Aquarium Shark Tank Could be Open by Easter

by Maureen Dietrich

8 Jan 15 

mazmessenger.com

Fraught with construction and technical errors, the shark tank remains empty

In July, 2010 the construction of a shark tank at Mazatlán’s aquarium began. At that time, the Sinaloa government announced the tank would be open to the public at the end of that year or beginning of 2011. Fraught with construction and technical errors, the shark tank remains empty and has become a thorn in the side of both the Sinaloa and municipal governments.

Yesterday at a closed door meeting, Mazatlán Mayor Carlos Felton and Secretary of Public Works, José Luis Sevilla, agreed to move the project forward saying they see many positive aspects for the project and ways to solve current problems.

Including, they announced, a meeting with a technician today who investigated the installation and operation of the tank’s life support system to diagnose what is missing and how much it will cost to make the tank operational. With luck, said the Mayor, there will be sharks in the tank by Semana Santa (Easter).

And although the Secretary of Public Works stated there are no funds in the municipality´s budget for the project, the Mayor assured media Sinaloa Public Works has money earmarked for the aquarium and the Secretary of Tourism may have some remaining funds to contribute.

Municipal councilmen Humberto Becerra Batista, coordinator of the Comisión de Urbanismo, and Esperanza Kazuga Osaka, pointed out they were not included in the closed door meeting and called for transparency saying although they have insisted on being given information about the project they have not received any explanations.

What they have noticed, said Becerra Batista, is a project poorly executed which has not been explained to them. They want transparency and an accounting and called on the Sinaloa Auditor General´s office to follow up.

 (from Noroeste)

Mazatlán’s Venados Baseball Team Out of the Playoffs

by Maureen Dietrich

7 Jan 15 

mazmessenger.com

 

Mazatlán’s beloved AAA Pacific League Venados baseball team did not have a stellar year. They ended the regular season with a 31-36 record and squeaked into the playoffs only to lose their first four games and be eliminated.

President of the Venados de Mazatlán, Ismael Barros Cebreros, admitted to difficult and complicated regular and playoff seasons this year.

The truth is things did not go as we wished, he said, but every season is a chance to learn and next year they will improve in various aspects, particularly batting.

(Noroeste)

Mazatlán Fifth in National Popularity for Beach Vacation

by Maureen Dietrich

23 Dec 14  

mazmessenger.com

 

With respect to tourism, the numbers increased 5.15 percent over last year.

With the arrival of more than 1.6 million tourists and an annual median hotel occupancy rate of 54.l3 percent, Mazatlán will close out 2014 ranking fifth of the 19 “sun and beach” tourist destinations in México.

According to preliminary statistics issued by Datatur up to November 23, 2014, Mazatlán registered an increase of approximately 3.77 points in hotel room occupation compared to 2013. The port was one of 15 beach destinations showing a positive number this year.

With respect to tourism, the numbers increased 5.15 percent over last year.

The Top Five “sun and beach” destinations in Mexico this year were:

Cancún: 5.56 million tourists

Acapulco: 4.08 million tourists

Riviera Maya: 3.32 million tourists

Veracruz: 2.48 million tourists

Mazatlán: 1.64 million tourists

(from Noroeste)

Profepa to Bring Order to Local Beaches

mazmessenger.com

by Maureen Dietrich

22 Dec 14  

 

The initiative aims to stop irregular practices on national beaches such as unauthorized vendors and illegal sales of wild life.

In an effort to stop irregular practices on national beaches such as unauthorized vendors and illegal sales of wild life, and to guaranty free access to beaches, on Saturday the Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente (Profepa) initiated in Mazatlán its environmental program “Playa en Regla Invierno 2014.”

The goal of the operation, said Profepa representative Gemi José González López at the inauguration of the program on Gaviotas Beach, is to respect environmental laws and regulations by not cordoning off sections of beaches for private use.

Other principal problems the program plans to regulate is the illegal sale of wild life (such as iguanas, birds) and beach commerce that is operating without the permission of the Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat).

The rental and operation of vehicles including seadoos and 4X4 dune buggies, paragliding and horse riding and any activities obstructing free access to beaches not authorized by Semarnat will be scrutinized, said Profepa personnel.

