Tenacatita one-day 'picnic' goes off without incident

TENACATITA, Jalisco, Mexico - A one-day picnic on the Tenacatita Beach Monday went off without any serious hitches, according to Rebalsito resident Dobie, writing on the La Manzanilla message board.

"It was a great day. Wonderful to watch boatloads of people go by, waving their Mexican flags," she wrote.

Here is a link to the full message: Tenacatita Beach picnic report

The picnic was put together to draw attention to the seizure of the Tenacatita Beach August 4 by armed forces under the direction of Jose Villalobos,  a Guadalajara developer who claims he owns about 42 hectares of land on Tenacatita Bay and on the oceanfront side, too.

Nearly 800 residents were evicted that day and lands owned by Mexicans and non-Mexicans were seized and have been under armed guard since. The beach restaurants were razed and homes destroyed.

A number of lawsuits have been filed against Villalobos in federal courts from people trying to regain their land. Much of the property is federally titled, though Villalobos claims the titles are invalid.

A number of beachfront homes and a small RV park owned by non-Mexicans have been destroyed also, according to reports.

Monday's 'picnic' was the first time that the guards let a large group of people through since August 4. Previous attempts at gaining access to the beach have been met with force by the guards.

For this organized picnic, participants came via boats from La Manzanilla and via the formerly public road, which now has a gate across it.

According to Dobie's report, people coming through via road had to leave their identifications with the guards at the gate. People who arrived via boat were not asked for anything, she said.

Though Monday's event went off without any problems, it remains unclear if public access to the Tenacatita beach has been restored, or if this was a one-time reaction by Villalobos and his security forces designed to avoid a public confrontation. Since seizing the beach in August, Villalobos has told public officials that the beach is open to the public and that the guards are there only to maintain order.

The photo below, from Informador.com.mx, shows what people who arrived by car had to face.

Beach access, but first...

Tenacatita Day of Camping Monday will be a boat-in event

TENACATITA, Jalisco, Mexico - The La Manzanilla message board reported today that the 'day of camping' picnic on Tenacatita Beach, Monday, Dec. 27, will begin with a panga ride across Tenacatita Bay from La Manzanilla to the disputed beach area of Tenacatita.

 A post, by Dobie of Rebalsito, (who has been helping organize the people evicted by Jose Villalobos August 4), says that people should gather by a 10 a.m. Monday at Restaurant Cato on the La Manzanilla beach. From there, boats will traverse the bay, with a landing on the beach at Tenacatita. About 150 people are expected to be taken there by water.

Here is a link to her full message: Beach landing for Tenacatita Event

Fence and gate blocking access to Tenacatita

The news that the 'picnic' is taking place comes after several days of individuals reportedly saying in La Manzanilla that Tenacatita Beach was open to the public - or about to be opened with full public access.

As of late Thursday, the gates - and guards - were still in place, barring the public from the formerly popular resort area.

The entire area was seized by armed forces under the direction of Guadalajara developer Jose Villalobos who claims ownership of the area - despite the federal titles issued for the land, held by many Mexican and non-Mexican citizens.

Jose Villalobos

In his August 4 takeover, nearly 800 people were evicted from their homes and businesses at gunpoint. Several persons were arrested and numerous persons injured in the assault.

Since then, numerous protests have taken place, Jalisco government officials have expressed outrage over the takeover, and lawsuits have been filed against Rodenas claiming - among other things - that his gunpoint takeover of the bay and oceanfront land was unconstitutional.

Villalobos reportedly has plans to build a luxury hotel in the area - and possibly a golf course.

Planning underway for Tenacatita 'day of camping' Monday, Dec. 27

REBALSITO, Jalisco, Mexico - The organizers of the 'day of camping' on the Tenacatita Beach are getting together this week to work on the details of how the event will unfold Monday, Dec. 27.

The preliminary plans are for people to gather in Rebalsito and make their way to the beach via a back entrance, which will require crossing some waterways.

Once on the easterly section of the beach - which is not in dispute - the plan is to have people walk west along the shore until they reach the area of Tenacatita Beach formerly occupied by restaurants, hotels, and various businesses.

Should the road suddenly be opened by Dec. 27, the group will march down the state highway to the beach.

