A court in the western Mexican state of Jalisco has ordered the immediate release of Sandra Avila Beltran, known as the "Queen of the Pacific," who, according to press reports Saturday, could leave prison in the coming hours.

In the ruling, the court revoked the 54-year-old Avila's five-year sentence for money laundering.

Avila and then-boyfriend Juan Diego Espinosa, a Colombian national known as "El Tigre," were arrested on Sept. 28, 2007, for allegedly smuggling several tons of cocaine into the Mexican Pacific port of Manzanillo.

She was acquitted in Mexico on drug and racketeering charges in late 2010, but was extradited to the United States on Aug. 9, 2012.

Avila pleaded guilty in that country to being an accessory after the fact to drug trafficking.

But the sentence handed down in July 2013 by the judge in Miami - 70 months - was equal to the amount of time Avila had already spent behind bars following after her arrest in Mexico.

That left her technically free, although the Queen of the Pacific was deported back to Mexico a month later and convicted of money laundering.

Avila is the niece of Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo, alias "El Padrino" (The Godfather), who is serving a long prison sentence in Mexico; and grand-niece of Juan Jose Quintero Payan, a co-founder of the Juarez cartel who was sentenced in the United States to 18 years in prison on drug-trafficking charges.

The first public mention of the Queen of the Pacific came in a 2004 "narcocorrido," or drug ballad, by Los Tucanes de Tijuana.

Mexican media have likened Avila to the main character in Spanish writer Arturo Perez-Reverte's novel "La Reina del Sur" (The Queen of the South), which was subsequently turned into a hit television miniseries. EFE

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Another bright sun shine day with low humidity - oh yah! It is Saturday all ready and I'm only writing about Thursday - one of these days I'll be able to catch up. We haven't been in this area for a couple of years so there is a lot to take pictures of and to write about. Guess this blog is turning into more of a travel log than an "about us" blog.

So this is our trip to Tepic - Bill, me, John and Shirley - she had been to Tepic but not to the downtown area.

Notice how curvy both roads to Tepic are - There is a new Autopista being built between the Aticama area and up to the toll road the 15D - it will cut off a lot of drive time when it opens. In the mean time we took the road we had traveled 37 years ago when coming to San Blas for the first time. It is paved better now and maybe a little wider. As always a pretty drive.

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 As 'The Mummy' Actress Cited She Had An Affair With Sandra Bernhard In Her Latest Book!

According to reports from E! News, the beautiful actress who played the role of Anck-Su-Namun in the 1999 film "The Mummy" and its 2001 sequel "The Mummy Returns," opened up about how she hid her sexuality from her loved ones for years, and has dated both men and women in her book.

Yahoo! Parenting cited that her book was inspired by her 8-year-old daughter Maya who she shares with ex-partner Lauren.

Velasquez told the outlet that, "It's very difficult to face your past, so I put off doing anything like this for a long time," she added, "But as my daughter started growing up and I was teaching her to be honest and proud, I knew it was time for me to set an example-and that meant facing my truth. For me, living life with truth and honesty is the one thing I want to make sure she understands."

She wrote in her book, "Gay marriage wasn't legal when Lauren and I decided to commit to one another and have a baby together," she adds, "The decision was an easy one, not like when it had been presented to me before. It made sense. Lauren was an amazing woman and I was excited to bring a life into the world with her. The second we received confirmation she was pregnant, I felt like my entire life had changed for the better."

According to E! News, Velasquez is currently in a relationship with a woman named Ileanna from Venezuela, as she told Yahoo! Parenting that they have been together for the past year.

She wrote about several past partners In her memoir and said she was "in love" with a woman named Sandra Bernhard. Both Velasquez, and Bernharrd had been linked together for several times in the press, but they never confirmed a relationship.

Back in 2001, Velasquez told Cinema.com before that, "Look, she was a very, very important person in my life-and she still is. She was a friend, she was like a mother to me, and also like my daughter sometimes...Sandra is somebody that I have in my heart forever, because I didn't even speak English when I met her, and she taught me so much."

The New York Post revealed that the two met backstage at a fashion show. Velasquez wrote in the book that she realized she was in love with her just few months later, while she was on a "Frida Kahlo-themed shoot" in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

In her book, Velasquez wrote about how she had "successfully hidden" her sexuality in her native Venezuela. She said she was inspired to finally come out to her supportive family, just before walking the runway at a fashion show by French haute couture designer Jean Paul Gaultier. This was around the same time "The Mummy" was released. Velasquez was dating a woman named Lisa at the time.