The Playa en Regla Invierno 2014 operation went into operation simultaneously in five Sinaloa locations including Mazatlán on Saturday and will conclude on January 5, 2015. (from Noroeste)

Decretan área protegida a Isla Venados

noroeste.com

Liliana Zamora

04-12-2014

La playa de la isla es visitada para practicar deportes. Fotografía: Noroeste / Eduardo Reséndiz.

MAZATLÁN._ Desde ayer, Isla Venados de Mazatlán pasó a ser una zona protegida en el País.

Así se estipula en el Diario Oficial de la Federación en su publicación del 1 de diciembre, donde se acuerda que 11 mil metros cuadrados de esa zona federal marítimo terrestre, ubicada en Bahía Lechuguilla, localidad Isla Venados, sea destinada al servicio de la Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas, con el fin de que se utilice para protección, preservación, repoblación, propagación, aclimatación, refugio e investigación de flora y fauna silvestre, así como educación y difusión.

"Mediante Opinión Técnica No. SGPA/DGZFMTAC-DDPIF-946/12, fecha 27 de noviembre de 2012, emitida por la Dirección de Delimitación, Padrón e Instrumentos Fiscales, y la Opinión Técnica No. SGPA-DGZFMTAC-DMIAC-248/13, fecha 13 de marzo de 2013, emitida por la Dirección de Manejo Integral de Ambientes Costeros, se determinó que la solicitud realizada por la Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas, cumple técnica y ambientalmente con los requerimientos establecidos en la normatividad vigente", señala el acuerdo publicado en la página oficial del Gobierno federal.

La solicitud fue expedida el 25 de septiembre de 2012 por el Comisionado Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas, Luis Fueyo Mac Donald. Dos meses después, la Dirección de Ecología y Medio Ambiente de Mazatlán emitió una constancia que acreditaba la compatibilidad de uso de suelo para la solicitud de destino que había realizado la Conanp.

"En virtud de que la Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas, conforme al artículo 22 del Reglamento para el Uso y Aprovechamiento del Mar Territorial, Vías Navegables, Playas, Zona Federal Marítimo Terrestre y Terrenos

Ganados al Mar y con base en las disposiciones de la Ley General de Bienes Nacionales, ha integrado debidamente su solicitud de destino, y siendo propósito del Ejecutivo federal dar el óptimo aprovechamiento al patrimonio inmobiliario federal, tiene a bien expedir el siguiente: Se destina al servicio de la Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas, la superficie de 11,000.01 m² de zona federal marítimo terrestre, ubicada en Bahía Lechuguilla, localidad Isla Venados, Mazatlán, Sinaloa".

Pacífico Marathon, Festival de la Luz this Weekend

by Maureen Dietrich

26 Nov 14 

mazmessenger.com

 

The 16^th edition of the Gran Maratón Pacífico Mazatlán begins this Saturday at 6:30am at the Start/Finish line located this year on Av. Leonismo Internacional. Sunday races begin at 6:15am.

As of yesterday, 9,000 athletes had registered to take part in the various marathon categories and 20 bandas have been contracted to play along the 42.195 kilometer route, 17 spaced out every two kilometers apart and three at the Start/Finish line.

On the evening of Saturday, November 29, the 8^th annual Festival de la Luz fireworks display lasting over a half hour will take place beginning 8pm on the Malecón between Hotel Don Pelayo and Playa Norte. José Ramón Manguart Sánchez of the Asociación de Hoteles y Moteles 3 Islas said they expect over 50,000 people to attend the fireworks extravaganza.

Also on the official programme for Saturday night are:

5pm: liberation of turtles on the beach behind the Lobos Marinos (seals) statute

6pm: waiters´ race where contestants carry a tray of drinks on a set route

6:30pm: costume race

7pm: 5 kilometer Elite men´s and women´s race beginning at Hotel Olas Altas Inn on the Malecón

8pm: Festival de la Luz along the Malecón

(from Noroeste)

Artwalk Celebrates 10 Years!

by Maureen Dietrich

20 Nov 14 

mazmessenger.com

 

Tourists and locals peruse the Artwalk display at Casa Etnika in Centro Historico.

‘Open Studio,’ ‘Camino del Arte,’ ‘First Fridays,’ and now simply ‘Artwalk’ all refer to the free self-guided tour of artist studios and galleries in Mazatlán’s Centro Histórico which has evolved over the past 10 years becoming one of the favorite cultural events of ‘the Season.’