Here is a link to Cyberpueblo, which has been following this issue: Cyberpueblo Invitation to Day of Camping

Guadalajara Developer Jose Villalobos

The event is in part to draw attention to the ongoing occupation - and destruction - of Tenacatita Beach by armed forces under the direction of Jose Villalobos.

Villalobos seized the bayside of Tenacatita Beach and much of the oceanfront area the morning August 4. Police and security forces brutally evicted the residents - Mexicans and non-Mexicans.  As many as 800 persons were forced out a gunpoint.

Villalobos claims he holds a valid court order giving him title to the land and is planning to build a luxury hotel and resort - complete with a golf course, according to published reports.

Police blocking the state highway in August

The evictees, however, are fighting the eviction in court and have staged numerous protests, including marches in Guadalajara. So far, the governor of the state of Jalisco has refused to intervene and is the subject of heavy criticism from members of the government. Guadalajara Reporter story on the governor.

Several times since August 4, groups of people have tried to gain access to the beach only to be rebuffed - sometimes violently. LINK: News media, crowd sprayed with chemicals

Persons walking along the ocean beach are stopped by armed guards too. The guards are using the second story of a home formerly occupied by a non-Mexican citizen, as a lookout tower.

It's official - Tenacatita protest (day of camping) set for December 27

TENACATITA, Jalisco, Mexico - The people of Rebalsito and their supporters have made it official that Monday, Dec. 27 will be a day of protest - at the seized Tenacatita Beach.

Juan Frost of Cyberpueblo.com (Cyberpuebo link) sent an email invitation to hundreds of persons who have been supporting the repatriation of Tenacatita Beach and the Tenacatita oceanfront lots seized by armed forces under the direction of Jose Villalobos Aug. 4.

Juan Frost wrote:
"I am writing to invite you to a peaceful picnic at Tenacatita (fully supported by Rebalsito's town leaders) this December 27 at 9 AM starting from the town of Rebalsito. We will be entering Tenacatita through a back way and will be ferrying the public across a narrow stretch of the lagoon in undisputed territory and then march up the beach for a final gathering up by the restaurants. If the beach is open by then we will march up the road. People wishing to arrive by sea can join us. Foreigners who are a little apprehensive can show support by being in the bay with their boats."

In that armed takeover, nearly 800 persons were forcibly evicted from their homes and businesses, given virtually no time to pick up their possessions.

When they were allowed to return several days later, the people reported that homes and businesses had been looted by the State Police and/or security forces and that there was little to reclaim.

Protest march earlier this year

The peaceful protest is slated to begin at 9 a.m. in Rebalsito and will involve using boats to cross an undisputed portion of the mangroves to an area of the beach that is also not in dispute.

From there, persons in the demonstration are expected to march onto the disputed area - but only on the beach close to the water that is guaranteed to be accessible to all Mexican citizens by the Mexican constitution.

In the past week, several persons who have walked down the ocean beach - right at the tide line - have been turned back by armed guards and told they were trespassing on private land.

Protest organizers hope to get some attention from Mexican, American and Canadian media. But with the exception of one story published in a number of Canadian newspapers (Vancouver Sun story), non-Mexican media have largely ignored the story.

A 'day of camping' proposed for the seized area of Tenacatita Beach

LA MANZANILLA, Jalisco, Mexico - The La Manzanilla message board today posted a message posted on Cyberpueblo, declaring that a 'day of camping' on the Tenacatita beach is being planned for after Christmas. Cyberpueblo

The date mentioned was December 27, but has not been confirmed. The post suggests that the people participating would take boats across and attempt to land on the beach. If successful, the poster suggests that there would be a fiesta held.

The event would appear to be a peaceful protest against the August 4 seizure of the Tenacatita Beach by police and armed security guards under the direction of Jose Villalobos, a Guadalajara developer, who claims he has legal title to 42 hectares of land along Tenacatita Bay and the ocean.

Villalobos

In May, his armed force evicted nearly 800 persons at gunpoint and seized property owned by Mexicans, Americans, Canadians and Germans.

Numerous court cases are ongoing.

In the past few weeks, it seemed that Villalobos' company - Rodenas - was going to open the beach to the public and possibly allow restaurants to open.

