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.

Help Bring Solar Power to Los Mangos Library

Biblioteca Los Mangos (the Puerto Vallarta Public Library) is going through rough times. The government took away the subsidy so we are having a hard time meeting the day-to-day operational costs. eSun Energy has presented us with a proposal to install a PhotoVoltaic Solar System at cost so the Library can be self-sufficient energy wise. This solution will save the library $10,000 USD, which can be used to update our inventory of books and learning materials, and enable us to continue offering traditional and contemporary cultural programs to all members of the community. We are asking for donations for this special and very important project in keeping our doors open. We've made it easy for you to support the Puerto Vallarta Public Library... just CLICK HERE to donate online. Thank you, Adriana García, Biblioteca Los Mangos Executive Director

Mexico Bans Slot Machines

Mexico has issued a decree banning slot machines, and limiting the ability of casino permit holders to rent out or cede their permits to other operators. Mexico has been stung by repeated scandals involving casinos and casino permits. The new rules limit permits to 25 years, down from a previous total of as much as 40 years. Permit holders had also been able to lease out their concessions to other operators, something that is banned under the new rules, which went into effect on Thursday.

Vallarta Pride 2014 Festival Meeting

The Puerto Vallarta Business Association for Commerce and Tourism LGBT (ACTLGBT) invites the public to attend a working group for the upcoming Vallarta Pride 2014 Festival. This third in a series of working and planning meetings seeks to select a working steering committee and agree upon the main events to headline the 5 day festival from May 22nd to 26th, 2014. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 29th, 2013 from 5 to 7 pm at Almar Resort, formerly Meza del Mar, in Olas Altas. The committee welcomes those interested in volunteering their time and experience to create an annual event that continues to draw international tourism to Puerto Vallarta. The two hour meeting will include a presentation of advances to date on the project along with creative and team building sessions. For more information or to learn how you can participate, click HERE or email marketing(at)vallartapride.com.

Energy Secretary Calls for a 'Free' Pemex

State-owned oil company Pemex must be freed from its regulatory straightjacket so that it can make use of foreign investment, Energy Secretary Pedro Joaquín Coldwell said on Wednesday, adding that this is the only way the company can become competitive and exploit deepwater oil deposits. Joaquín Coldwell's comments were made before the Senate, which is holding a series of forums to discuss Mexico's energy future with interested parties before opening debate on a controversial energy reform designed to boost Pemex's falling production levels. The modernization of Pemex, Joaquín Coldwell said, must involve an internal restructuring and increased budget autonomy, as well as less regulation, which would allow it to make use of private investment, which is currently prohibited under the Mexican Constitution. He said that this would give the company access to cutting-edge technology that it currently lacks.

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

• Ohtli Spa Hosts Cocktail Fundraiser for Grupo Esperanza

• Centro Historico ArtWalk Starts October 30

• Old Town Farmers' Market Resumes November 2

• The Family Feud - Vallarta Edition at No Way José!

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!