberOther countries: Dial 00 + Country Code + Area Code + Number

Calls To Mexico From AbroadTo make a call to Mexico from abroad, just dial the country code + the 10-digit number.

Emergency Calls: 911

Lizeth ContrerasManaging Director

Cynthia AndradeContent & Design Director

Paco MorásEditor

Vallarta Paper StaffSales

ContributorsChristie Seeley

Martin Rosenberg, Oscar Aranda

PhotosRoberto Aceves

Website:www.vallartapaper.com

Contact: vallartapaper@gmail.comeditor@vallartapaper.com

Immigration department 322 224 7719

Canadian consulate – 24/7

800 706 2900Jalisco Tourism Office

322 221 2676Nayarit Tourism Office

322 297 1006Consumer protection

800 468 8722CFE – Power company

071

BUSES: A system of urban buses carry you through the central part of town. There is a different system to travel south up to El Tuito, and yet another one to travel north up to Sayulita. If you want to travel further in either direction, you will need to catch a bus at the central station. Fare within town is 10 pesos. Drivers won’t give you change.

DRINKING WATER: Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for the past two and a half decades. However, the quality of the water tested at the source varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. We strongly suggest you buy bottled water, available all over town.

TIPPING: In general, you may tip 10-20% in restaurants and bars. Please also try to tip those who bag your groceries or help load your car. Don’t forget to tip your maid, bell boy, masseuse, the band, the entertainment. And by all means, tip more if you want, it will be very much appreciated.

GETTING AROUND: In many places such as Centro Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta there are paths for bikes and pedestrians. Please be respectful of these designations.

EXPORTING PETS: If you are an animal lover and fall for a dog or cat while in town, know that bringing them home with you is an easy and inexpensive process. You only need a certificate of health from a local vet and check with your airline for additional requirements. If you need further information, call the local animal shelter: 322 293 3690.

Page 3May 8 - 14, 2020 Free Issue 015 Treasures of Vallarta

Sea Giant

While you walk through the entrance of Marina Vallarta it is impossible to ignore its presence, it is almost 9 meters

high that impose and make you notice the magnitude of this magnificent being. When you raise your eyes, you can admire “La Ballena y su Cría” where the blue sky plays with the imagination to become the wide sea giving you a wonderful panorama that is difficult not to appreciate.

What a great work by author Octavio González Gutiérrez, what a satisfaction that his 4 years of work give as a result that the more than 12 tons, the 8.9 meters in height and the 13 meters in length become one of the most beautiful sculptures of the Bay and the largest in Puerto Vallarta! It is incre-dible how its structure is designed, because it is only its fin that holds the rest of the sculpture, which rests on a square meter. This “ballerina whale” was inaugurated on March 14, 2001 and since then it has called the attention of tourists and locals, giving the impression that both the calf and its mother greet all those who pass through the area.

The inspiration of the author came through families, seeking to represent how important mothers are, those women who become central pillars and the anchors of the family nucleus, always devoted and dedicated with unconditional love to their children.

The curious thing about this work is that it has two replicas on a smaller scale, each one is located in a sister city of Puerto Vallarta, the first one is in Highland Park, which established ties of friendship with the city since 15 years ago, while the second is in Mission-Texas, which in 2018 celebrated 14 years of bonding with our port.

About the artist Octavio González we can tell you that he was born in Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco, although part of his life has been in Vallarta. Throughout his career he has completed an approximate of 60 bronze sculptures that are spread between Vallarta and other cities in the country and internationally, are divided between collaborations and his independent works. Although he does not have formal studies in arts, he has demonstrated the ability and talent to create beautiful pieces. Finally, as a curious fact, the artist does not sign his sculptures, and most are inspired by marine life. Other of his works of marine animals are “La Fuente de la Amistad” and “Las Orcas”, the latter also located in the marina.

