Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There's always so much going on in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay, it can be difficult to keep up with it all. So we've put together a brief overview of some of this week's news headlines from local Spanish language publications, and some upcoming events you won't want to miss.

Tourist Assistance at Lazaro Cardenas Park

In an effort to further assist foreign residents and tourists, the City of Puerto Vallarta has opened the Oficina Municipal de Atención y Asistencia al Turista y Residente Extranjero (Municipal Office to Attend and Assist Foreign Tourists and Residents) at Plaza Lazaro Cardenas on PV's South side. The office, manned by a specially trained, English- and French-speaking staff, is open 24/7, and can be reached by telephone at (322) 222-2224.

Vallarta's Bus Fare Prices Frozen

During his Tuesday visit, just hours after the Fifth Administrative Court granted the citizen's movement to suspend an increase in local bus fares, Jalisco State Governor Aristóteles Sandoval Díaz declared that the judicial decision would be upheld. Despite the fact that on Monday night the Secretary of Mobility announced the imminent application of the price increase to 7.5 pesos that was granted in August by the Pricing Commission, Sandoval Díaz assured that the Fifth Court's judgment would be upheld and bus fares will remain at the current rate of 6.5 pesos.

Police Officers Receive Tourism Certification

An initiative, led by Puerto Vallarta Mayor Ramon Guerrero Martinez and the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, seeks to drive tourism by offering a safer experience for everyone living in or visiting our city. As such, forty local police officers were among the first to receive tourism certification after taking a 90 hour course in which they were instructed in local tourist attractions, first aid techniques, and etiquette in English and Spanish.

Gay Pride Parade and Block Party Approved

Due to the overwhelming support of the LGBT community and local gay and gay friendly businesses, the proposed Memorial Day weekend "Orgullo – Vallarta - Pride 2013" Gay Pride Parade and Block Party has been approved by the city of Puerto Vallarta, and is scheduled to take place at Lazaro Cardenas Park on May 26, 2013. Details are still in the works, but organizers have received the "green light" to plan the event.

Upcoming Puerto Vallarta Events
Click on titles for more information

• 'Musical Sunsets' Free Concert Series at Los Arcos

• Vallarta Yacht Club Presents 'Tango in Paradise 2013'

• Expats in Vallarta April Happy Hour

• Benefit in La Cruz Features Incredible Entertainment

Don't forget to vote for your favorite Puerto Vallarta restaurants in our 2013 Best of Banderas Bay Awards, right HERE on BanderasNews.com. We'll be collecting your votes in categories ranging from 'Best Breakfast' to 'Best Margarita' through December 31st, and the Puerto Vallarta restaurant with the most votes in each category will be named 'The Best of Banderas Bay' at an awards ceremony in early 2014. Click HERE to vote NOW!