BajaNomad - New La Paz goverment wants your opinion

New La Paz goverment wants your opinion

JESSE - 2-28-2011 at 12:59 AM

As you all know, we just had elections here in Baja sur. Here in La Paz, our new elected mayor Esthela Ponce has asked me about ideas on how to improve communications and or services with the local foreign community. So this is your chance to offer your ideas on things you would like to see from the new goverment. I already told her it would be a good idea to set up a bilingual office that could offer assitance and advice on how to deal with payments, permits, etc etc

bajabass - 2-28-2011 at 06:38 AM

Having only been here for a few months, the first and only thing that comes to mind is street signs! I have most of the main streets figured out, but chase my own burro in circles looking for places on the smaller streets.

wessongroup - 2-28-2011 at 06:48 AM

Now that mayor is one smart politician ....

Best of luck to her..

[Edited on 2-28-2011 by wessongroup]

[Edited on 2-28-2011 by wessongroup]

bajajudy - 2-28-2011 at 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wessongroup
Now that mayor is one smart politician ....

Best of luck to him..

[Edited on 2-28-2011 by wessongroup]

HER

Pescador - 2-28-2011 at 08:57 AM

I would second the idea on putting back some of the street signs. My last time there, it was almost impossible to figure out where you were unless you had a map and counted streets. Years past I could remember finding a lot more signs, but I think they left for many different reasons and just never got around to putting them back up.

The other thing that would be great would be a web site for the city to list all of the things going on and general information.

Town hall meetings

bajaguy - 2-28-2011 at 09:07 AM

On a regular basis for the ex-pats.......maybe you could elect longleggs as the ex-pat spokesperson!!!!!! :lol:

Simple

Dave - 2-28-2011 at 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
this is your chance to offer your ideas on things you would like to see from the new goverment.

HONESTY.

Fire anyone who has accepted a bribe and replace them with folks who won't.

End corruption.

BMG - 2-28-2011 at 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
As you all know, we just had elections here in Baja sur. Here in La Paz, our new elected mayor Esthela Ponce has asked me about ideas on how to improve communications and or services with the local foreign community. So this is your chance to offer your ideas on things you would like to see from the new goverment. I already told her it would be a good idea to set up a bilingual office that could offer assitance and advice on how to deal with payments, permits, etc etc

I would like to see more effort made towards graffiti removal. We find that painting over it as soon as it happens is effective. I'm not pleased with companies that let their properties get covered like this major name car rental company let's it's wash lot wall become an eyesore for the neighborhood it's in.

Jan6_2011_.JPG - 44kB

tripledigitken - 2-28-2011 at 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
...................

The other thing that would be great would be a web site for the city to list all of the things going on and general information.

Pescador,

Until they do.......this site is very good for the Artsy things going on.

http://www.rozinlapaz.com/rozinlapaz/Home.html

Ken

editgringa - 3-1-2011 at 09:02 AM

I agree. I can drive past 10 streets in a row on Altamirano and not one sign. This would be good for visitors and residents alike. I have been here 2 plus years and still don't know all the names of the streets as I drive past STREET SIGNS ARE MOST NEEDED.

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabass
Having only been here for a few months, the first and only thing that comes to mind is street signs! I have most of the main streets figured out, but chase my own burro in circles looking for places on the smaller streets.

Russ - 3-1-2011 at 10:14 AM

Just when you think you have jumped through all the hoops to start/continue improvements to your dream lot PROFEPA or another agency steps on you with a fines for not complying or filing for something else. It's really frustrating and has turned a lot of buyers away. If there was a site where property owners and prospective buyers could obtain a definitive check list of what is required and who to contact it may make the process a little less daunting.

bajajazz - 3-1-2011 at 11:40 AM

1) What Russ (and everyone else) has said;

2) An English-language digest of the most important local news, perhaps a couple of pages printed weekly in one of the local periodicos. (I can read a textbook in Espanol, but find newspaper-Spanish to be nearly incomprehensible).

3) A cessation of building permits for new construction until our water problem is solved.

And Jesse, be sure to thank her for thinking of us . . . we appreciate it greatly.