Finally we want you to know something more about this beautiful species the sculpture honors: the humpback whale, also known by the names Yubarta and Gubarte, live in waters of the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific Oceans, as well as in the Bering Sea and the frosty waters of Antarctica. These magnificent animals are adapted to live in both tropical and polar waters and are grouped into isolated populations. During the 20th century this species was cruelly massacred, capturing the attention of many who sought to reduce the number of lost species. Even so, it is estimated that there are around 6,000 humpback whales around the world. It is important to remember that we must take care of the wide sea, as it is home of this and other beautiful species that abound in The Blue Planet.

May 8 - 14, 2020 Free Issue 015Wedding in VallartaPage 4

By Roberto AcevesJ a c k i e & J o h n

Page 5May 8 - 14, 2020 Free Issue 015 Wedding in Vallarta

Banderas Bay Vallarta Paper|

PUERTOVALLARTA

Banderas Bay Vallarta Paper|

PUERTOVALLARTA

May 8 - 14, 2020 Free Issue 015Page 8 Columns

Martin Rosenberg, PhDMarty journeyed from Anthropology Lecturer at the Museum of Natural History, N.Y.C., President of Illinois’ CPA Society, CEO Tomorrows Software, film producer, and author of three books and many articles. As Director of Posters International Gallery in Puerto Vallarta he is surrounded by fine art. Talks given on creativity, mind/body connection and metaphysical wonders.email: martysanmiguel@gmail.comwww.rosenbergcollection.com

Insight

Celebrity Worship

Trust is at the heart of commu-nication. The letters also spell STRUT… meaning to walk with an arrogant or conceited gait.

As humans, our mind/body connection is strong. This type of physical behavior usually matches the tone of voice coming from within it.

I recently learned of CWS… celebrity worship syndrome. By becoming overly concerned with information about a celebrity, someone has an obsessive addictive disorder. My years in Chicago, then an avid sports enthusiast, certainly inspired my interest in all things Michael Jordan. An incredible athlete. But I also had a favorite baseball, football, and ice hockey player to admire. Oh yes…there are also the TV, movie and music legends etched deeply in my memory.

However, I don’t recall listening to them as experts on anything beyond their own career. How did so many cultures condition their people to become devotees? Perhaps when celebrities began to be advertising shills for stock brokerages, drug companies, insurance, banking, skin care…these companies put their baited hooks on TV and print media to reel the gullible in. Worse yet, our current crop of news anchors are primarily showboats.

Not just reading their editor-prepared news notes but also expressing their personal opinions on complex issues. I’d much rather hear a local neighbors view on how an issue affects them. It is honest and heartfelt…not out to impress an audience.

I respect famously talented people but not necessarily their advice. At their income levels, we can be assured they have access to expertise for their needs.

As a teenager, I knew nothing about government, politicians or large companies. Everything was LOCAL. (I’ll

return to more of that subject shortly) I trusted my doctor, barber, dentist (not really), shoe repair shop, librarian, bakery salesperson, ice cream soda maker, deli and Chinese take-home meals… and you can add your own to neighbors you have known.

After college, joining the real world of working people, I became more aware of news headlines and stories. I naturally assumed it to be true if it was in the news. The people they quoted and interviewed must also be honest.

I wasn’t cynical about anyone. Fast-forward, and the information landscape now is digitally virtual, corporate managed and difficult to discern which sources are reliable. When infor-mation comes piecemeal, changes day to day, and “experts” and politicians present conflicting viewpoints, we can be intellec-tually overwhelmed.

That is a state of mind we do not want to experience! Fear, confusion, depression, and anxiety come up for me when that feeling arises. I know it now and shut it down mentally as fast as possible. Shifting quickly to a different thought helps.

The world pandemic is now at a stage where there are too many experts and non-expert opinions offering tiny bits of information each day. The picture is far from clear.

This is especially overwhelming since

it involves serious health

i m p l i - cations for families and us. We’re all trying to stay informed, but this process seems to feed stress levels. Countries are pitted against each other as to how they respond to this virus. Getting the truth of their experience is muddied by fudged statistics, governmental media control, and commentators presenting different conclusions.