The Cyberpueblo posting indicates that is not the case.

Here is a link to the La Manzanilla message board posting: Cyberpueblo posting and translation

Tenacatita news too optimistic again - beach remains closed

TENACATITA, Jalisco, Mexico - Tenacatita Beach remains closed and will likely remain so unless developer Jose Villalobos signs a document allowing limited access.


The following was posted by Rebalsito resident Dobie, who has been active in assisting the people evicted August 4 by security forces.

=======

FROM THE LA MANZANILLA MESSAGE BOARD:

     Sorry to report that the gate is still there. Yes, the beach is open if they feel like letting you in, and you show your I.D. (so they can write your name down) and you don't take a camera or a cell phone, and they'll watch you the whole time, and there are no services, and, and, and....
      In yesterday's Jornada article it says that Villalobos "could" sign the agreement this week, (which would open the beach, but with many conditions) and then he would have 5 days to get his guys out of there, or at least only on his supposed 42.5 hectares. But the conditions include days use only, no camping, no one can build palapas or open restaurants, only vendedores ambulantes (with permits, of course). Doesn't sound much like free access to me. Most people here think it's unacceptable; others feel like it's a first step.
      It's clear that it's not just governor Emilio that's backing Villalobos, but higher-ups in the federal government too.
      I find it hard to believe that they'll take the gate down, especially if they want everyone out by 6 PM. How are they going to keep people from coming back?
      But I do believe in miracles, and at this point that's what I think it'll take. 

============

State Police evicting residents

 Area residents - and the persons evicted - had hoped that the beach would be reopened in time for the Christmas holidays.

Numerous lawsuits have been filed against the Guadalajara-based developer who is said to be living on the Tenacatita Beach.

State police - allegedly enforcing a court order - seized the area August 4, evicting as many as 800 persons and seizing beachfront lots owned by Mexican and non-Mexican residents.

 

La Manz message board post says Tenacatita beach fence is down

LA MANZANILLA, Jalisco, Mexico - The saga of whether Tenacatita Beach is open again to the public is like a ping-pong ball.

Yes, No, Yes, No, Maybe?

The La Manzanilla message board today contained a plea for more information, after several individuals reported that the fence is indeed down and the beach open.

Also included in the posting was information that a former restaurant owner had plans to move back to the beach, with the cooking facilities on one side of the road, beachside palapas on the other.

Here is a link to the posting: Another posting on Tenacatita Beach

Report says this fence is gone

Rumors were too optimistic, but Tenacatita Beach still may open

TENACATITA, Jalisco, Mexico - The reported rumors that Jose Villalobos was about to withdraw from the  lands he seized along Tenacatita Bay and the ocean might have been just that, rumors.

But in a story in today's La Jornada, it appears there might be a chance that Villalobos is willing to sign an agreement that will result in the highway being opened.

Here is a link to the google translation of the story: La Jornada writes about Tenacatita takeover

A force of armed men took over the area August 4, routing nearly 800 residents from their homes and businesses, claiming that Villalobos had won a court case giving him sole ownership of 42 hectares through his corporation.

Since that time, numerous lawsuits have been filed and demonstrations by local residents have been held at the gates blocking the state-financed highway into the beach area. Demonstrators and members of the press were repelled this fall by security guards and/or police - by being sprayed with chemicals.

Here is a video of that incident:

Rumors flying that Jose Villalobos ordered out of Tenacatita

LA MANZANILLA, Jalisco, Mexico - The ongoing occupation of the Tenacatita area was featured on the La Manzanilla message board today.

The Tenacatita area was seized August 4 by police under the direction of Guadalajara developer Jose Villalobos who claims that he has a valid court order ceding him ownership of the property.

Eviction of residents in August

Besides evicting nearly 800 Mexican citizens along the bay side of Tenacatita, he also seized oceanfront land owned by Americans, Canadians and Mexicans.

Since seizing the land, he had bulldozed most of the beachfront palapas and several buildings.

His occupying security forces have denied access to the public, and is several instances have repelled people by force to keep them from entering the area.

Numerous lawsuits have been filed against him, citing the unconstitutionality of the seizure, as well as criticizing incidents of brutality on the part of the police who evicted residents.