DENNIS - 3-1-2011 at 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajajazz
And Jesse, be sure to thank her for thinking of us . . .

That's what politicians do best. :lol:

Bajahowodd - 3-1-2011 at 05:26 PM

"2) An English-language digest of the most important local news, perhaps a couple of pages printed weekly in one of the local periodicos. (I can read a textbook in Espanol, but find newspaper-Spanish to be nearly incomprehensible"

With all due respect, I just don't think something like that would be a responsibility of the government.

That said, just perhaps the new mayor has a vision about the foreign community and seeks to expand it.

Frank - 3-1-2011 at 06:41 PM

How about firing the traffic cops that cover the La Paz to East Cape bypass road. Every year I get stopped usually in both directions. No, I dont pay the mordida, but it really makes me not want to spend time in the city.

gnukid - 3-1-2011 at 07:31 PM

Does anyone know of a form to send reports or questions about odd behavior in the city-ayunatamiento directly to anyone willing to receive or check into what is going on, it would be helpful if one could send video, documents, photos evidence in relation to odd actions by those claiming the authority of the city to cause false problems.

Posting here or directly to Jesse is great, but something more direct is better.

[Edited on 3-2-2011 by gnukid]

JESSE - 3-1-2011 at 09:04 PM

The elected mayor understands that ALL taxpayers deserve the attention of the city goverment, and is thinking of ways to improve services.

AncientDigitalDude - 3-1-2011 at 11:15 PM

The expats in La Paz (and probably in all other Mexican cities) do an incredible job of reaching out to their Mexican neighbors, especially the less fortunate ones. I think it's a HUGE gesture on the part of the new government to seek input from us. We all grumble about this problem or that, but here's a chance to open a meaningful dialog with the people who control many aspects of our lives. Those of us who aren't (yet) Mexican citizens are frequently warned to stay away from local politics and to keep our opinions to ourselves but Municipal President-elect Ponce has reached out - let's meet her half way with some positive feedback!

SOME RECIPROCITY, PLEASE

bajajazz - 3-3-2011 at 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
"2) An English-language digest of the most important local news, perhaps a couple of pages printed weekly in one of the local periodicos. (I can read a textbook in Espanol, but find newspaper-Spanish to be nearly incomprehensible"

With all due respect, I just don't think something like that would be a responsibility of the government.

Actually, what I proposed, "an English-language digest of the most important local news," was done years ago, written by an expatriate Gringa and printed as I recall in El SudCalifornio. It was a popular feature but made the mistake of telling the truth one too many times and the city fathers had it killed.

Governments may not have the responsibility to write the news but they do have a responsibility to not hinder its collection and reporting, and as taxpayers we have the right to know what's going on in our community.

In the USA we have bi-lingual ballots, directional signs, dead-tree publications and over 5,000 Spanish-language radio stations, all of which involve government sponsorship or control in one way or another. Why can't Mexico reciprocate even a little bit? Why do all the concessions to further mutual understanding have to be made by the USA?

gnukid - 3-3-2011 at 08:53 AM

Does anyone know of a location to send reports of impropriety in the city ayuntamiento? For example obra publicas, building permits, false inspections demanding money etc... and of course where can reports of police corruption be sent, including video, photos and documents? Please? This would help greatly.

Do you think TV Azteca and colectivopericu,wordpress.com are the best sites to support ciudanos?

oxxo - 3-3-2011 at 09:16 AM

Some place or phone number to report corrupt traffic cops......that is more than just window dressing. Two years ago, I was stopped at the TS "Y" by La Paz cops demanding money, didn't even accuse me of an offense.

Dave - 3-3-2011 at 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajajazz
Why do all the concessions to further mutual understanding have to be made by the USA?

Whys and wherefores seem to be exclusively an American tradition. In Mexico it's either do, or not do.

comitan - 3-3-2011 at 01:09 PM

The simplest way that they can inform the expats, is to set up a Facebook acct. in English with info they would like the expats to know and it also could be used to make reports of abuses

Frank - 3-3-2011 at 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oxxo
Some place or phone number to report corrupt traffic cops......that is more than just window dressing. Two years ago, I was stopped at the TS "Y" by La Paz cops demanding money, didn't even accuse me of an offense.