Did Sweden’s approach cost more lives early but saved their economy better? This is madness and is a great test of our ability to rise above the stress and fear levels being propagated. I know the virus is real and can be life threatening. Safeguards including physical distancing, washing hands and surfaces, and wearing a mask to protect others is what we’re told

to do.

And stay home. Will we ever truly know if a world economic shutdown was necessary? Would the risks of fewer shutdowns with enforced safeguards be better than the psychological and physical damage of confining children and adults for weeks indoors? Not everyone has a garden or any outdoor space to breathe the now cleaner air, exercise and get some vitamin D sunshine and hope. Whom do we trust when our wellbeing is seriously threatened?

The health issue gets headlines, but so does the financial distress people were unprepared for. The knock-on impact of increased debt levels, lost jobs, bankrupt companies, and disrupted distribution of needed goods and foods is unprece-dented.

Is the virus microbe over-hyped to mythical proportions inadvertently…or not? Stocks, oil, mineral and water resources, land, food sources, technology and entertainment become bargain acquisitions for governments, billio-naires, and investment organizations to buy up. Buy low…fix the immediate crisis and sell high as the fear levels and consu-merism rises from the ashes. It seems to be a regular cycle about every ten years or so.

I believe we see the obvious, but don’t want to believe it. When elected officials become millionaires serving us, we need to pay more attention. Our voices need to be louder, stay visible and continue to be heard after the crisis lessens.

I was asked; are people more self-serving now? How has empathy become so rare among leaders? Is this the outcome of decades of education? My answer is…I don’t know. Did the games we played portend the behaviors we experience and act out now? For example: Simple Simon (lesson in control), Musical Chairs (a lesson in how to win), Monopoly (lesson in profit making and staying out of jail). What happened to the win/win philosophy being espoused earlier?

In closing…I have the most trust in my neighbors and community. Local is the new normal. Looking to government and large companies to aid communities is wishful thinking.

We understand that now. We have the power to support each other. Couple that with empathy and compassion and we spread an attitude that is loving. A neighborhood shares much in common. Everyone pitches in to clean their space, offer a helping hand and aid the distressed or ill. A little plot of unused land becomes a community garden or a child’s playground. Such is my own experience. I buy local, even if something costs a few pennies more to keep their business going. Especially in difficult times.

We reduce a need to drive to big box stores…gasoline and auto expenses drop from our budget, traffic accidents decrease, pollution fades and less dust rises from the streets that are cleaner with less traffic. We’ve always known that a better quality of life exists where neighbors wave and smile to each other. Even a large city is founded on individual communities within its boundaries. We can make a difference!

Page 9May 8 - 14, 2020 Free Issue 015

By Christie SeeleyFrom Oakland, California to Puerto Vallarta…lured by music of guitars and sounds of the sea. vallartasounds.com

Columns

Lots of Changes on the Horizon

I am an Airbnb host in my home in California. This morning I received a shocking letter from Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb. Airbnb is finding

themselves forced to make dramatic changes in their business. As a result of COVID19, they are finding themselves forced to make unexpected sacrifices. The absolute stagnation of travel in all parts of the world is causing significant changes. Mr. Chesky’s moving message to all employees and hosts of Airbnb reluc-tantly announced a substantial reduction in staff (25%) and other changes to be announced this week and in the future about the outstanding service we have been enjoying from them for years now. Airbnb will still be functioning and no doubt maintaining the same standard of excellence as in the past, but as we both agree, it will not look the same.

He told us, “The world needs human connection now more than ever, and I know that Airbnb will rise to the occasion.” According to him, their “original tagline was, ‘Travel like a human,’” emphasizing the human over the travel part. “What we are about, he said, is belonging, and at the center of belonging is love.” From the tone of his letter, you can see that the company culture is that of a close family. He outlined support for departing team members, including severance, healthcare, job search support, and the general loyalty of the remaining team to those leaving.

“We are collectively living through the most harrowing crisis of our lifetime, and as it began to unfold, global travel came to a standstill.” Brian Chesky, CEO Airbnb

A stark realization from the CEO of a prominent participant in the world travel industry is, I believe, smart and forward-looking. To acknowledge that this crisis will not end soon and that companies need to make adjustments to be amongst those still afloat when the air clears. I am happy to see that Airbnb is as generous as possible concerning its departing soldiers. Our best wishes go out to them.

