Wanted - San Miguel de Allende Announcements & News San Miguel de Allende Mexico
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"Congratulations on a great
idea for a new website serving San Miguel! ... I think you will do very well
here, serving a large need no one else has addressed."
Carol Schmidt --
www.fallinginlovewithsanmiguel.com |
San Miguel de Allende -- Today is Thursday, March 11, 2010 06:52 at our loyal server in the USAI thought I would write a follow-up to my column, “Move Over San Miguel
de Allende Here I Come”, since this is the only thing, writing, that prevents
from committing murderous acts of rage (Just Joking!) As you recall from the
previous column, I wrote how I tried to deposit a royalty check from my publisher
and was told the check would clear on four different dates. We were shown, last
week, on their computer screen that the funds would be available on the 18th
of December.
Well, today is the 18th. We marched down to the bank and, of course, in the
truest sense of TMO (Typical Mexican Operation) the funds were not available.
We went into the bank so I could seize a bank officer and choke him (just kidding!).
No, we talked to this guy who thought it cute to mumble at us. He actually told
us something entirely new.
He said that “the 18th” did not really mean “the 18th” but
it meant sometime after 6 p.m. on the 18th but before mid-night on the 18th and…and…maybe
even the 19th.
CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?
This my dear readers is what we anal-retentive Americans (and “strung-tighter-than-piano
wire Germans”) have to deal with when we become expatriates living in Mexico.
It would seem, and I could be wrong, that Mexican banks just make up stuff as
they go along. There are no policy manuals, procedural steps, no rules, just
the “fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants” way of doing things.
“Qué Será, Será: What ever will be, will be. The
future’s not ours to see. Qué Será, Será.”
This is exactly how things are done in central México. I have to tell
you though, those from other regions of the country are as dumbfounded as I am.
They tell me that this region of Mexico is “stuck in time and history.” They
are provincial to the point of having been throw into a time loop and cannot
escape the temporal hole they’ve been in since the middle ages. Time forgot
central Mexico and no one seems to really care to crawl out of this dimensional
morass in which they are quagmired.
What are we going to do?
I do not know. But, we are looking to other areas of Mexico that may not be
like living in a Latino Twilight Zone.
My fellow American expat said this:
“That what Mexico needs is a Business Manager. These people need a Business
Manager in everything that has to do with anything to show them how things work.
This is because in all aspects of life, at least in Guanajuato, no one who does
anything that has to do with something knows just how it is suppose to work.”
She has no idea what truth she spoke!
by Douglas Bower
Article Source: EzineArticles.com | Another interesting perspective from Mexonline
Located 60 kilometers north of Queretaro, the colonial gem of San Miguel de Allende, population 80,000, is situated on a hillside facing the Laja River and the distant Guanajuato Mountains. Declared a national monument in 1926, San Miguel is a picturesque city of arched colonial mansions, flower-filled patios, and winding, terraced cobblestone streets. It is particularly beautiful in March, when flowering jacaranda trees are in bloom. Roof top views and gardens of this colonial city It is Mexico's most celebrated artists' community, and has been luring artistically-inclined Mexicans and foreigners (about 3,500 Americans and Canadians) for decades.
Instituto Allende, founded in 1951, is an intellectual center and arts academy of renown. There are also many other institutes focusing on arts, literature, and language. Despite this Anglo invasion, San Miguel is very Mexican village. The city boasts a thriving cultural and entertainment scene. Many events (plays, lectures, art classes) are in English.
The renowned San Miguel Music Festival (featuring Mexican and international artists) happens each December. A city with six patron saints and dozens of churches, San Miguel hosts a full calendar of religious festivals throughout the year. The town's biggest bash is San Miguel Arcángel, a celebration honoring the town's chief patron saint. The event includes a running of bulls through city streets, traditional dancers, and lots of merriment. It is held each September 29th.
El Jardin, the city's main plaza (zocalo) is a great starting spot. You can't miss the city's landmark, La Parroquia, the pink, gothic church on the main plaza. La Parroquia on the main plaza is as recognizable an icon for San Miguel as the Eiffel Tower is for Paris. It is one of a few features that distinguish San Miguel from the state's other colonial city attraction, Guanajuato.
For shopping, the city boasts some of Mexico's best craft shops and fine art boutiques. Variety of merchandise is exceptional, as is the workmanship. Its dining scene is top notch. Nouvelle Mexican cuisine, plus a diverse assortment of international dining options have given San Miguel a reputation for having the best "small town" dining in Mexico.