Doesnt make you want to go spend your tourist dollars in the city, when you get "bit" before you are even there. I'd love to see what La Paz has to offer this year......

JESSE - 3-3-2011 at 05:27 PM

All comments will be forwarded directly to the elected mayor, keep them coming.

Bajahowodd - 3-3-2011 at 05:41 PM

Seems to me that ex-pats ought to develop their own political strength by working together for a unified voice.

Bottom line, you are in a foreign country, and if you appear to cross a line wherein it appears you demand special treatment from your host country, you are likely to lose.

While it is certainly encouraging to see that the new mayor of LA Paz is reaching out to the foreign community, I just have to wonder about the motivation. Certainly cannot get inside her head, but ponder whether she may believe that a considerable force in the future growth and well-being of La Paz is the foreign community.

That said, it just seems to me that you folks living there need to organize and form a strategic group that will have influence on the local government.

Individuals bear so much less gravitas than a clearly define organization. And given that although La Paz has a vibrant forein community today, from all the sources I've read, it should continue to grow. Go for it.

comitan - 3-3-2011 at 06:32 PM

On the back window of an SUV today a poster saying thank you La Paz from Esta]ella Ponce.

mcfez - 3-3-2011 at 06:39 PM

Don't San Felipe have workers in yellow vests....downtown at times...to help out the tourist? Maybe a little tourist help center...

BajaBlanca - 3-3-2011 at 07:18 PM

Jesse,

1. Please tell the mayor that I would love to help out with translations from espanol into English, or with anything else that can be done over the internet, since I live in LA BOCANA, BCS.

2. There is NO sign for LA BOCANA on la carretera - only for punta abreojos. Possible to get one ?

3. We have fishing in La Bocana and need a biosphere representative to sell bracelets and collect money for permits from visitors.

4. Russ is correct - a definitive list of what is required for building or improving a home would be fantastic.

and thanks for listening Sra. Esthela Ponce. This is a wonderful stance !

tiotomasbcs - 3-3-2011 at 07:41 PM

Ancient Dude, good Onda and experienced thot! So often disappointed but still hopeful and positive. Go eStella!! Crooked traffic cops are always a pain in the Culo, no!? Welcome to the Nomads, by the way. More opinions, please.

Tio

capitolkat - 3-4-2011 at 09:44 AM

They just finished a new park at the northern entrance to Lap Paz- the Whale tail/dove park-- and even before they finished some punks graffitied the whale tale and the workers who were still painting , planting etc. never did anything. My wife and I would be willing to start a brigade of graffiti volunteers to paint over graffiti in public places. You supply the paint and we'll find folks to help. Immediate removal of graffiti works to keep it off and frustrates the message purpose of the graffiti. Thanks Jesse--Norm

BajaBlanca - 3-10-2011 at 11:57 AM

capitolkat - that is a wonderful idea, someone supplies the paint and the graffitti can be dealt with rapido, which would indeed deter the graffitti artists. great idea.

longlegsinlapaz - 3-27-2011 at 11:30 AM

Jesse, would Esthela Ponce carry any weight in putting pressure on PROFEPA to enforce the legal cease & desist(s) which have been issued by the courts? Preferably BEFORE they do any more environmental damage building the marina they've already begun work on??

I sincerely feel that this is an important issue for residents of all nationalities.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lapazgringos/message/8687

David K - 3-27-2011 at 12:14 PM

Blanca... the La Bocana sign idea would be something for a state official (not a mayor of La Paz) or federal office, being it would be for Hwy. 1... right?

Signs to services, a city directory, and street signs are great ideas for La Paz! Thanks Jesse for your service to the new mayor and to Baja Nomads!

grizzlyfsh95 - 3-27-2011 at 03:55 PM

Quote:

I heartily agree. Imagine if the taxpayers had to foot the cost of translating and printing all of that "stuff". What a ridiculous idea. Any country that would do that is crazy

Bajahowodd - 3-27-2011 at 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Blanca... the La Bocana sign idea would be something for a state official (not a mayor of La Paz) or federal office, being it would be for Hwy. 1... right?