News is generally bleak today regarding

the pandemic. An article in the NY Times tells us that the White House is winding down “the coronavirus task force in the coming weeks and focus the White House on restarting the economy.” Focusing on the financial aspect will act to take some of the heat off the mismanagement of this crisis by the government, allowing our president to focus on issues more popular with his constituents leading to the upcoming elections. However, while the government is claiming a downward trend in the cases of COVID19, the evidence shows “across America, those

signs of progress obscure a darker reality,” according to another New York Times article telling of the escalation of the virus in areas in the country not before affected. Public health experts agree that we are relaxing restraints too early and that we will inevitably face a new cycle of infections in the Fall as a result.

Much of what we are experiencing is out of our control. The important things for us to consider are those we can control. We can listen to health officials and follow their advice to practice caution

as far as exposing ourselves and others to the virus—wearing masks and avoiding large groups even when some areas are relaxing restrictions. Just because autho-rities tell us what we have permission to do, does not mandate what we do. We can help out our neighbors and friends who are struggling economically to the best of our ability and respect all by wearing protective masks when possible. Listen, think, care. It is our life. Let’s keep it and fill it with love and compassion.

From my home to yours...

May 8 - 14, 2020 Free Issue 015ColumnsPage 10

Oscar ArandaOscar Aranda is a biologist, conservationist, environmental writer and author of the book “The secret language of nature. Having headed the sea turtle and cetacean protection programs in Puerto Vallarta for 12 years, he keeps his heart in the Banderas Bay despite living in Spain. You can contact him at osaranda@yahoo.com or through his webpage www.relatosdelanaturaleza.org

Marvelous fish in the bay

What is the sea for you? A mysterious and dangerous world? Or do you rather see it as a magical and relaxing

place? Perhaps it is both at the same time, because in the sea everything is different, even the very sunlight. As soon as it enters that watery barrier, the light quickly decomposes and one by one the colors fade, and the powerful blue ends up succumbing. Meter by meter, everything looks differently, until a few tens of meters below, darkness assumes power. It is the king of this universe, as full of amazing life as of mysteries yet to be solved.

I devoted the previous article to talking about the reefs of the Banderas Bay, known as “rocky reefs” because they are mainly made up of rocks on which the reef fauna grows. I said that at least 159 different species of fish live there, taking into account both the permanent inhabi-tants and those who visit them in search of food or shelter. For me, these reefs and their inhabitants have great sentimental value because it was there that I did my biology thesis, managing to describe for the first time how they are structured and how they work. Among the biggest surprises, I discovered that only 17 species make up 90% of the population. The remaining 142 species have very low abundances and are very difficult to observe. It takes patience, a bit of luck and above all a good eye to detect them, since most of them hide very, very well.

This is a minuscule tribute to those fish that make our reefs so special and attractive to visit. I’ll start by mentioning those who will welcome you as soon as you dive. They are the almost-om-nipresent king angelfish (Holacanthus passer), the sea chub (Kyphosus analogus) and the Panamic sergeant major (Abudefduf troschelii), little afraid of our presence. But as we dive and get closer to the bottom, we can see the true diversity of life that lives there. Perhaps we will see the spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari), the blue-spotted cornetfish (Fistularia commersonii) or the always active threebanded butterflyfish (Chaetodon humeralis) and the beautiful blacknosed

butterflyfish (Johnrandallia nigrirostris).

These fish, especially the second one, have the curious characteristic of establi-shing “cleaning stations”, in which much larger fish come to request their cleaning services, as they are very efficient and careful in eliminating parasites and dead skin from their visiting friends. . A beautiful Cortez angelfish (Pomacanthus zonipectus) may appear, whose youthful shape in yellow and ultramarine blue colors on a black body makes him highly appreciated by the world of aquarists. Another fish that due to its shape and size could be confused with an angelfish, is actually a giant damselfish (Microspa-thodon dorsalis); a robust fish of dark blue color that when in reproductive season has the first half of a paler color and fiercely defends its territory. Unstoppable in their search for food, we can find perhaps the most beautiful and best known of all: the Moorish idol (Zanclus cornutus), also highly prized for display in aquariums. With a little luck, we will see a shy but unmistakable blue boxfish (Ostracion meleagris), similar to the pufferfish but “more square” and whose juvenile and adult forms have a wonderful coloration.

