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. Here's a look at some of this week's Vallarta news headlines, some community announcements, and a couple of upcoming local events you won't want to miss.

CUC Saturday Science Program Open to the Public

To continue with its mission to spread art and culture, as well as scientific and human knowledge for the conservation of the environment, the Centro Universitario de la Costa (CUCosta) at the University of Guadalajara in Puerto Vallarta invites everyone to be a part of their Saturday Science program this Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 10:00 am in the CUC's Juan Luis Cifuentes Lemus auditorium. Biologist Abel de la Torre Velasco will present "Y... ¿a dónde van los delfines al doctor?" (Where do dolphins go to the doctor?) After the conference there will be a visit to the Peter Gray Art Museum and the Environmental Management Reptilarium Cipactli Center. These special science, art, and ecology presentations are free of charge and open to the public. If you plan to attend, RSVP to (322) 226-2239 or email guadalupe.moreno(at)cuc.udg.mx.

Alaska Airlines Grows to 16 Nonstop Routes from San Diego

Alaska Airlines announced on Wednesday that they will grow to 16 destinations from San Diego. "We're growing and adding flights in important West Coast markets to give our customers more opportunities to explore the great places we fly," Joe Sprague, the airline's Senior vice president of communications and external relations, said in a statement. With the new service, Alaska Airlines will fly nonstop to 16 cities from San Diego. They are Kona on the "Big Island" of Hawaii; Boise, Idaho; Boston, Massachusetts; Fresno, California; Honolulu; Kahului (Maui), Hawaii; Lihue (Kauai), Hawaii; Los Cabos, Mexico; Mammoth Lakes, California; Monterey, California; Salt Lake City, Utah; Santa Rosa, California; Seattle; Orlando, Florida; Portland, Oregon; and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

4th Taste of La Cruz Expo/Fair Date Announced

Taste of La Cruz event organizers have just announced that their Fourth Annual event will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2015 from 3:00 until 7:00 pm on the Malecón of the Marina in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. The "tasty" yearly expo/fair features premiere businesses, services and restaurants from throughout the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta region in a beautiful outdoor venue. In addition, local artisans and craftsmen will offer unique regional art, clothing and food. A select group of musical acts from throughout the Banderas Bay region will perform at the Marina's Xiriki Amphitheater. Visitors enjoy the festival atmosphere, delicious food and drink and the variety of intriguing businesses and entrepreneurs, while grooving to the music. Past exhibitors have been unanimous in their praise of the expo/fair in providing an exciting and vibrant platform for the promotion of their businesses. Among this year's sponsors and exhibitors are: Los Arroyos Verdes, Best of Bucerias, Café Des Artistes/Tuna Blanca, Frascati, Hotel Cielo Rojo San Pancho, Inside La Cruz, Puerto Bahia and Sonora a La Parilla. For more info, call Landon at 322-116-4731 or email TasteOfLaCruz2015(at)gmail.com.

2014-2015 Centro Historico ArtWalk Starts October 29

On October 29, the Puerto Vallarta Centro Historico ArtWalk will kick off its 17th year of spotlighting Mexico's finest artists as well as artists from other countries who have chosen Vallarta as their home. From 6-10 pm every Wednesday evening from October 29, 2014 through May 27, 2015, art lovers can explore Puerto Vallarta's numerous artistic offerings during a self-guided walking tour with cocktail exhibitions at nine galleries in the city's historic downtown area. Both local and international artists display their work within these galleries, featuring art in all mediums - paintings, sculptures, pottery and folk art - so be sure to stop by to meet the artists, view new work, and share in the wealth of culture Vallarta's ArtWalk presents. A free brochure with information about the Centro Historico ArtWalk and a map to the participating galleries is available at most all of the major hotels, businesses and galleries in town, or online at VallartaArtWalk.com.

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

• Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica, October 22-25

• ACT II Entertainment Presents Del Shores' Sordid Best

• ART VallARTA Sugar Skull Making Workshop, October 29