Signs to services, a city directory, and street signs are great ideas for La Paz! Thanks Jesse for your service to the new mayor and to Baja Nomads!

I think SCT is the government entity Blanca needs to contact.

BajaBlanca - 3-31-2011 at 03:23 PM

yes, I think you all oabove arte correct - the new mayor is not the correct person to contact re signs ....

SCT ... here I come !!

JESSE - 5-12-2011 at 04:31 PM

Mayor Ponce has agreed to do a meeting with the foreign community in La Paz municipality. We have to figure out the dates (20 to 30 days from now aprox), and the place and time. She wants to know how she can improve communication betwen the local goverment and the foreign community, plus she will give you all the details of the new english speaking office that will specifically deal with advising and helping foreigners that live in La Paz to deal with getting permits, paying for services and taxes, and dealing with problems.

longlegsinlapaz - 5-13-2011 at 06:14 AM

As will I! Starting a (short) list of questions/concerns & hope to find time to write it down soon before I forget any key points! Gracias Jesse for keeping us informed!

DENNIS - 5-13-2011 at 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
foreign community in La Paz

I'm not sure what or why it is but, although an accurate label, the term foreigner seems so divisive, especially for those who make an effort to assimilate.
I wish I could suggest something a bit more endearing.

bajamigo - 5-13-2011 at 08:28 AM

In Europe, they don't refer much to "migrant labor;" instead, they are "guest workers." Something in that same spirit might work, though at this hour of the day, I can't think what it might be.

DENNIS - 5-13-2011 at 08:43 AM

Wellll...let's see now...hmm....OK, howsa about this?
Estados Unidos is, as we all know, EU. EU sounds just like "Hey, You." Maybe we could be called the "Hey, Yous."

.

[Edited on 5-13-2011 by DENNIS]

JESSE - 5-13-2011 at 10:04 AM

Well i was at a loss for words as well, consider the community we are talking about is made up of americans, europeans, canadians, and even some asians and southamericans.

DENNIS - 5-13-2011 at 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by morgaine7
or maybe "expat".

Yeah...that's it, Expat. There were no foreigners in Rick's Café in Casablanca. Only expats.

If you're going to be Pigeon-Holed, have them put some Joie De Vivre into it. How could anyone be content being just a common foreigner?
Bonjour.

gnukid - 5-13-2011 at 11:05 AM

I always thought extraneros were people from mainland mexico?

JESSE - 7-2-2011 at 10:15 AM

Quote:

longlegsinlapaz - 7-2-2011 at 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
Mayor Ponce has agreed to do a meeting with the foreign community in La Paz municipality. We have to figure out the dates (20 to 30 days from now aprox), and the place and time. She wants to know how she can improve communication betwen the local goverment and the foreign community, plus she will give you all the details of the new english speaking office that will specifically deal with advising and helping foreigners that live in La Paz to deal with getting permits, paying for services and taxes, and dealing with problems.

JESSE, do you know whether or not there's still a plan in the works for a public meeting....or did we all scare her off with some of the more weighty issues raised?

Leo - 7-2-2011 at 11:02 AM

An issue that's not brought up yet, if I am correct, is the city's attitude towards dogs. Hotels claim it is a municipal ruling that does not allow dogs in their hotels. The malacon, which is the nicest part of La Paz to walk your pet is off limits for dogs.
a friendlier attitude towards dogs would be much appreciated by many expats. And most North American dog-owners don't mind cleaning up after their pet, so let them have fun and come back time after time.

JESSE - 7-2-2011 at 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by longlegsinlapaz

Quote:

JESSE, do you know whether or not there's still a plan in the works for a public meeting....or did we all scare her off with some of the more weighty issues raised?

I didn't get much interest from the ex pat community, so i didn't go ahead with making the meeting a reality.

Paula - 7-2-2011 at 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajamigo
In Europe, they don't refer much to "migrant labor;" instead, they are "guest workers." Something in that same spirit might work, though at this hour of the day, I can't think what it might be.