Here is the posting from the La Manz board:

Some residents of La Manzanilla just came into my office and told me the following story.
They went to Tenacatita today, got through the gate by giving the guard their ID, really easy.
On the way out of town they stopped at a restaurant. The man there told them
that Villalobos had to be out of Tenacatita in 3 day's. That he was going to be ordered
to pay restitution for the damage he caused but that he would probably claim bankruptcy.
They said that the Feds? had deemed his deed to the property to be invalid.
Seems the people are ecstatic about the news.
Can anyone verify any of this?

Palapa Joe's in La Manzanilla set to host 'open mic' night Saturday

LA MANZANILLA, Jalisco, Mexico - Palapa Joe's restaurant in La Manzanilla will be having an open mic night Saturday (Dec. 4) beginning at 7:30 p.m. - mas o menos.


According to La Manzanilla's Lois Lane, this is the fifth year that the restaurant/bar will be hosting musicians, jokesters, poetry readings - and just about anything else for anyone willing to stand up and perform.

The Saturday event will be taking place in the remodeled restaurant, which added outside seating - and lots of seating at the new bar.

Here is a link to a blog about one of the open mic nights last year: Captain's Blog - Grab your ukuleles

The series has been growing in popularity year to year, with Palapa Joe's owner, Willie Mason, frequently contributing his music along with the group, the La Manzanilla Lounge Lizards.

Above is La Manzanilla resident Bernardo, crooning a tune last year.

Below are some additional photos from last year's open mic night in January.

The Celtic trio got the crowd tapping its feet

Gabriela de la Vega
reads her poetry -
in Spanish and English

Guadalajara meeting raises hopes Tenacatita to be open by Christmas

GUADALJARA, Jalisco, Mexico - A group of 75 people from Rebalsito, as well as 100 or so other interested parties - took part in the meeting held last week over the closure of Tenacatita Beach.

Residents being evicted in August

(See Pressure on to open Tenacatita, Nov. 23).

The entire area was seized Aug. 4 by state police working for developer Jose Villalobos, who claims ownership and is planning to build a resort. He has already torn down nearly all of the structures on the beach and is reported to be living one of the hillside houses overlooking Tenacatita Bay.

Between 700 to 800 people were evicted in the incident. Properties belong to Mexicans - and many non-Mexicans - were seized in the armed takeover.

After that recent meeting, the website Tenacatita on the Costa Alegre posted a report by Dobie (from Rebalsito) that the government of La Huerta will soon be granted the concession to the Tenacatita Beach. Currently there is no public access. Anyone attempting enter is challenged by the armed security forces of Villalobos and usually turned back. A few gringos have been allowed in, but only after being searched - and having their cameras and identification held by the guards at the double gate on the state highway.

The diputados involved in the Guadalajara meeting assured the crowd that the beach will be reopened so that the former restaurant owners and merchants can make some money during the busy holidays serving tourists.

Here is the last paragraph of Dobie's posting:

Tenacatita house, reportedly occupied by Jose Villalobos 

 

"There were two very welcome pieces of news. One is that the government of La Huerta is going to get the concession to the beach (and the ocean beach), and soon. The other is that the diputados assured us that the beach will be open in time for Christmas vacation so that people can come and camp and enjoy the beach, and everyone here can get back to work, however they can - setting up tarps, umbrellas, whatever... You can imagine how happy everyone was to hear that news! It's changed the whole vibe of the town. Everyone feels more hopeful." - Dobie

Here is a link to her entire post: LINK: Dobie's report on the Guadalajara meeting

Legal actions continue in fight against Tenacatita Beach takeover

TENACATITA, Jalisco, Mexico - While the Rodenas bulldozers continue to tear down structures (the latest victim reportedly the small white house on the Pacific Ocean, very close to the rocks) evicted Mexican residents of the Tenacatita beach area are still working with attorneys to get their land back.

Police evicting residents in August, 2010

     Among the discussions ongoing are conversations about whether to proceed with legal action in the state of Jalisco's courts, or go directly to the federal government to seek legal relief and regain the land.
     The gringos who bought property along the oceanside of Tenacatita - whose property was also seized by Rodenas and state police August 4 - are awaiting action on their court claims, too.
   The state highway into the Tenacatita Beach area remains closed, gated and guarded, despite repeated efforts by various government officials and private parties to get it reopened.

