Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There's always so much going on in Puerto Vallarta and around the Republic, it can be difficult to keep up with it all. Here's a look at some of this week's breaking Mexico news stories, a couple of community announcements, and a few Banderas Bay area events you won't want to miss.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens’ 2014 Calendar

The Vallarta Botanical Gardens’ 2014 Calendar is now available for purchase at the Gardens’ gift shop and online store for only $100 pesos (plus S&H if mailed). These make great holiday gift items so consider purchasing several for the upcoming holiday season. (Limited supply available.) Proceeds from the sale of this calendar go directly towards the Vallarta Conservatory of Mexican Orchids. The 2014 Calendar celebrates the 50th anniversary of The Night of the Iguana, the movie that made Puerto Vallarta famous.

Mexico Storm Victims Will Get Aid to Rebuild

President Enrique Peña Nieto said on Wednesday that federal, state and municipal governments will continue to work together to rebuild areas damaged by Hurricanes Ingrid and Manuel, which struck Mexico's Gulf coast and Pacific coasts last month, affecting a total of 1.7 million people and causing significant damage to property and infrastructure. A study conducted by Social Development Secretary Rosario Robles Berlanga to determine the full extent of the damage in affected areas shows that nearly 25,000 homes have been damaged and that 9,000 homes were completely destroyed. Peña Nieto said that the federal government will provide these families with aid to restore or rebuild their homes. He has also unveiled a new program to help micro and small enterprises based in the storm-stricken regions. The program will channel $525 million pesos ($39 million USD) in assistance to microenterprises based in municipalities declared natural disaster areas, the President said when presenting the Economic Reactivation Program for Micro and Small Enterprises. Immediate action is needed so "temporary losses do not lead to permanent loss of businesses, jobs and income," he added.

'Purses 4 PAWS' to Benefit SPCA

Is a name brand bag gathering dust in your closet? If so, donate it to the Puerto Vallarta SPCA Sanctuary's "Purses 4 PAWS" campaign. SPCA de PV is teaming up with Deja New Consignments to sell previously loved, name brand purses, satchels and clutches. All proceeds will go toward the care and support of stray animals in our community. Simply place your donations in a bag, mark it with your full name and "SPCA Puerto Vallarta," then bring it to one of three drop-off locations: • Deja New Consignments, Jacarandas #280, Old Town • Fashions 4 Charity (from 10 am–2 pm Tuesday-Sunday, after November 1st) at Paradise Community Center, Pulpito #127, SSPV • The SPCA Tuesday PAWesome tour, which departs at 12:00 pm from the grassy area in front of Costco. For more information, contact Nicole Martin at nicole(at)cupocity.com.

Gay Rights Bill Stalled in Jalisco Congress

Jalisco’s gay rights movement suffered a setback on Tuesday as the State Congress’ Human Rights Commission withdrew its approval of a bill that would enhance the rights of same-sex couples. The chairman of the legislative committee, Hugo Gaeta of the centrist Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), had submitted a proposal in favor of the Ley de Libre Convivencia, but this was withdrawn at the request of Mariana Arambula of the right-wing National Action Party (PAN) and Roberto Mendoza of the PRI, who sought to further analyze the bill and consider possible changes in light of a forum held to discuss the law on Tuesday. Read more »»

Upcoming Events in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay
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• 2014 Heroes Calendar Launch Party Tonight!

• Puerto Vallarta Orchestra School Free Fall Concerts

• Mariana 'Barbie' Juarez Fight at Hard Rock Vallarta

• Ohtli Spa Hosts Cocktail Fundraiser for Grupo Esperanza

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!