"As I sat there waiting to walk, I was feeling this great sense of pride thinking about my journey to this moment, the only Latina in this massive show, excited to be a part of something so amazing," she wrote. "Gaultier was a genius but he was also doing exactly what he wanted to do. It made me realize that I could be myself, too. That was the moment, I decided right there. It all just clicked suddenly. I turned to Lisa before I went out onstage. 'I'm ready.'"

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Roberto Sandoval Castañeda intends to break Nayarit’s historical records by promising to have more than three million trees planted in Nayarit, by the end of his term, at this moment there are more than one hundred thousand trees available to Nayarit’s citizens at SEMANA and CONAFAR nurseries. The trees are free of charge and ready to be planted. Those requesting trees will be expected to give their word that they will take good care of them; explained the Secretary of Environment, Adahan Casas Rivas.

“We have all kind of plants such as pine trees, guanacastes, palm trees and other ornamental species, so families as well as students and teachers may participate in this reforestation project. By working together, we can maintain a healthy and suitable environment for present and future generations”. Stated Casas Rivas.

Casa Rivas also explained that an aggressive environmental highway program has been implemented by planting trees wherever possible and necessary. The purpose of this program is to take care of, and preserve the environment.

With Nayarit’s government employees’ good will and enthusiasm, and the collaboration of Educational Institutions and private businesses, more than six thousands trees have been planted along Tepic’s high way. Planting along Molalla River bank and Luis Donaldo Colosio Boulevard comes next.

“By working together, we are all helping to improve the quality of air. …Roberto Sandoval has been successful at getting the help of Private Corporations and Educational Institutions to reach this goal. We are now asking the people to also involve themselves in keeping the city clean by not throwing trash out on the streets”; said Casas Rivas 

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Group of journalist, from different Canadian cities, arrived in Puerto Vallarta this past Wednesday, and walked around the area appreciating the most important tourist city attractions.

 Tamales: a thing of the past, says McDonald’s. Photograph: Carlos Tischler/REX

Ad posted in Spanish says ‘tamales are a thing of the past’ and touts the McBurrito one day after a holiday typically celebrated with the traditional food

February 2 is la Día de la Candelaria in Mexico, a religious holiday celebrated with parties, dancing and processions. It is also often celebrated with tamales, the traditional snack made from corn dough sometimes stuffed with meat or vegetables, wrapped in a leaf and steamed.

Tamales, which have been eaten here for seven millennia or more, are beloved fare in Mexico, even on days that aren’t festivals which specifically celebrate them. Which makes it all the stranger that fast food giant McDonald’s chose the day after the tamale festival to go to war with the humble snack.

“Tamales are a thing of the past,” read an advert posted in Spanish on Tuesday to the Facebook page for McDonald’s Mexico which has more than 55m “likes”. “McBurrito Mexicana also comes wrapped.” Accompanying the text was a picture of the menu item.

The post caused immediate uproar on social media.

One user summed up the situation: “Look @McDonaldsMexico, if you mess with tamales, you mess with everyone! Get a grip or you’ll get your ass kicked!!”

Still more users took the opportunity to pile in on the fast food franchise with other grievances they had clearly been saving up. “@McDonaldsMexico please don’t let your employees put on reggaeton! It’s super unpleasant,” tweeted one user.

Joaquin Lopez-Doriga, a Mexican TV personality with a Twitter following of 4.5m, tweeted a link to a screenshot of the ill-judged ad, saying in Spanish: “The latest nonsense from McDonalds. Now I understand why their sales have fallen.”

In response to the avalanche of criticism, McDonald’s swiftly withdrew the ad and posted an apology to its Facebook page.

“McDonald’s respects the traditions and beliefs of all the countries in which we have had the opportunity to work,” it says in Spanish.

A further statement, in English, says: “It was never our intention to offend, and we apologize.

“We are proud to celebrate Mexican traditions and cuisine in our restaurants. Our menu includes local specialities, such as McMolletes, Mexican Ranchero eggs, and churros pastries, as well as traditional Mexican salsas to condiment all our burgers.

“This year we will celebrate 30 years in Mexico, and are grateful to be a part of the lives of thousands of families who choose us every day.”

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Today’s travelers tend to seek out not only a beautiful destination with great hotels and impeccable service, but also to minimize their environmental impact as much as possible, both in their daily life and, of course, on the road.

The Most Rev. Gustavo García-Siller, M.Sp.S., Archbishop of San Antonio, will present “Jesus the Galilean and Pope Francis’ Contribution to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition” on

Wednesday, Feb. 11.

The 7 p.m. event, open to the public and media, will be held at St. Mary’s University in Conference Room A of the University Center. Refreshments and conversation follow the lecture. For more information, call 210-431-8094.