Bulldozer at work

   

A march and demonstration to get the road opened ended with the protesters - and members of the news media - getting sprayed with chemicals by state police guarding the property claimed by Jose Villalobos and the Rodenas company.
LINK to demonstration story: Police repel Tenacatita demonstrators

And here is a link to story written by someone who attempted to reach the beach about a week ago: LINK Need a tank to get to Tenacatita

Mexican government advises traveling in convoys - and in the daylight

ARROYO SECO, Jalisco, Mexico - Today's Los Angeles Times carried a story about warning issued by the Mexican government, telling Mexicans returning from the U.S. - and any one traveling in Mexico - to be extra cautious on the highways and travel in convoys.

Mexican Marines search a vehicle in the city of Puebla

Convoys? Yes, convoys.

The story said the government is offering armed escorts for such groups, including the military. In cases where people say they don't want an escort, the government says it can monitor travelers to ensure they get to their destinations safely.

Today's Los Angeles Times story comes just days after the U.S. Consultate General issued a stern warning about driving through Tepic, north of Puerto Vallarta. LINK: Trouble in Tepic

The photo on the right ran in today's LA Times. Here is a link to the story: Convoy, daylight travel in Mexico urged

Pressure on to open Tenacatita beach road before December

GUADALAJARA, Jalisco, Mexico - The La Manzanilla message board posted the report below from Informador.Com.Mx that a meeting was just held of top level Mexican officials, pushing for a reopening of the Tenacatita Beach road, closed since August. 4.

Tenacatita Beach last spring, before seizure

Since the closure, police and/or security forces under the direction of Jose Villalobos of the Rodenas Corp. have barred entry to the public and have had several confrontations with local residents who were evicted from their homes and businesses.

A video of one recent confrontation is here: LINK: Protestors tear down fence, get sprayed with chemicals

The evictees - along with a number of non-Mexican citizens who own property along the ocean beach there - have filed lawsuits in federal court in Guadalajara to regain their lands.

If the road suddenly is opened, it is unclear what people would find when they arrived. According to published reports, virtually all the restaurants - and other facilities like restrooms - have been leveled. Several palapas, with concrete floors have been erected, the same reports say.


Below is a Google translation of what was published.

Here is the direct link to the Informador posting: LINK Informador story (in Spanish)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM INFORMADOR.COM.MX:
GUADALAJARA, JALISCO (23/NOV/2010) .- Federal Deputies PRI, PAN and the PT, as well as representatives of national and state commissions and Human Rights Department of the Interior (Interior Ministry) met yesterday at the Plaza de Armas to give their views on the conflict over land on the beach at Tenacatita. Rep. David Hernandez lamented the absence of representatives of the Executive.
In sum, the deputies asked the head of the Executive, Emilio González Márquez, order the release of the beach and the road before the holidays start decembrinas, with the aim of reviving tourism in the area.
"We intend to make an agreement to open the beach and the road for people to take advantage of this period and thus reactivate the economy a bit."
U.S. Rep. Salvador Caro noted that from August 4 (when the conflict) estimated economic losses to traders for 50 million pesos. For the deputy, the State Government's attitude is a clarion call for "peaceful civil resistance. Jalisco is a state with a serious problem of governance, there are other disputes over territories that the state has failed to solve. The currency of the Government are deaf, we do not hear, not see us .... "
Another absentee was the representative of the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), who sent an official letter in which he explains that he was unable to attend the event by scheduling problems, but reiterated its position that the beach must be free. Other guests that attended were representatives of the company Rodenas, who won a land dispute in the area.
He drew attention to the position of Deputy National Action Party, Luis Meillón Johnston, who admitted that he has talked about it with the governor. "I take the colors of my party, I do not intend to quarrel with the Government or the Director of State Public Security. If this does not solve is politicized. "
"The road may be closed"
The representative of the Human Rights Commission, Alfonso Hernández Barrón, announced the progress of the investigation into the confrontation between police and demonstrators supporting the area. CEDHJ said that immediately calls to withdraw the security forces who blocked the road and the beach at Tenacatita.
"The road may be closed because it was done with public funds. This path must be open, affects a number of fundamental and human rights. "
He recalled that injunctions have been issued for the authorities to avoid trouble among the people. Also felt that they should give psychological support "because there is anguish, despair and suffering, which can cause irreversible damage."
He added that this is one of the most serious issues facing the Government of Jalisco, along with the dissatisfaction of residents to build the dam in the Zapotillo Temacauplín.