Let’s get closer to the rocks and search the cavities. Perhaps we will see a well camouflaged giant hawkfish (Cirrhitus rivulatus) with its beautiful yellow spots

bordered by a brilliant blue. But wherever we look there will be some group of Cortez rainbow wrasse nearby (Thalassoma lucasanum). These sausage-shaped fish in yellow and violet tones have the ability to change sex, and the male has a completely different hue, with a yellow stripe behind his head and the rest of the body in various shades of blue and purple.

Now let’s look at the smallest, the tiny life that is hidden in the empty shells of barnacles and other invertebrates. There, leaning out, with their big mouth and small flexible appendages over their eyes that remind us of antennas or even eyelashes, are these fish, exclusive to the tropical and subtropical waters of the American continent, called tube blennies. I must admit that although they are among my favorites, during the inves-tigation they were also a headache to identify, since they are elusive and have a wide variety of shapes and colors. They are very nice when showing just their little head, and if you want to investigate a little more, they belong to the Chaenop-sidae family. Smaller still (up to 3 inches) but equally amazing are the bluestripe pipefish (Doryrhamphus excisus excisus), which are the smallest representatives of the seahorse family (Syngnathidae).

But I do not want to end without mentioning two inhabitants on the edge

of the reef, that is, they prefer to inhabit the sandy bottoms around. I will put aside the amazing electric rays and other magnificent fish and focus on two of the species that in my opinion are very worth seeing for their uniqueness: conger eels (Heteroconger digueti) and the two-co-lored blue spotted jawfish (Opistognathus rosenblatti). The first ones live partially buried in the sand, showing half of their body vertically moving according to the coming and going of currents, reminding us of plants swayed by the wind. They live in the southern part of the Bay, around Majahuitas. The latter have a spectacular behavior, because although they are also buried in the sand, with the help of their powerful mouths they form dens that are reinforced by stones they tirelessly place carefully around the hole. They are beautiful but very shy, so it takes a lot of patience to get close enough. If you visit the Marietas Islands, there is a colony that lives in the surroundings of Isla Redonda.

As you can see, the variety is infinite, and it takes many dives to enjoy the true potential of the rocky reefs of the Bay. I hope you can enjoy the experience of immersing yourself in this weightless world and discovering its inhabitants up close. Tip: Hold on to your respirator mouthpiece because I assure you that what you will find will make you drop your jaw!

Page 11ColumnsMay 8 - 14, 2020 Free Issue 015

May 8 - 14, 2020 Free Issue 015Page 12 Charities

For those who wish to support the less privileged in our paradise, here are some of the many organizations that could benefit from such kind gestures. To publish your organization, please email details to editor@vallartapaper.com.

Amigos de La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, A.C. Cultural, educational, environmental and charitable assistance programs. Tax deductible. www.amigosdelacruz.org

Amazing Grace MissionsAssisting families in Magisterio & Progreso. slw2014nv@gmail.com

American Legion Post 14Raises resources and manpower to improve facilities needing building maintenance ameri-canlegion14.org

Amigos del Magisterio Food delivered directly to workers at the PV dump, their families and schools in Magisterio and Volcanes. amigosdelmagisterio.com

Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the ElderlyContact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias 322 222 1257 or mexonline.com/asilosanjuandiego.htm

Asociación DownAssistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Eisenring at 322 224 9577.

Becas Vallarta, A.C. Provides scholarships to high school and university students. Tax-deductible in Mexico and USA. Polly Vicars at 322 223 1371 or Buri Gray at 322 221 5285.