Most of San Miguel's sightseeing highlights are clustered around the compact downtown area. This is a wonderful city for aimless wandering along its narrow cobbled lanes. One of the best city views is from the town's Mirador, located on a hill to the southeast of the city center. At the foot of the hill is El Chorro, which spouts a natural spring where the city's women come to do laundry. Further along is Parque Juárez, a shady green belt with ponds, fountains, and benches. If you are looking for an authentic Mexican town with international flair, centuries old history, and a relaxing almost peaceful feeling, San Miguel de Allende is the vacation (or retirement spot) for you. |
Major Regulatory Agencies for the State of Guanajuato with names of Officials
where indicated |
| Descripción |
| Presidencia
Municipal de San Miguel de Allende
José Jesús Correa Ramírez |
Contraloria
Municipal
José Antonio López Ortíz
|
Desarrollo
Integral de la Familia ( DIF ) Municipal
Gabriela Bribiesca Rocha
|
Dirección
de Desarrollo Social y Humano
José Luis Téllez Santana
|
Subdirección
de Desarrollo Rural y Agropecuario
Juan Rodríguez Vázquez
|
Subdirección
de Desarrollo Social y Humano
Mario Carballo Carlva
|
Dirección
de Desarrollo Urbano y Ordenamiento Territorial
Angel Gastelum Cadena
|
Coordinación
de Administración Urbana y Regulación de Usos de Suelo
Francisco Javier Villegas Sánchez
|
Ventanilla
de Licencias y Permisos de Construcción
Alberto Cervantes Matehuala
|
Coordinación
de Conservación del Patrimonio Histórico y Cultural
desconocido o ya no ocupado
|
Auxiliar
Centro Histórico
Julio César Grimaldi Zuñiga
|
Coordinación
de Planeación Estratégica y Ordenamiento Territorial
Jesús Téllez Molina
|
Coordinación
Técnica
Zeferino Gutiérrez Grimaldi
|
Estudios
y Proyectos de Equipamiento Imagen e Infraestructura
Jesús Tellez Molina
|
Coordinación
de Regulación de Asentamientos Humanos Irregulares, Ejidales Predios Agricolas
y Ganade
Javier Rángel Arellano
|
Auxiliar
de Asentamientos Humanos
Juan Manuel Ramírez Regoytia
|
Subdirección
de Desarrollo Urbano
Francisco Javier Villegas Sánchez
|
Dirección
de Educación y Cultura
Verónica Agundis Estrada
|
Casa de la
Cultura
Myrna Verónica Salinas Guerrero
|
Departamento
de Educación
Jesús Ledesma Hernández
|
Dirección
de Medio Ambiente y Ecología
Donald Wayne Patterson
|
Coordinación
de Gestión Ambiental
Erick Morales Montes
|
Administrator
de Panteones
desconocido o ya no ocupado
|
Encargado
de Parques y Panteones
desconocido o ya no ocupado
|
Coordinación
de la Prevención y Control de la Contaminación
Ana Karina Yael Villa Ayala
|
Coordinación
de Normativa Ambiental
Blas Huerta Carrillo
|
Encargado
de Promoción Ambiental
desconocido o ya no ocupado
|
Encargado
de la Estación de Transferencia
desconocido o ya no ocupado
|
Dirección
de Obras Públicas Municipales
Jorge Zavala Ramírez
|
Coordinación
de Maquinaria Pesada
Jorge Montes González
|
Coordinador
Administrativo A
José Martín Rico
|
Subdirección
de Obras Públicas Municipales
Francisco Peralta Elizondo
|
Coodinación
de Construcción y Supervición
desconocido o ya no ocupado
|
Jefe de Brigada
Topografíca
desconocido o ya no ocupado
|
Jefe de Precios
Unitarios
desconocido o ya no ocupado
|
Coordinación
Administrativa
desconocido o ya no ocupado
|
Jefe de Expedientes
Técnicos
desconocido o ya no ocupado
|
Jefe de Solventación
de Observaciones
desconocido o ya no ocupado
|
Coordinación
de Maquinaría Pesada
desconocido o ya no ocupado
|
Subdirección
Operativa
Jorge Flores
|
Dirección
de Seguridad Pública Municipal
Daniel Adrián Trujillo García
|
Subdirección
Academica
Hugo Fabián Barrón Martínez
|
Subdirección
Administrativa
Juan Carlos Godínez Arzola
|
Subdirección
Operativa
José Luís Olguín Gómez
|
Dirección
de Servicios Públicos Municipales
Luis Francisco López Chávez
|
Administración
del Restro Municipal
Eduardo Manuel Villegas Juárez
|
Alumbrado
Público
Luís Felipe Luna Morales
|
Departamento
de Limpia
José Gilberto M. González Valero
|
Mercados
y Comercio
Ángel Martín Saavedra
|
Subdirección
de Servicios Públicos Municipales
desconocido o ya no ocupado
|
