The heat is on for Lakeside’s 42nd annual Mexican National Chili Cookoff, set to run Friday, February 7, through Sunday, February 9, at Tobolandia Water Park, located on the Chapala-Ajijic highway just west of the Libramiento intersection.

Three pint-size scholars stole the show, outshining Mayor Moisés Anaya at the ceremony commemorating Mexico’s Constitution Day, held Wednesday, February 5 in front of Chapala City Hall.

Shopkeepers in the heart of Ajijic were blindsided late last week when they discovered that a new construction project will put an Oxxo outlet practically at their doorsteps.

A local resident recently started up an online petition to increase the number of Ajijic parking spaces designated for the handicapped, with more than 800 signatures reportedly collected to date.

In an effort to mine a hidden treasure, the heads Chapala’s ecology, tourism and culture departments have convened representatives of local tourist boat operators, fishermen, restaurateurs and merchants to launch a joint rescue mission for the Isla de los Alacranes (Scorpion Island).

For most foreigners, coming to visit or settle in the Lake Chapala area is a positive experience. But troubles can arise.