As part of the 12th annual Catholic Intellectual Tradition Lecture Series, Archbishop Gustavo will explore

the Galilean context of Jesus’ life and ministry and its relevance for Pope Francis’ ministry of evangelization. This is grounded in the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the Church, in the world, in the lives of Christians and especially at St. Mary’s University. It is not enough merely to marvel at and talk about Pope Francis’ creative and ecumenical leadership, he says. With the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, every Christian is challenged to share responsibility for continuing Jesus’ mission and ministry today.

The Catholic Intellectual Tradition Lecture Series is a free, annual series featuring men and women who have shaped the Catholic intellectual tradition at the heart of the educational enterprises at St. Mary’s. The 2014-15 series theme is “Faith Working Through Love: Grace of the Holy Spirit.”

The previous lecture in the series featured Gregory Smith, Ph.D., Director of U.S. Religion Surveys for the Pew Research Center. He spoke about “The Changing Shape of the American Religious Landscape.” In March, St. Mary’s welcomes Amy J. Uelmen, J.D., of the Georgetown University Law Center. She’ll present “Teaching and Learning in Love: Lessons From ‘The Joy of the Gospel.’”

More about the Archbishop
The Most Rev. Gustavo García-Siller, M.Sp.S., was named the sixth Archbishop of San Antonio by Pope Benedict XVI on Oct. 14, 2010. He succeeded Archbishop José H. Gomez.

Archbishop Gustavo, who was born in San Luis Potosi, S.L.P., Mexico, as the eldest of 15 children, professed as a member of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit in 1975. Five years later, he came to the United States and worked closely with the immigrant community. He was ordained a priest in 1984 and became an American citizen in 1998.

His three decades of priestly service have taken many forms, including ministering to communities with varied cultural backgrounds. Much of his work has dealt with the formation of the men of his religious order. He has taught at INUMYC Minor Seminary and at the Institute for Philosophy in Guadalajara, Mexico. In the 1990s, he was Rector of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit in Lynwood and Long Beach, California, and he held that same position at Mount Angel in Oregon.

Archbishop Gustavo served as Major Superior of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit from 1999-2003, administering an area that included the U.S. and Canada. He was elected the order’s Provincial in 2003. He was ordained an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago in March 2003, and he served as Cardinal Francis George’s liaison to the Hispanic community.

The Archbishop earned a master’s degree in Theology and Divinity from St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, California, and received a master’s in Philosophy from Instituto de Filosofia, Guadalajara, Mexico. He also received a master’s in Psychology from ITESO, a Jesuit University in Guadalajara, Mexico. He also has served on a number of committees for the United Sates Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

St. Mary’s University, founded in 1852, is the first institution of higher learning in San Antonio and the oldest Catholic university in the Southwest. It offers 75 programs, including doctoral and law programs, and has a diverse student population of about 3,800 of all faiths and backgrounds. Its vision, as a Marianist liberal arts institution, is to become one of the finest private universities in the region, a gateway for graduates to professional lives as ethical leaders in Texas, the nation and the world.

 
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Fly nonstop from San Francisco to Puerto Vallarta for $342 round-trip on Virgin America.
Seen below, we found seats departing SFO on Wednesday, March 25, returning from PVR on Monday, March 30.
Other dates are also available for travel through April 29.

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Mexico is home to a growing number of retirees from around the world, including those from the United States, Canada and Europe. Known for its pleasant climate, rich Indian and Spanish culture, and abundant natural beauty, retirees also get access to affordable healthcare, a robust retirement benefits program and a lower cost of living (see How Much Money Do You Need To Retire in Mexico?).

At nearly 2 million square kilometers, Mexico offers a wide range of lifestyle choices for retirees – from quaint colonial villages to vibrant beach towns. If you’re thinking about Mexico for your retirement destination, here are five cities/regions worth considering.

Lake Chalapa Region

Lake Chalapa is the largest freshwater lake in Mexico, and the climate is regarded one of the best in the world. Low humidity and year-round, spring-like temperatures help make the numerous towns along the coast of Lake Chalapa popular retirement destinations. The area also has a low cost of living, a strong sense of community for both locals and expats, and a safe and secure environment. Good-to-excellent medical care is available in nearby Guadalajara, and Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) is about 30 minutes away, making travel back home relatively easy. Direct flights to Los Angeles (LAX) take about three and a half hours.

