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 Vallarta and Mexico news headlines, some community announcements, and a couple of this weekend's events that you won't want to miss.

Mexican Legislators Say 'Yes' to the Privatization of Water

On March 4 Mexico's Chamber of Deputies approved the new General Water Law, which has been described by civil organizations as a government attempt to privatize the resource and promote the use of water in the technique of fracking for shale gas extraction, and to give businesses and construction companies additional benefits. The Water Resources, Potable Water and Sewerage joint commission was approved by 31 votes from Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), National Action Party (PAN) and Green Ecologist of Mexico (PVEM) deputies, though the judgment was not consensual with civil society organizations. It is noteworthy that no votes against the prescript nor abstentions were recorded because the deputies of the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) and National Regeneration Movement (Morena) rejected the new General Water Law and left the session saying that they could not validate this dispossession of the Mexican people. They also accused PRI and PAN of not distributing the dictate to the opposition until just two hours before the united commissions meeting began. One of those who left the session was the president of the Committee for Water Resources, Gerardo Gaudiano Rovirosa of the PRD party. Opposing lawmakers complained that the dictate adopted on Wednesday was not developed by legislators, but was sent directly from the offices of the National Water Commission (Conagua). The unanimous opinion was sent to the Board of the Chamber of Deputies and is expected to be discussed and approved this week at the San Lazaro plenary session. Source: SinEmbargo.mx

Holden Furniture and Design Final Liquidation Sale

One of Puerto Vallarta's leading home furnishing and interior decorating companies, Holden Furniture and Design, is closing its doors forever. The going-out-of-business sale ends on Friday at 5:00 pm at their Plaza Rivera Molino showroom at Ignacio L. Vallarta 130, said Christopher Holden owner of the store, which sells contemporary and stylish furniture and decor. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to save big on sofas, chairs, ottomans, dressers, bookcases, accent tables, modular home office furniture and more. EVERYTHING MUST GO! "It's going pretty fast," Holden said Thursday. "Since we announced our liquidation sale, many customers have been walking through the door and are sorry to see us go."

'Electroacopio 2015,' Puerto Vallarta Electronics Recycling Campaign

As part of the city's efforts to take care of our local environment, Puerto Vallarta's Department of Municipal Services invites everyone to participate in 'Electroacopio 2015,' an inter-municipal campaign for the collection and recycling of unused/unwanted electronics. On March 13th and 14th from 9 am to 4 pm, collections points will be set up at Unidad Deportiva Aguistin Flores Contreras (the Sports Stadium near the Sheraton) and Soriana Pitillal, where citizens can drop off unused/unwanted computers, video game consoles, hard drives, laptops, telecommunications devices, televisions, cell phones, ipods, keyboards, mice, monitors (only with a CPU), printers and copiers, faxes, palm pilots, DVD players, CD and MP3 players, projectors, power supplies, chargers and cables, CDs and floppy discs, typewriters, small appliances, microwave ovens, stereos, etc. No air conditioners or large appliances will be accepted. All of the electronic waste collected will be delivered to a recycling company that has the appropriate certifications for these tasks. For more information, call the Department of Environment and Ecology at (322) 222-0120 and 224-8506, or check out their Facebook page.

March 6th Southside Shuffle Happenings

Every other Friday from 6 to 10 pm, Puerto Vallarta's Zona Romantica is bustling with activity, as locals and tourists head over to Basilio Badillo to do the Southside Shuffle. Now in its fifth year, the South Side shuffle offers a mix of culture, cocktails and music that gives everyone a chance to hang out with old friends and meet new ones - and the perfect excuse to shop for clothing, jewelry, art and home decor items at participating businesses on Basilio Badillo. During this week's event, Galleria Dante will welcome artists Israel Zzepda and Javier & David Zepeda with a cocktail reception. Come out and meet the artists and see their latest works. While you're there, be sure to check out Di Vino Dante Wine & Tapas Bar, a new addition to the old hacienda that houses Galleria Dante and the gallery's sculpture garden, that's open until 11:00 pm. Then stop by Ambos Galeria, where the work of Petru Voichescu will be featured and local musician Andrea Jupina will be playing flute together with a wonderful pianist, Jean-Guy Comeau, who plays with the Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal. Jean-Guy will begin playing at about 7 pm and Andrea will join him around 8 pm. If you're in town, come out and enjoy an evening of art, music, food, drinks, and conversation!

Weekend Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
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• 2015 Puerto Vallarta International Birding Festival

• Weekend Brunch at Si Señor Beach Restaurant

• Fourth Annual Riverfest to Benefit Pasitos de Luz