Initiated as a once a year event based on my experiences in the San Francisco Bay Area, specifically San Jose and Oakland, the first Open Studio tour in Mazatlán had 12 locations and 22 artists. Although it was attended by just a handful of expats and even fewer locals, we were encouraged to continue for two more years as the number of participants and visitors gradually increased. Over time, however, we realized that Mazatlán’s tourism could support this event once a month versus once a year which led us to inaugurate First Friday Artwalk (Camino del Arte in Spanish), November through May.

In her studio, artist Glen Rogers explains her technique to interested art lovers.

Artwalk is a visual feast, a roving street party from studio to gallery within a 10 block area of Mazatlán’s Old Town with its colorful ‘tropical neo-classical’ architecture. During the tour, visitors have a rare opportunity to see inside these historic buildings while visiting artists in their homes, studios, shops and galleries. Paintings, prints, sculpture, photography, stained glass, fine art jewelry and mixed media works in every style imaginable await behind each door. This is an opportunity to talk with the artists about their work, learn about their technique and inspiration, purchase an original to take home, or just enjoy the moment. At most locations, refreshments are offered and sometimes music or special events.

Friends make a night of it, choosing which locations to visit and strolling the streets with map in hand, perhaps visiting 5 or 6 locations then having dinner and drinks at one of the local restaurants. From an artist’s perspective, the exposure is priceless – I’ve had some of my best commissions and sales through the contacts that I’ve made. And I always enjoy meeting folks and sharing my art and my passion about prints and printmaking.

The arts are notorious for bringing a city to life and Mazatlán has undergone just such a revival over the twelve years that I have lived here. Artwalk, with its focus on the visual arts, has contributed to an exciting lineup of cultural activity. With support from Cultura and local businesses, coverage by the New York Times, Alaska Airlines’ Nextstop.tv, a Value Award by Westjet’s Up! Magazine, mentions in travel blogs and cruiser magazines, Artwalk continues to attract good artists, galleries, and art lovers to the area.

This year’s tour features 23 locations (marked by colorful banners and balloons) and represents 48 artists including Mexicans, U.S. Citizens and Canadians. The dates are: November 7, December 5, January 2, February 6, March 6, April 10 (2^nd Friday due to Semana Santa), and May 1.

To celebrate our 10^th year anniversary, Artwalk will be hosting an exhibition and party at Casa Haas on Tuesday March 3, 2015 and will feature artwork by over 100 artists who have participated over the last 10 years!

Visit the website: www.artwalkmazatlan.com

First Time to Meet Carnaval 2015 Queen Contestants

by Maureen Dietrich

5 Nov 14 

mazmessenger.com

 

Contestants for the three Carnaval 2015 Queens will be officially presented at a celebration to be held Friday, November 7 at 7pm at the Casa del Marino. The open air celebration is free to the public but space is limited.

During the presentation the public will hear what the 2015 Carnaval theme will be and be treated to music and dance performances and a fireworks display.

 (from Cultural press release)

Ruedas Fest 2014 Begins Friday in Mazatlán

by Maureen Dietrich

29 Oct 14 

mazmessenger.com

With the object of promoting sports in Mazatlán, the 2014 Ruedas Fest (Wheels Party) will open in the vacant lot beside Sam’s Club on Friday, October 31 and run until November 1.

The event will feature activities such as skateboarding, mountain and street cycling, classic cars, muscle cars, 4×4 cars and motorcycle displays as well as evening musical performances.

Entrance is 30 pesos for adults. Entrance is free for children under five years of age.

The event will culminate on Saturday, November 1 with a street parade along the Malecón beginning at 4pm and ending at 6pm.