Merida

Merida is a Spanish-colonial city and is the largest city of the Yucatan Peninsula, with a population of nearly one million people. Despite hot summers (temperatures can get above 100° F during the summer months), more and more expats are heading to Merida for its excellent infrastructure, modern amenities, museums, markets, arts and fine cuisine. Retirees will find an excellent healthcare system, with numerous public and private hospitals. A flight out of Merida airport (MID), with a layover in Juarez International in Mexico City (MEX), will get you to LAX in about seven hours.

Puerto Vallarta (Nuevo Vallarta)

The Pacific coast town of Puerto Vallarta has long been a popular destination with tourists and retirees alike. In addition to beaches, lush jungles and waterfalls, Puerto Vallarta offers a hip downtown scene with great restaurants, world-class shopping and lively street performers. English is widely spoken. Because it is a tourist destination, prices are generally higher here than you might see in less-visited areas of Mexico. The city’s well-rated hospitals and modern medical care make Puerto Vallarta a medical tourism destination. A direct flight out of Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in Puerto Vallarta to LAX takes just over three hours.

San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal de las Casas is situated more than 7,000 feet above sea level in the Central Highlands region of Chiapas, close to rainforests and ancient Mayan ruins. While a bit on the chilly side compared with other areas, the climate is generally regarded as pleasant, with warm summers and cool winters. The city is designed for walking and features Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, red-tile roofs and iron balconies decorated with colorful flowers. A flight out of Tuxtla Gutierrez (TGZ; a 90-minute drive from San Cris), with a layover in Mexico City (MEX), will get you to LAX in about eight hours.

San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is one of Mexico’s colonial silver-mining cities, located three hours northwest of Mexico City. Considered one of the prettiest small towns in Mexico, San Miguel is set amid rugged mountains and has warm summers and cool winters. You'll find a friendly, small town atmosphere where beautiful architecture, rich history, and plenty of culture abound. The local healthcare system is considered good and affordable. Nonstop service out of Del Bajio Airport (BJX) in Leon (about two hours away) gets you to LAX in about three-and-a-half hours.

The Bottom Line

There’s been a lot in the news about safety in Mexico. While the cities bordering the U.S. and a few other places are extremely dangerous, most of Mexico is reasonably safe, particularly in well-known tourist destinations and resort areas. Of course, just like any city at home, there will be areas that are more desirable than others. If you don’t know where to look, it can be helpful to visit first, speak with expats in the area, and work with a qualified real estate agent when it’s time to rent or buy. Read Find Latin America's Safest, Cheapest Countries for more about safety. Also avoid areas with active travel alerts and warnings (see the U.S. Department of State’s Alerts and Travel Warnings).

Note: To make sure you are up to date on visa and residency requirements, local taxes and U.S. tax regulations for expats, work with a qualified attorney and/or tax specialist before you leave. For more, check out Plan Your Retirement Abroad and Things To Consider Before Retiring Abroad.

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Riviera Nayarit is, by nature, a beautiful place; everyone loves its natural attractions; however, traditions and events created to promote micro destinations, have demonstrated very successful for the recovery of tourism in the area.

As proof, we can point out Bucerias Patron Saint Festivities and Taste of La Cruz. Two festivities that have considerable boosted the influx of tourists and increased the income of both towns. Just on the day of the boats pilgrimage - Our Lady of Peace festivities event - we were able to appreciate almost four thousand people, when on daily basis we don’t see more than 500 walking around the Main Plaza.

This fifty years old historical tradition shows the blending of fishermen, divers, merchants and people in general, who, with the support of town authorities, renew their faith, before local and foreign viewers.

On the other hand, Taste of La Cruz is a gastronomic event, aim mainly to foreigners; although the presence of nationals made it possible to congregate around two thousand people; bringing in the sum of about one million pesos (about US $ 69,000) just in one afternoon. To this profit we should add the promotion that Riviera Nayarit’s delicious gastronomy received.

San Blass XI International Festival of Migrant Birds has started with the same enthusiasm of sharing the culture and nature of San Blas Historic Port. Hundreds of endemic and migratory birds are the central characters and the main attraction of this event, which brings tourist from all over.
If you would to learn more about the program, visit us at: https://www.facebook.com/fiamsanblas

The most important day for the festivities is today, February 3, when traditional “Mañanitas” take place, and when, the same as in Bucerias, Fishermen take to the sea in a Pilgrimage asking for a profitable year.

Both festivities are full of culture and are, without a doubt, San Blas’ touristic blast; the same as Bucerias and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle are. Given the great success of these events, Riviera Nayari

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After serving the military and dipping his toe into a few different professions, John Lee Dumas couldn't figure out what career was "right" for him. Until he discovered that no career was right for him -- he's an entrepreneur.