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 headlines from local Spanish language newspapers, breaking Mexico news stories, and a couple of upcoming local events you won't want to miss.

Natural Disaster Preparedness Seminar

A natural disaster can happen anytime. Few disasters give warning. Once a disaster happens, the time to prepare is gone and all you can do is cope. The best time to learn what YOU NEED TO PREPARE... is NOW! PV Municipal Civil Protection and Fire fighters, in conjunction with the American and Canadian Consular Agencies of Puerto Vallarta, invite everyone to attend a special presentation (in English) on Wednesday, September 18, 2013, at 10:00 am. This important and informative event will take place at O’Rourke & Associates – "O & A" Theatre/Salon (Plaza Marina, next door to Scotia Bank.) Don’t miss the opportunity to come and learn from those who will be "in charge" in the event of a disaster. A short introduction to the Puerto Vallarta Municipal Office dedicated to the Attention and Assistance for Tourists and Foreign Residents (OAATRE) will also be presented. This is an important contact when you want your voice to be heard by the local authorities. Space is limited so make your reservation right away by calling (322) 176-0770 or by emailing morourke(at)oaseguros.com.mx.

Government Willing to Revise Tax Plan

Faced with a growing chorus of resistance to measures that critics say hurt the middle class, the Mexican government said on Wednesday it was open to exploring alternatives to some of the more divisive proposals in the newly unveiled tax overhaul. Political opponents have voiced dismay at measures like taxing private education, ending mortgage rebates and lifting the top income tax rate to 32 percent from 30 percent for those who earn more than 500,000 pesos ($37,800) a year. Emilio Gamboa, the head of the PRI's bloc in the Senate, said he expected the bill to be modified as it moves through Congress. "We must look after (the middle class), because they are also a motor of the economy ... and I know there are parents who make a great effort to send their children to private school, which hits their salary heavily, and imposing sales tax (on schooling) would really hurt them."

Classes Suspended at 150+ Vallarta Schools

Classes were suspended in about 150 schools in Puerto Vallarta on Wednesday, as local teachers joined the nationwide movement against educational reform. Although the strike was not widespread, it is estimated that approximately 27,000 students could not attend school. Many of the campuses that remained open for classes were subjected to protester sit-ins and banners hung on the walls, whereas in the schools where the teachers stopped working, in addition to the banners, guards were posted to prevent students from entering and marching teachers carried placards that said, "Before insulting us, you should be informed," and "Every year this school is evaluated and it always gets very good results, but the reform is unjust, so today we are demonstrating." The strike was short-lived, as students returned to classes on Thursday.

Vallarta Convention Center Recognized

MDC Magazine has recognized the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center as one of the top ten meeting and event venues in Mexico for the second year in a row. In 2012, it was featured on the magazine's cover, and this year, it is part of a collage with other convention centers in Mexico. "This is an international journal for meeting planners with diverse content relating to tourism and the operation of the major convention centers in Mexico," said Puerto Vallarta Convention Center Director, Patricia Farias Barlow. The Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center provides businesses from around the world the opportunity to host a variety of events, such as congresses, conferences, forums, summits, exhibitions, social events, shows, corporate and sporting events, strengthening Puerto Vallarta's position as an important meeting venue in Mexico. In 2012, MDC Magazine highlighted the complex's great architectural beauty and the professional operation of each event, which resulted in a number of important conventions, including the 2012 Tianguis Turistico México and the 2012 World Economic Forum.

Upcoming Events in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay
Click on titles for more information

• September is Theater Month in Puerto Vallarta

• 2013 Fiestas Patrias Events Schedule

• No Way José! Opens Cantina with El Grito

• Los Alcatraces Hosts 'Gringo BINGO' for Purr Project

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!