Administración
del Rastro Municipal
desconocido o ya no ocupado
|
Alumbrado
Público
Emisael Espinosa
|
Jefatura
de Limpia
desconocido o ya no ocupado
|
Mercados
y Comercio
desconocido o ya no ocupado
|
Dirección
de Transito y Transporte Municipal
José Samuel Daniel Mercadillo Escobedo
|
Comandante
Administrativo
Roberto Prado Baeza
|
Comandante
Operativo
José Luís García Osornio
|
Jefe de Transporte
Municipal
Jorge Salas Luna
|
Juridico
de Transito y Transporte
Juan Víctor Manuel González Bautista
|
Dirección
de Turismo, Fomento Económico y Relaciones Internacionales
Francisco Peyret García
|
Atención
a Inversionistas y Mejora Regulatoria
Oscar Baltazar Arteaga Gil
|
Coordinación
de Promoción de Inversiones y Gobierno Integral
Julián Roberto Villela Ríos
|
Coordinación
de Relaciones Internacionales
Fabiola García Lasierna
|
Enlace de
Empleo y Capacitación
Ma. Auxilio Ángeles Olalde
|
Enlace Institucional
y Promoción Productiva
Tanía Noriz Martínez
|
Instituto
Municipal de la Mujer
Araceli Martínez Sánchez
|
Oficialia
Mayor Administrativa
José Alfredo Orduña Rodríguez
|
Departamento
de Informática
Leopoldo Barcenas Hernández
|
Pensión Municipal
Jorge Armando Ramírez Capitán
|
Recursos
Humanos
Cirila Margaíz Ramírez
|
Recursos
Materiales
Laura Valadez Sánchez
|
Protección
Civil
José Alan Álvarez Flores
|
Coordinación
Municipal de Desastres
Ramiro Arroyo Guerrero
|
Secretaría
del H. Ayuntamiento
Christopher Thomas Finkelstein Franyuti
|
Departamento
de Fiscalización y Control Municipal
Rafael Torres Sánchez
|
Departamento
de Jurídico
José Ramón Correa González
|
Secretaría
Particular
Tomas Federico Ramírez
|
Sistema de
Agua Potable y Alcantarillado de San Miguel de Allende
Alfonso Sautto
|
Tesorería
Municipal
José Eduardo Adrián Soria Cruz
|
Departamento
de Catastro
Gustavo Arellano Arroyo
|
Departamento
de Egresos
Mónica Barajas
|
Departamento
de Ingresos
Jorge López Páez
|
Departamento
de Predial
Saúl Bautista Espinosa
|
Programas
Especiales
José Luis Pérez Arredondo
|
| Another perspective on the state of Guanajuato from Guide2Mexico.
Guanajuato, set up in the mountains, is a twisted mess of narrow little alleys, streets and tunnels that seem designed to confuse and disorient you. But in reality it is just a product of the mountainous topography that sandwiches it along the old river bed. That is part of its charm though. At every turn you find yourself distracted by its picturesque beauty, and a constant temptation to snap a photograph. Founded in the mid 1500s, it was built along the meandering path of the Río Guanajuato. The town was plagued by floods that claimed many lives, but eventually the river was diverted. The old riverbed is now a twisting underground street that is sure to leave you without a clue about where you are on your first time through it.
If you have ever seen any drawings or paintings of Guanajuato, chances are good you have seen bits and pieces of this subterranean part of the city. During the colonial era the city was fabulously wealthy from mining. World famous mines such as La Valenciana, Mineral de Cata and Mineral de Rayas earned their wealthy owners titles of nobility. From the 16th through the 18th centuries, Guanajuato was one of Mexico's most important colonial cities, along with Queretaro, Zacatecas, San Miguel and San Luis Potosi. These cities accounted for 1/3 of the world's silver production, and with the immense wealth came elaborate architecture including many churches and mansions. In 1989 the city was declared a "World Heritage Zone".
The city remains the state's capitol, although not its largest city. Today, Guanajuato is alive with music that can regularly be heard eminating from its plazas. In the evening, groups of young people called estudiantinas stroll through town playng stringed instruments. During the Cervantinos, music seems to be coming from every corner of city. As home to a major university the city enjoys a large student population, so there is no shortage of nightlife. The bulletin boards at the university are a good place to look for news about art exibits, concerts, plays and lectures.
