Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - The Amapas Neighborhood Association (ANA), a group of Mexican and ex-pat residents and business owners that work together to enhance the quality of life through improvements in security, streets and infrastructure, and responsible development, tells us what's been happening in Colonia Amapas this Summer.

ANA is the official representative of Colonia Amapas to City Hall, so if you want your voice heard and your concerns addressed, membership in the Amapas Neighborhood Association is your best bet.

Collapsed Retaining Wall on Gardenias Repaired in Record Time

Along with the heat and humidity, summer rains have come to Vallarta, making up for lost time in July and bringing with them the usual rock and mud-slides, including one in our neighborhood. Last month, a retaining wall on Gardenias, just above/across the street from Brisas Lunar, came down, blocking the street (vehicle access to Monte Vista, Avalon and Las Moradas) and taking a power line with it. ANA Administrator Viviana Teston was quickly on the phone to Proteccion Civil. Police, Bomberos and CFE crews responded immediately, working into the night to clear the street and restore power. Thanks, Guys!

ANA Welcomes Michael Lindner to our Board of Directors

ANA's Hostess With The Mostest, ANA Board member Robin Spencer, has stepped down from the Board to devote more time to her new business venture, PIG OUT – a personal shopping service delivering the best and most local of groceries. Our Acta Constitutiva (Constitution) provides for the Board to fill a temporary vacancy like this for the remainder of the current term, and we are pleased to welcome Michael Lindner to the Board, with special focus on Full Member Buildings and Fundraising. Click HERE to learn more.

ANA Completes Hortensias Repaving Project

Between rains, ANA Assistant Manager Fernando Hernandez organized and oversaw our crew as they widened the pavement with a new, meter-wide grooved track at the 90 degree turn, just before Villas Loma Linda. As a result, two cars can now pass without trading paint or risking side-view mirrors. ANA thanks our many Individual and Full Building Members who contributed the funds necessary to put this plan into action. It shows what neighbors can accomplish working together.

Highway Sidewalk Begins Work Soon

Phase One of an all-weather sidewalk along the west side of Highway 200, from Conchas Chinas, north to Calle Pulpito, will soon begin construction. Thanks to Diane & Glenn Walsh, Harris Spiridonides, Richard Lohman, Louise Martin, and other members & friends in Paramount Bay, ANA has the 100,000 pesos necessary to complete Phase One – from Villa Tita to the Macuaz driveway, opposite and north of Paramount Bay. As soon as we receive permission for an off-road staging area, we'll get to work.

Los Pinos Undermined Pavement Update

In May, members of your ANA Board met with Mayor Davalos to review the almost two-year history of our reports and requests for help with the undermined Los Pinos pavement. We presented him with an entire file of photos, documents and Civil Proteccion Dictamin of Risk to the street.

In June, ANA hired local Civil Engineer Antonio Mercurio to analyze the Los Pinos erosion/landslide and prepare a report of observations, conclusions, assessment of risks and hazards, and recommendations. He reported imminent danger, recommended restricted parking and constructing a retaining wall.

In July, ANA submitted Ing. Mercurio's report, which adds weight and urgency to the Proteccion Civil Dictamen of Risk already on file with City Hall. When the Director of Obras Publicas dismissed Ing. Mercurio's findings, we sent an official letter to Mayor Davalos, with copies to the relevant City Departments – Obras Publicas, Planning, Proteccion Civil, and Transito – requesting a written response to the report of our Civil Engineer.

Last month we sent a follow-up request. You can find both the English and Spanish versions HERE on the ANA website.

Your ANA is researching other ways to get City Hall's attention and action, and reaching out to the local Spanish-language media to bring public awareness and opinion to bear on the Los Pinos problem.

We welcome your suggestions. In the meantime, we'll keep pushing for official recognition that a significant public safety danger exists and deserves immediate City Hall attention and action.

Happy Birthday To Us: ANA Turns 17!

It all started back in 2000, when a group of Amapas neighbors banded together to protect themselves against aggressive developers who had moved into then-tranquil Amapas with little regard for their new neighbors. And the rest, poco a poco, has become our history. We celebrated our 17th birthday at ANA's August Meet-and-Greet hosted by Steve Ross & Board member Sylvia Toy. Over two dozen 'hard-core' summer residents brought appetizers and wine to share. Founding President Susan Wiseman and long-time Board member Rolf Engstrom were recognized for their service with Certificates of Merit, and each shared personal memories of ANA's founding and evolution. We had party-hats, balloons, free-flowing Margaritas... and there was cake!

ANA Welcomes New Business Sponsor Bravos

Host/owner Michael Bouford and Bravos Restaurant Bar, Madero #263 in the heart of Zona Romantica, return as a Business Sponsor. Known for their extensive menu, consistent quality, upscale ambiance, attentive service, and dangerous (in a good way) desserts, we like Bravos for celebrations and special occasions. When you visit, tell Michael that ANA sent you! and show them your membership card. They recently served their last meal for this season, so if you missed them, plan on dining with them on October.