In this monthly series, we republish a few of the headlines from our December editions 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 years ago.
1964
‘Hot blast’ lands physicists in jail
The Mexican vacation of two physicists from the Atomic Energy Commission laboratories at UCLA was cut short by what was described in a local newspaper as an “atomic explosion” in their motel room. To alleviate the chill in their room at the Campo Bello Motel on Avenida López Mateos, the two men threw gasoline on the fire. The room exploded, the roof caved in, and by 3 a.m. the next morning, the physicists found themselves in jail. With the help of Vice Consul Paul Meo and by paying damages of 8,000 pesos, they were released that same afternoon—a bit poorer and wiser about physics.
1974
Auditorium begun at Lake Chapala
Governor Alberto Orozco Romero laid the cornerstone for the long-awaited Lake Chapala Cultural Center’s municipal auditorium in Ajijic, marking the first phase of a civic cultural center designed to serve the entire north shore of Lake Chapala. More than 100 residents and visitors attended the ceremony and reception, applauding as Governor Orozco placed the first stone for the Mexican Colonial Hall, which is planned to seat an audience of 500 upon completion.
1984
Vultures roost inParque de las Estrellas
Though largely exterminated from most parts of Jalisco, nature’s great cleaner-upper, the much-maligned zopilote (vulture), still thrives in the hundreds in the little-known Parque de las Estrellas near the Abastos wholesale market. Vultures in Jalisco are being decimated by rodent control programs that use poisons consumed by the birds when they eat contaminated pests. In the park, food sources are limited—Abastos primarily trades in fruits, vegetables, and grains—but an ample supply of rats sustains the vultures. The birds rarely descend from their refuge atop the park’s tall eucalyptus trees and pose no threat to their human neighbors, who sometimes take potshots at them. In rural areas, zopilotes are highly valued for their ability to keep large areas clean with their sharp vision, keen sense of smell, and long-range flight patterns.
1994
Kid glove plan for drunk drivers in GDL
A temporary Christmas policy by the Jalisco Transportation Department represents a radical departure from its usual procedures for handling inebriated drivers. Through December 31, no charges will be pressed against individuals stopped for driving while intoxicated (DWI) as long as no accidents have occurred. Officers will either contact a family member to retrieve the person and their vehicle or escort the individual home.
2004
Tourist shun snowy mountain Nevado
Fewer tourists are visiting the snow-covered peak of the Nevado de Colima this December, according to Civil Protection officials. While long lines of cars clogged the trail up the mountain during a cold spell in January, December’s numbers are significantly lower. Daytrippers making the 45-minute drive to the 4,200-meter summit have found ample snow. Around the clock, 20 Civil Protection agents supervise visitors, advising them to wear warm clothing and use manual-shift vehicles for the journey.
2014
Judges seek to avoid ‘trust’ tests
A frequently asked question in Mexico is: “Why, if the police forces are being ruthlessly purged of rogue elements, are the nation’s judges not subjected to the same scrutiny?” The answer: the judges themselves have blocked the process. Jalisco’s judges have even appealed to Mexico’s Supreme Court to prevent them from undergoing federally mandated “confidence” or “trustworthiness” tests. According to Jalisco Supreme Court President Luis Carlos Vega Pámanes, the move aligns with the principle of separation of powers. Judges, he argued, believe it inappropriate for the executive branch to administer the exams, as it could be seen as interference in the judicial branch. While Vega Pámanes did not rule out the possibility of judges taking such tests in the future, he emphasized that the process would need to be regulated internally. He also noted that Jalisco’s judges are subject to congressional evaluations every seven years.