No shortage of Thanksgiving dinners in La Manzanilla

LA MANZANILLA, Jalisco, Mexico - A few years ago, getting a reasonable approximation of a traditional American Thanksgiving turkey dinner was a real challenge in La Manzanilla.

Not anymore, apparently.

At least three restaurants in La Manzanilla, including Palapa Joe's and Lora Loka's will be having the real deal.

Also, the La Manzanilla message board lists Kenny's as having a Thanksgiving Day dinner, too.

Everyone suggests that people get reservations, however - a very un-Mexican notion, but required in this case.

For more details, check the La Manzanilla Message board: Turkey dinner ahead!

In 2008, this blog was posted about having a nice Thanksgiving dinner in La Manzanilla: Dinner at Lora Loka's

Arroyo Seco RV park open; Revolution Day parade in La Manzanilla

ARROYO SECO, Jalisco, Mexico - The RV park in Arroyo Seco - Isidro's Las Brisas - is officially open and like all good businesses, has a website with photos and contact information.

Link to Las Brisas: Las Brisas RV park in Arroyo Seco

Here's the text from the website:

Isidro's Las Brisas RV Park is on the large beach (Playa Grande) in Arroyo Seco, Jalisco Mexico.  This park is only about 10 miles from Tenacatita Beach which is now closed. This park has sewer hook ups, water and electrical.  Each lot is separately metered and you also pay your own electrical.  There are two toilets and two showers for your use.  There are also two palapas you can sit under or hang your hammock from. The ocean is just across the road.  This site has about 12 acres of palm trees and it is a very peaceful and tranquil site.  Please call 210-399-6997 (US number) or 315-355-5224 (Mexico number) if you have any questions or want to make reservations.


 The area is likely of special interest this season, with Tenacatita's beach and campgrounds blocked off by the police protecting Jose Villalobos. At the same time, a new restaurant has opened on the beach, operated by Luis, who has run the Las Brisas restaurant for a number of years.

The new restaurant is open most days and the menu is similar to last year's: lots of seafood, all of it good.

Visit La Manzanilla posts Revolution Day Parade video

In La Manzanilla today, the parade to celebrate Revolution Day wasn't too revolutionary. La Manzanilla's Lois Lane called it 'the parade that wasn't' because it started earlier than expected.

Earlier? In Mexico. What the #%@&*$^%??????....

But there is video proof that the parade did take place - a video taken for Visit La Manzanilla (LINK: Visit La Manazanilla) that shows smiling children walking down the streets.

Here it is the video from YouTube:

Driving through Tepic? Consulate warns to be extra careful

LA MANZANILLA, Jalisco, Mexico - Today's message board in La Manzanilla had a posting of a notice from the U.S Consulate General in Guadalajara, warning U.S. citizens to be extra vigilant when traveling in certain areas of western Mexico.

Here is a link to the full posting: Warning on message board

Site of shooting in October

The part of the warning that seemed the most relevant was for the city of Tepic, the site of a drug-related shooting in late October at a car wash.

The warning says to "avoid all unnecessary travel to the city of Tepic, Nayarit. Exercise extreme caution on the non-toll portion of the Route 15 bypass around Tepic."

Tepic is north of Puerto Vallarta. Here is a link to a story about what happened Oct. 27: Tepic shooting

 Given that this is the month when many people are heading south along the highway from the U.S. border to La Manzanilla - passing right through Tepic or around it on the highway bypass - the warning couldn't be much more timely.

National Public Radio had a story earlier this week about how the guns being used by the drug cartels are believed to be coming into Mexico from the U.S.: NPR story on guns in Mexico

News video of people tearing down gate to Tenacatita Beach

TENACATITA, Jalisco, Mexico - In doing some YouTube research, this video (and many others) popped up of the recent incident in which a group of people tore down a part of the fence blocking the highway to the beaches at Tenacatita.

