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 several of this week's news headlines from local Spanish language publications, a few Mexico news stories, and some upcoming events you won't want to miss.

Mayor Promises Municipal Transparency

Mayor Ramón Demetrio Guerrero recently promised that Puerto Vallarta will be the most transparent municipality in the country, as he will give residents unlimited access to all data relating to the government's actions. "...the information will be uploaded to the Internet, where citizens, the media, and all who require information can access it," he said. According to the Mayor, all of the municipal departments under his jurisdiction will be uploading the information to puertovallarta.gob.mx this month.

Sonora Congress Bans Bullfighting in the State

On May 2, 2013, Sonora's 32 members of Congress unanimously banned bullfighting in the state. lawmakers determined that banning bullfighting should be part of the Animal Protection Act, which was approved Thursday afternoon. The decision was supported by the deputies of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), the National Action Party (PAN), the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD), the Partido Nueva Alianza (Panal), as well as the Green Party (PVEM) whose legislators proposed the initiative in this and in the previous legislature. Click HERE to read more.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens Ladies Luncheon

Calling all Vallarta Ladies! Come out to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens and enjoy an afternoon with the ladies that make Vallarta move, on Thursday, May 9th from 1-5 pm. Invite a friend! $350 pesos includes: A wine reception, Tour of the Gardens, Lunch, Music and a Q&A on how we can keep moving Vallarta and bringing more tourists to our city. Reservations can be made via email to stephenclay@vbgardens.org, or by calling (322) 223-6182. Join us for a fun afternoon in the beauty of the Gardens!

Forest Fires Rage in Jalisco - Mexico

Adrian Hernandez Herrera, state manager of the National Forestry Commission (Conafor) reported that late last week there were eight active wildfires in the municipality of Zapopan, in the western state of Jalisco, Mexico. In a statement, Herrera said that to date 285 fires have been recorded in Jalisco with an area of 13,697 hectares affected, of which eight are still active. Active fires are in the following municipalities: Tuxpan (1), Tuxcueca (1), Tlajomulco de Zuñiga (2), Etzatlan (1), Tomatlan (1), Zapotlan El Grande (1) and Tapalpa (1).

Upcoming Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around the Bay
Click on titles for more information

• Kaiser Maximilian Mother's Day Specials

• 'Mini Kiteboard World Cup' May 9-12

• May 10: A Night of Trios at No Way José!

• Vallarta Bugambilia Festival, May 17-25th

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!