Arriving under the tight security net cast over Ajijic from midday Tuesday, September 9, Jalisco Governor Jorge Aristóteles Sandoval Díaz appeared as guest of honor on the podium for the second annual Informe (government report) delivered by Chapala Mayor Joaquín Huerta Barrios.

National pride and high spirits will mark the series of lakeside area events programmed in conjunction with the September 16 celebration of Mexico’s Dia de Independencia, offering all sorts of things to do, see and cheer on with your friends and neighbors.

Shoppers showed up en masse at Ajijic’s weekly street market this Wednesday to try out the newly finished swath of interlocking stone pavers installed down the center of Calle Revolución.  Vendors and clients raved about the adoquín pathway that greatly enhances safe and comfortable passage for persons with physical disabilities, moms pushing baby strollers and all other pedestrians.

Work crews from the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) have been out in the field throughout August in an effort to correct the recurrent power failures that have plagued La Floresta residents during this year’s rainy season.

Recalibrating for the final haul of his three-year term of office, Chapala Mayor Joaquin Huerta has named two new officials to fill department chief vacancies and shuffled around several other top staffers to other positions.

For years, the brave men of the Chapala Fire Department were largely ignored by the local community, which has been blissfully unaware of the difficult conditions they  are forced to labor under.

Much is now changing, thanks  in large part to the efforts of local organizations and their networks that extend into the United States.