The video shows how explosive the situation is - even the television camera operator got doused with some kind of spray by the police guarding the property being held by Jose Villalobos, property he seized with the police August 4, evicting the residents.

The spray obviously hurt people's eyes - a lot. The TV reporter remarks on it in detail.

Recent reports from gringos who have been allowed into the area (without cameras) are that Villalobos has bulldozed all of the restaurants but is building some new palapas with concrete floors.

The video commentary of the confrontation is in Spanish, but the pictures tell the story:

Arroyo Seco may take seasonal campers with Tenacatita closed off

ARROYO SECO, Jalisco, Mexico - For several years, the Cuevas family of Arroyo Seco has been building an RV park on the beach at Arroyo Seco, never quite getting it finished, though the spaces are laid out and there is a nice picnic area overlooking the lagoon to the east.

It's still unfinished, as of this writing, but already some campers who normally would go to the Tenacatita beach area - now in total lockdown thanks to Jose Villalobos and his company - are looking for another space near the water for the winter and spring.

Jim Monaco (of Monaco Realty in Arroyo Seco and Melaque) has made some arrangements for some campers on the Arroyo Seco beach already on some other properties with ocean access.

Anyone interested in trying to find space along that stretch of beach should contact him at his Melaque office. The telephone number there is 315-355-5224.


Playa Grande in Arroyo Seco: Campers welcome, but facilities in short supply

Looking for photos and links about the land-grab at Tenacatita

TENACATITA, Jalisco, Mexico - The research has been slow on getting all the news of what has happened at Tenacatita since the August 4 armed takeover of the area.

But there has been a great deal of effort on the part of many good people to help the people who were evicted.

And a lot of effort to show that there is no access to the beach - at least not access most reasonable people would consider, well, reasonable access.

Of course, if you consider going through the portal below reasonable, that might be different.

New look for the 'Tenacatita Bay Bugle' this season

TENACATITA, Jalisco, Mexico - After several seasons of playing around with this website, it seemed that this year might be the year to make it more useful to the community. The page has been redesigned and in the next few weeks some links will be added making cruising the area electronically a little easier.

It might have been reading about the sewers overflowing in La Manzanilla, (or maybe the crocodiles wandering the streets after dark), but certainly all of the largely terrible news out of Tenacatita and Rebalsito suggests another central repository of information, updated frequently, might be useful.

How frequently will depend on a lot of factors.

The message board in La Manzanilla run by Daniel is hands-down the best resource in the area for keeping up daily on the news. Tomzap also has some good information, though it is complicated sometimes to find the latest stuff.

Perhaps this site can add to those efforts.

And who knows, maybe the ghost of Charles Foster Kane will rise out of the sand on the beach near where the Fiesta Mexicana restaurant was to point a finger at the Rodenas company and say 'shame on you.'

This quote from the film, Citizen Kane, seems apropos at this moment:

"It's also my pleasure to see to it that decent, hard-working people in this community aren't robbed blind by a pack of money-mad pirates, just because they haven't had anybody to look after their interests..."

Here's a link to an interesting clip from Citizen Kane:
How to Run a Newspaper 

Hard to believe, but all those restaurants are gone - and so is access to the beach

Surfing competition set for Arroyo Seco for Saturday and Sunday

ARROYO SECO, Jalisco, Mexico - The La Manzanilla message board carried some information in the last 10 days about a surfing competition to be held Saturday and Sunday here. No signs have been posted, or any local notice given. But at least two local surfers believe it is going to happen - so that counts as confirmation.

Surf's up Saturday - but bring a lawn chair and some shade.

The two Arroyo Seco beaches, Playa Grande and Playa Chica, have seen plenty of surfing action this season. During Semana Santa, sometimes there would be as many as 30 surfers in the water.

The competition is supposed to start at 9 a.m. according to reports, though which beach the surfistas will head to depends on wind, tide and swell.

I'm betting either end of Playa Grande will be the site.

The waves have been quite large for the past week - maybe too large to even surf.

But last season a visitor - originally from South Africa - caught a perfect wave at Playa Chica and was caught on the video below.