Dear Sir,

Having lived in Mexico for six and a half years I find that, unfortunately, there are still many non-Mexican people who still consider the Mexican stereotype as a lazy person who sits under a tree and does nothing all day.  

Dear Sir,

I would like to thank everyone for helping send my mom, Jeanne Chaussee, off in a manner that she would have approved of 100 percent. It couldn’t have been better (unless she had actually been there). Thank you so much to the people, restaurants and groups that donated food, time, money, tequila, wine and moral support. I could not have pulled it off myself.

The planning committee was amazing, as was the Delegado of Ajijic, Hector España, who drove me around trying to find fireworks, dancing horses and a calandria. The decorations were breathtaking. Jeanne loved paper flowers, thank you for making them.

I’m planning on staying here at Lakeside – this is my home. I will continue to work at the Guadalajara Reporter office in Plaza Bugambilias, taking care of my advertisers and Jeanne’s clients. The Tarahumara Project will also continue on.  Next up is the Tarahumara Rain Dance at the end of July.

Again, thank you all for celebrating an amazing woman who won’t soon be forgotten.

Libby Townsend

Dear Sir,

Thank you – and your anonymous source – for the well-detailed story about the highway robbery by a contingent of Jalisco state police (although a police source in the story trashed the idea that they were real cops,I side with those who believe, from the details provided, that is who they were).

Dear Sir,

It has been brought to my attention that Moviestar plan to erect a 30-meter (100-foot) tower at Rio Nazas 15.  This is near the Carretera in Rancho del Oro next to Villa Nova.   This is a residential area that includes a school.   I fear for the safety of all surrounding homes.

Dear Sir,

I’m confused about the new Purgatorio dam. The recent Reporter article states that the new dam “would significantly reduce extractions from Lake Chapala,” but gives no explanation of how, why or by when.

Dear Sir,

On behalf of Manuel Renteria (injured in the hit-and-run accident on June 2) and the Cruz Roja International Volunteers we want to thank all of you for your much needed cash donations for Manuel’s pain medications and food. He has severe pain in his ribs, legs and back. He is on crutches and unable to work at this time.