Well then-- how about guest residents? It is a bit of an oxymarooon, but that works because so many of us are somewhat marooonic, no?

vandenberg - 7-3-2011 at 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paula
Well then-- how about guest residents? It is a bit of an oxymarooon, but that works because so many of us are somewhat marooonic, no?

I thought that trait was reserved for Loreto.
Loreto Bay comes to mind. :biggrin:

BajaBlanca - 7-3-2011 at 02:17 PM

Jesse, maybe you should ask people to give their names if they are interested and then start a numbered list to see how many folks really want to go. This was such a nice gesture on the new mayor's part and there are some very important issues to be handled ....what do you think ?

shari - 7-3-2011 at 02:32 PM

It appears that apathy runs high in the foreign, expat, guest resident community....with regard to municiple government involvement.

longlegsinlapaz - 7-3-2011 at 05:31 PM

I don't believe it's apathy as much as everyone in the foreign community has been repeatedly warned off against any involvement in/commentary towards local politics to the point where even when asked specifically for our input, the stigma of dis-involvement remains for many.

Secondly & possibly more to the point, there's a relatively small number of La Paz area residents who frequent Baja Nomad. It's likely that a better response would be forthcoming if JESSE were to post this information on a La Paz specific site, such as the La Paz Gringos Yahoo Group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lapazgringos/ or

http://www.clubcruceros.org/Links.html or

http://www.rozinlapaz.com/rozinlapaz/Home.html

BajaBlanca - 7-3-2011 at 06:37 PM

I just noticed that the 30 days are up....what a shame... had I known about the other sites, i myself wuld have put the notice up in those places..

othis was a unique opportunity and I think it should be pursued but only if enough people participate .... and if you want to try once more JESSE, i will communicate with the other la paz sites even tho we don't even live close to la paz !!

bajajazz - 7-4-2011 at 08:29 AM

Apologies if this is redundant or simply too late . . . but recently I've heard (and share) complaints about the density of the foot, bicycle, skate board and automobile traffic on the Malecon, both on the street and on the banquette, particularly in the evening hours when families are out for a social stroll.

The velocity of the bicycles and skateboards illegally operated on the banquette is both unnerving and potentially dangerous. As a Class C cyclist, I'm not down on bicycles at all. But they do not belong on the banquette during evening hours when the young, old and infirm should be able to enjoy a stroll without fear of wearing tire tracks up their middle.

Perhaps it's time to mall all of the Malecon, say between the hours of 7 and 11 and between Hidalgo and Bravo. Getting automobiles, bikes and skateboards off the Malecon would restore some of its lost charm and be beneficial from a public safety standpoint.

[Edited on 7-4-2011 by bajajazz]

Bajafun777 - 7-4-2011 at 09:18 AM

Have been to La Paz and enjoyed staying at the Marina Hotel and either driving or catching a cab back into La Paz Malecon for enjoying the evening. We liked eating out by the Malecon Marina and even back at the Marina Hotel outside sitting areas.
I had to pass through the traffic stops but it seemed to me that they we looking for those that had been drinking and vehicles not properly licensed or tourista windowshield tag on them. I had no problems with the police nor did they even try to get money from me. Not saying it does not happen, as when driving down to Puerto Vallarte through Hermosillo the cops tried that B.S. of pulling me over for the "bite" but they got nada!! Wasn't doing anything wrong and had cars zooming by me and they tried to say I was speeding, yea right!! My wife told the cop in Spanish that his radar had to be on the other cars speeding by us and we know he saw them doing just that without even trying to stop them. End result was no ticket and on my way after 20 minutes. So, La Paz police were not a problem and even used them for directions to some business we wanted to go to in the downtown area and found them to be very helpful.
Great dinning experiences in La Paz and very friendly people even those from the USA,LOL. Had some great help from a local woman working at the Marina Hotel when our jeep had problems to which her dad helped us with the mechanic. Helped in turning a bad situation into a good experience. Take Care & Travel Safe--- "No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN" bajafun777

La Paz foreign residents input

C-Urchin - 7-5-2011 at 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by morgaine7
That's cool, Jesse, thanks a lot! I'll look forward to meeting her.

Me too!

My 2 cents... some bloody street signs and graffiti removal squad.