 (from Noroeste)

Top Family Travel Tips from the Experts

travelandleisure.com

By Clara Sedlak

I'm just back from a trip to Italy and like every long adventure with toddlers, it was a schizophrenic mix of life-could-never-be-better moments and how-am-I-going-to-get-through-this hell. There was Sebastian's meltdown at Heathrow because I wouldn't buy him the really big Paddington bear (thank god for the Terminal 5 play area); the relentless "I want milk" requests while driving through the milkless rolling hills of Tuscany; and the constant sticky faces and stained shirts from twice-daily gelato injections (Italian napkins just don't do the job). In anticipation of my next family excursion, I reached out to the pros for some tips on how to make the journey smoother. Here, my favorites:

To reduce the inherent chaos of family travel, eliminate spontaneity from the equation. Translation? Prepare for hunger, headaches and boredom by stocking an easy-to-access bag with necessary gear. My must haves include kids’ Advil, band-aids, activities like Word Search or coloring books, non-perishable snacks and a forbidden food (chocolate, lollipop) to stave off potential tantrums. —Amy Tara Koch, Style expert, TV personality, Journalist

I've found that giving my boys, ages 5 & 8, some ownership in the trip planning helps to make family vacations more fun for everyone. Kids love to be given responsibility, and the process can spark great conversations about budgeting and compromising. Let them select from a list of hotels or destinations, and pull out a map to determine the route! —Amy Norman, co-Founder and co-CEO of Little Passports

Encourage your kids to keep a travel diary: for each day of your trip, have your kids write about or draw a picture of their favorite activity in a spiral notebook. Bring some scissors, glue and tape and add fun mementos from along the way, i.e. ticket stubs, postcards, maps, brochures. This is a great way to keep kids busy during long car trips, and in restaurants waiting for dinner to be served, and will make a great inexpensive and personalized souvenir. —Amy Bizzarri, Family Travel Writer

If you’re flying with babies and/or toddlers, make sure to block your airline seats in advance. Car and booster seats always have to be next to the window as passengers are not allowed to climb over a car seat to exit a row for safety reasons. The correct seating is child next to window, child in the middle, and the parent on the aisle. Also, you can’t have two infants in your laps. This all seems logical, but few travelers know these rules. —Kara Slater, SmartFlyer

We love self-storing and battery free activities, like Flip-to-Win games and ON the GO books. Our “Traveling with Kids” board on Pinterest is also packed with hundreds of fun and practical tips. —Karen Myers, Social Media Director, Melissa & Doug, LLC

After you return, keep the memories alive—and the fun going—by creating a photo album together to memorialize the trip. Have your kids help you pick the photos, write the text, and assemble the layout using an online service such as Blurb.com. —Amy Farley, News Editor, Travel + Leisure

Sports Tourism a Bonanza for Mazatlán

by Maureen Dietrich

28 Oct 14

mazmessenger.com

 

At least 30 teams were turned away from participating in Copa Mazatlán 2014 due to the lack of playing fields.

This week Mazatlán will receive approximately 12,000 sports tourists for the Copa Mazatlán Dportenis 2014 soccer tournament. The tournament, programmed for October 29 through November 2, is expected to boost the municipality´s overall income by 60 million pesos.

A total of 265 teams of children, teenagers and adults from 25 States in the Republic will take part in the event considered to be the largest soccer tournament in Mexico.

Ernesto Noris Mendoza, Mazatlán Sport representative who is organizing the tournament, said Mazatlán is looking for ways to open the doors and increase sports tourism after many years of (stagnation).

However, he commented, at least 30 teams were turned away from participating in Copa Mazatlán 2014 due to the lack of playing fields. The municipality needs more sports installations and more of superior quality, he said.

Media also reported today that the city is expecting an influx of over 2,000 students who will be attending the Grupo Loc Congress.

Julio Birrueta, director of marketing for a tourism organization, said hotels in the Zona Dorada are reporting up to 70 percent room occupation rates during what is traditionally a slow time for tourism. (from Noroeste)

Domestic Visitors to Mazatlán Give City High Marks

by Murry Page

24 Sep 14 

mazmessenger.com

 

The city’s survey of its domestic visitors during the summer season was released by the president of the Association of Hotels Three Islands, José Ramón Manguart.  The Satisfaction Survey revealed that they city got a score of 8.7 out of 10 compared to the 8.3 it got from the tourists last year.

Ramón Manguart said the average stay of Mazatlán’s visitors was 5.1 days with an expenditure of 503.70 pesos a day and 420 pesos a day for those staying under “all inclusive plans.”

Ramón Manguart said the beaches were the most favored thing on the survey with 78 percent approval rating. Other favorites were the Malecón (43 percent), the city’s food (32 percent) and the Aquarium (21 percent). However, the association president said that the city’s infrastructure rated the highest in things that need to be improved.

(from El Sol de Mazatlán)