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

Mexico Planning $46 Billion Coast-to-Coast Wind-Energy Push

Mexico is planning to quadruple its wind-power capacity as part of President Enrique Pena Nieto's effort to transform the country's energy industry. The country expects to have about 10 gigawatts of turbines in operation within three years spread across almost every region, up from 2.5 gigawatts in 2014, part of a government plan to add 20 gigawatts of clean energy by 2030, according to Mexico's Wind Energy Association. A total of 22 gigawatts of wind power will be added over the next 25 years, requiring $46 billion in investment. The wind push is due to two converging trends: Mexico's historic shift from a state-controlled energy monopoly, and its efforts to transform a grid that relies on fossil fuels for three-fourths of the nation's electricity. Read more at Bloomberg.com.

DIF Food Drive Continues Through October 30

In commemoration of World Food Day, the System for Integral Family Development (DIF) of Puerto Vallarta started a collection of non-perishable food items on October 16th under the slogan "Tu Ayuda Alimenta" (Your Help Feeds.) The Puerto Vallarta food drive will continue until October 30, 2015. The President of the charitable institution, Candelaria Tovar de Dávalos, reported that the aim of the campaign is to support the most vulnerable families in Puerto Vallarta. Everyone is encouraged to deliver their donations to the collection center installed at the DIF system headquarters on Avenida Paseo Las Palmas No. 105, Colonia Santa María, which will be open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Specifically requested are foods such as pasta, beans, oats, cereals, sugar, canned food, canned juices, salt, oil, powdered milk, instant coffee, tomato puree, and other non-perishable food items. For more information, please call (322) 225-99-36/37/38/39/40 extension 20.

Mexican Congress Amends Tax Law for 2016
Steven M. Fry - YucaLandia

On October 18, 2015, the Mexican Congress amended the tax law for 2016. Under the new rules, our primary residence will be exempt from capital gains after living in the home for just 3 years, instead of the current law’s every 5 years. Soda pop manufacturers got a boost with 50% reductions in taxes on high-calorie drinks. The tax limit on cars has been raised from 130,000 pesos to $175,000 for 2016. Click HERE to read YucaLandia's main Mexican tax article, Capital Gains Taxes on Mexican Properties.

American School's Traditional Halloween Celebration

Come one and all to the traditional Halloween celebration at the American School of Puerto Vallarta! This year's theme is "Hotel Transylvania," so there will be lots of color, amazing shows and fun for all ages on the Colegio Americano school grounds. The event will be held on Thursday, October 29, from 6:00 to 11:00 pm. The entrance fee is $60 pesos and tickets can be purchased at the door the day of the event. It will feature a fair, a haunted house guaranteed to make you shiver, food stalls, a disco, and lots of fun! Try your luck at one of the fair games or join a team for laser tag. There will be lots of great options for the little ones as well. Spread the word! Bring your friends and enjoy this year's Halloween party at ASPV! The American School of Puerto Vallarta is located at Albatros 129 in Marina Vallarta.

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

• St. Regis Punta Mita 5k 'Pink Run for the Cause'

• 7th Banderas Bay Rotary Club Golf Tournament

• Tamales Oaxaqueños Cooking Class at El Arrayán