Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - The Amapas Neighborhood Association (ANA), a group of Mexican and ex-pat residents and business owners that work together to enhance the quality of life through improvements in security, streets and infrastructure, and responsible development, brings us up to date on what's happening in Colonia Amapas.

AMAPAS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION SECURITY ALERT

Earlier this week, neighbors on Highway 200, lower Hortensias and lower Gardenias reported late-night break-ins and burglaries. Money, keys, and easily portable/fence-able electronics were taken.

Would-be robbers have cut through chain link fences, used ladders to reach balconies, and have apparently even managed to disable at least one security camera. Unfortunately, this is in line with a recent uptick in criminal activity in town.

The police have been called and reports made, so the authorities are aware. We have been promised additional police attention and patrols. We all need to be aware, alert and extra-cautious. The more aware we are, the harder it is to get access to our homes without being seen, the sooner the would-be criminals will move on to some other, more vulnerable, less alert neighborhood.

Please do all the obvious things:

• Be sure your doors and windows are locked - whether you're out, or at home.
• Do not sleep with your doors open, even if you live on upper floors.
• If you have exterior lights, it might be smart to leave them on at night.
• Keep your eyes and ears open, for your neighbors as well as yourself.
• Report anything suspicious.

If you live in a separate residence, or you're in an ANA Full Member Building, be sure that you and/or representatives in your building are signed into the Amapas-Police 'VEA' WhatsApp Group for immediate Emergency & Crime Prevention Response (basic Spanish preferred). The Group allows instant contact to the current Watch Commander, and is even monitored by the Chief of Police. Its purpose is to provide immediate response for emergencies and crimes in progress. Contact Viviana at (322) 244-0185 for details.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO FILE A POLICE REPORT - otherwise, the police will be ´blind´to problems in our area, and we won't get the Security attention we need. When you make a report, write down the file number and inform Viviana in the ANA office - (322) 223-8312 - so she can log it and follow up. When ANA is aware, we can not only inform the neighbors, but also 'lobby' for greater police presence.

ANA CONTINUES WORK ON THE AMAPAS HIGHWAY SIDEWALK

Phase One, opposite Paramount Bay, making it easier – and safer – to walk to town or the beach, is complete and getting plenty of use. Fundraising has already begun for the remaining 300 meters, which will continue to the OXXO at the Pulpito intersection, at a total cost of $500,000 pesos.

ANA has a commitment from Vallarta's Public Works department to continue the Sidewalk – how far we go depends on how much money we raise.

Proceeds from the Amapas and Viejo Vallarta Neighborhood Associations' "Mariachis, Margaritas and More" event, scheduled to take place at Puerto Vallarta's historic Town Hall on Friday, March 23 at 6:00 pm, will go to the new Highway 200 Sidewalk. Click HERE for more event information.

If you can't make the party, you can also contribute at the ANA office or via credit card. As with our Hortensias Repaving Project, ANA will keep all contributions separate from other ANA funds, and use them exclusively for the Highway Sidewalk.

'MEMBERS ONLY' Q&A ON NEW CONSTRUCTION SET FOR APRIL 11

For the 411 on zoning rules, from City Hall to the Amapas Plan Parcial to what can and can't be built on that vacant lot down the street, you've got questions, and our panel of local experts has answers. Join us at Incanto (Insurgentes, at the bridge) on Wednesday, April 11, at 11 am, when we present a short course on Vallarta zoning rules and regulations: Vallarta Urban Planning 101. Inspired by questions raised at our Annual General Meeting, this is the second in a series of special ANA 'Members Only' informational presentations. Seating is limited. To make a reservation, call (322) 244-0185.

ANA WELCOMES TWO NEW FULL MEMBER BUILDINGS

The 26 owners of Villas Loma Linda, on lower Hortensias, recently voted to join ANA as Full Building Members. Last year, Loma Linda contributed to ANA's Hortensias Repaving Project. At their Annual General Meeting, the 5 owners of Villa Macuaz, a charming 'Viejo Vallarta' condominium situated on Highway 200 next to Villa Tizoc, also voted to join, bringing ANA's Full Building Members to 16.

ANA WELCOMES OFFICE MANAGER DIEGO VILLALOBOS

Next time you drop by the office, you'll be greeted by a friendly new face: Diego Villalobos is our new Office Manager. Diego is smart, helpful, agreeable and experienced. Not to mention bilingual. Most recently, he worked as Management Assistant and handled Front Desk responsibilities at Tropicasa Realty. Diego is working with Administrator Viviana Testón to respond to ANA member requests, connect with City Hall, oversee ANA projects and social media, and help with New Member and Sponsor Outreach. The addition of a second full-time employee means that there will almost always be someone in the office M-F, 9-6, to address your concerns, or answer a call or email. It also means that we can do more than one thing at a time, and ensures that nothing slips through the cracks.

JUNTA VECINAL WORKS WITH BEACHFRONT NEIGHBORS

ANA and the Amapas Junta Vecinal are working with beachfront businesses Vallarta Shores and Almar/Mantamar to reduce loud music, restore stairs from Calle Santa Barbara to the beach, and improve area traffic circulation.

VOLUNTEER HELP WANTED!

ANA is looking for a few good men - and women - to volunteer their time, energy and experience to a worthy cause:

ANA Treasurer: Important ANA Board position responsible for overseeing financial planning, accounting, and transparent reporting. Reviews and oversees Administrator's income and expense tracking, presents monthly reports to the Board, and an annual report and budget proposal to the membership. Business experience necessary, along with at least six months/year residence in Vallarta.

ANA Recycling Program Volunteer Manager: ANA collects and recycles plastic and aluminum for members and Full Member Buildings who want to participate. We need a volunteer to improve communications with individuals and buildings so that everyone knows what is – and isn't – eligible for pickup and recycling, and get more members to recycle. If you care about recycling, we should talk!

If you're interested, or know someone you think might be right for either position, email us at admin(at)amapaspv.com. or us at 322-244-0185 for more information.

JUST PUBLISHED: ANA MEMBER BENEFITS BROCHURE

ANA has just published a handy color brochure showcasing our Corporate and Business Sponsors, and providing an up-to-date list of Member Benefits providers offering discounts and other special privileges to ANA members who show their cards. If you don't already have your copy, check with your Full Member Building administrator, or stop by our office today. Local bars, restaurants and other businesses support ANA's goals and programs by becoming ANA Sponsors. Let's support them in return. Visit them, patronize them, and don't forget to show your membership card!

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The Amapas Neighborhood Association is the official association of residents and business owners in the Colonia Amapas of Puerto Vallarta. A volunteer and not-for-profit association with about 350 members, the ANA was founded in 2002 to improve the quality of life in Amapas. We work to keep our neighborhood safe, beautiful, desirable and welcoming to tourists and residents from all countries and walks of life. We are also the official "Junta Vecinal" or neighborhood council for Amapas, the legal representative of the neighborhood to the city government. Learn more at AmapasPV.com.