CANICA Centre for Children with Cancer. Provides aid for treatment and services including transpor-tation to GDL. Contact Director, Evelia Basañes 322 123 5688.

Casa Hogar Máximo CornejoA shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children. Luz Aurora Arredondo at 322 221 1908, casahogar_maximocornejo@hotmail.com

Clinica de Rehabilitación Santa Barbara Rehabilitation of the handicapped. Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 322 224 2754.

COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town. Only open Saturdays, Contact: cez@rogers.com or 322 104 6609

CompassionNet Impact Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency & more. Tax-deductible. Contact: 322 133 7263 or ric@4compassion.org

Corazon de Niña A safe, loving, home-environment for children and youth rescued from high-risk situations. www.fundacioncorazon.mx

Cruz Roja (Red Cross)It handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street. Contact: 322 222 1533 or 322 222 4973

Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers. 322 223 4311 or 322 222 2572

Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) Association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. Contact: Ivan Applegate at 322 221 5153.

Ecology and Conservation of Whales, AC.National Coordination Network for the Assistance of Entangled Whales. Contact: 322 293 7851

Families At The DumpSupporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities. familiesatthedump.org

Fundacion Punta de Mita Contact: Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@fundacionpuntademita.org Tel. (329) 291 5053

Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit friend-sofpvanimals.com

Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta: Contact: Luz del Carmen Pérez A - cayro_13@hotmail.com - grupoecologico.com

Horizonte de PazWelcoming shelter for men of all ages who are troubled w/alcohol & drug addiction. Contact: Maynor at 322 281 0644 horizontedepaz@live.com

Instituto de Artes Musicales Puerto Vallarta (IAMPV) is Asociacion Civil and the umbrella organization over several groups, including the Puerto Vallarta Orchestra, the Salty Paw Jazz Orchestra, a children’s music school, and others. Contact Daniel Oliveros 322 105 8344

International Friendship Club Provides medical, educational and social services to those in need in Puerto Vallarta and area. www.ifcvallarta.com

La Brigada de la BasuraA weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets. Contact Que?Pasa 322 223 4006

Mexico Ministries & Mission, Inc. It raises funds to the poor in Vallarta. Contact Fr. Jack at 322 229 1129 christchurchbythesea.org

Puerto Vallarta Navy League AC Contact: Carol Smith at 322 137 4902

New Life MexicoChallenging child poverty with health and education programs.Contact: Philippa Vernon pvp@newlifemexico.com

Paraíso Felino AC Refuge and adoption centre for cats and kittens in the Bay of Banderas. Contact: 322 120 4092

Pasitos de Luz Substitute home for low income children with any type of handicap, offers rehabilitation services and more. 322 299 4146. pasitosdeluz.org

Purr Project No-kill feline rescue - www.purrproject.com

PEACEAnimals Free mobile spay/neuter clinic operating 48 weeks a year, primarily in Puerto Vallarta. Tax-de-ductible. peaceanimals.org

Pro Biblioteca de Vallarta It raises funds for Los Mangos Public Library. Tax-deductible receipts for Mexico and USA. Contact: 322 224 9966

Proyecto Pitillal Busca un AmigoAssociation created by underprivileged mothers of paralyzed children. Contact: 322 299 4495.

Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza Shelter for children

Donations are tax-deductible in Canada and the U.S. Contact: Madre Mari at 322 222 7857 - www.ccshf.ca

Roma’s Kids They educate the children of the Volcanes and surrounding area www.kids.romamexico.com

Toys for Tots VallartaIt distributes toys and constructs playgrounds for less-advantaged kids in the Puerto Vallarta area Contact: Jerry Lafferty 322 221 6156

SETAC – Services the GLBT community. Contact: Paco Arjona at 322 224 1974

SPCA PV – Provides shelter and vet services to rescued animals. www.spcapv.com

Vallarta Botanical Gardens - To build Mexico’s greatest botanical, research & education of plant life, city beautification programs, bird watching, etc. Donations are tax deductible in the USA. Contact: 322 223 182 or info@vallartabotanicalgardensac

Local Charities and Non-Profit Organizations

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