With a climate at an altitude of 6000 feet, Guanajuato enjoys pleasant temperatures year round. Winter evenings are cool, so a light jacket and a sweater are a good idea, but the day should bring temperatures in the 60s to 70s. The rainy season in from June to September, but that generally consist of afternoon showers and occasionally one in the evening. Otherwise expect daytime summer temperatures in the 70s.
Anytime of year is fine for visiting Guanajuato. Because of its year round popularity it is a good idea to call ahead for accommodations, but if you arrive early you can usually find somewhere to sleep. The one time of year that gets absolutely crazy is in October when the city celebrates the Festival Internacional Cervantino. During the festival, artists from all over the world come to perform their music, drama and dance. The festival is wonderful, but unless you are going to see the performances it is the most inconvenient time to visit the city. In recent years hordes of young people have turned it into a drunken street party. If that's your thing, then great. Otherwise hotels are jammed; you can't get a table at a restaurant or bar and it is even difficult to walk in some areas. | November 21, 2006
Greetings:
Your VIP Club welcomes ROMANOS RESTAURANT BAR into the club.
Romanos, Hernandez Macias #93, 152-7454. Romanos has become a San Miguel landmark
restaurant. Now under new ownership, Dave and Patrice Brucia offer the same hearty
menu with good-sized portions as beforehand while adding some new entries. Romanos
is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. VIP Club members may take 10% off
their bill. Romanos does not take credit cards.
VIP Club member Beatriz provides Tango lessons at her studio,
located at Zacateros 21. She offers members a 10% discount when paying for a
month's worth of lessons.
VIP Club member Ross MacDonald wants members to know that
beginning November 24 the San Miguel Fitness Center and MacDonalds Casa de La
Salud are having their first annual membership drive with many discounts and
price reductions for the gym, vitamins, chocolates etc. Ross also will soon have
a new website under San Miguel Fitness that will provide discount coupons, a
medical referral service and other valuable and diverse services to sanmiguelenses.
Do know that the San Miguel Fitness Centers offers 20% off to VIP Club members.
VIP Club participating boutique and fashion center, "Goldies" has
moved off Canal and is now located at Zacateros #19, in the old Clan Destino
location. Hours are daily: 10:00-am-6pm, 154-7521.
Maru Riba, owner of VIP Club participating restaurant
La Princesa, on Recreo, would like members to know La Pricesa has a new chef,
Angel Flores, who comes with sterling credentials earned at Camino Real Hotel
in Mexico City and while in Cancun. La Princesa
now offers a new and diverse menu with many various specialties.
Silvia, of L'invito fame, has opened another local pizzeria
with wood burning oven located on the corner of Calzada de la Luz and Calzada
de la Aurora. Her other location is Ancha de San Antonio,
32B. Both are open everyday providing home delivery. Call 154-6228 or
154-1000.
Members do know, if you are in business or an artist,
who might be having an event or even a garage sale, Your Club will be more than
glad to post your event in our newsflashes. Yet do know, if your event is time
sensitive, we can not guarantee we can send your notice out right away because
we only send out newsflashes that are germane to new club business, so get your
notice to us early. Do know that the VIP Club website is being viewed more and
more by our robust membership <www.vipsanmiguel.com>.
Your Club's site's advertising rates are very reasonable.
Brrrrrr . . . everybody is talking about the weather.
All will use more propane. Remember Your Club's discount from Noel Gas. So far
the reports are good with many members saving big time on their propane bill.
One member, who has three properties, says they paid or their VIP membership
just with the savings. Also, with the weather getting colder, the poor out in
the campo lack warm clothing. Both Biblioteca Publica and our local post of the
American Legion have drives to collect coats and sweaters to give to the less
fortunate. Why not look in your closet and permit your older garb to warm the
needy.
Your Club wants to wish our American membership a Happy Thanksgiving.
It goes without saying how much we all have to be thankful for here in San Miguel.
A belated Happy Thanksgiving to our Canadian members.
Thank you for the good turn out and VIP Club members
who attended my reading at the Authors Sala on November 10, and special thanks
to Susan Page and the steering committee who were thoughtful enough to invite
me to read excerpts from my work, it warmed my heart.
Please include, member Arden O'Rourke, in your
prayers and good thoughts. Arden, a fine lady, was involved in a horrific auto
crash with an 18 wheeler up at the border. Presently she is in a coma in San
Antonio, Texas, and she's in trouble. A silver lining might be that, as of today,
it has been reported she has moved her arms and legs and periodically
has opened her eyes before slipping back in unconsciousness. Get back with us,
Arden!
Members and friends, please don't sleep with open flame
heaters operating in bedrooms or you just might not wake up!!!
RIP: Elfie Guillen.
Thank you for your continuous and loyal support.
Your San Miguel VIP Club
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