Hello my friends! We have another exciting and informative issue for your reading pleasure.

Thanks to Ann Harris we have the Vehicle Regulations that spell out exactly who can legally drive a vehicle in Mexico . I had a hard time convincing a Mexican friend last winter that I could not let him drive our car. In the event it happens to you, I have provided the regulations in Spanish.

We also have the regulations covering tinted window. This was brought to our attention last month by DeLea Lemke.

Thank you DeLea! The local police are joining the rest of Mexico in cracking down on crime. They are serious and your car will be impounded if you are in violation of either law. Please read this article carefully if you drive and spread the word.

My friend Ken Larsen provided the information on Mexico City 's band on plastic bags. This is something that Cozumel needs to do for obvious reasons.

We have an opportunity to get our email addresses on a mailing list for events sponsored by the Museum, the Cultural Center and the Palacio! See “Events Mailing List”.

News Cozumel is once again packed full of information and fun thanks to all our friends. Thank you all for your support, and enjoy!

Vehicle Regulations

Ann Harris, U.S. Consulate Agent, has received a response from the police chief regarding reglas (regulations) for U.S. vehicles with tinted windows and who may legally drive a vehicle in Mexico .

These regulations are being enforced now, along with increased surveillance in general. Expect to see more inspections at the ferries to improve security for the community.

Tinted Windows:

For vehicles with Mexican plates:

The maximum tint that cars will be allowed is two "humos". If your vehicle has tinted windows you should submit to an inspection for a permit at transito between 8 a .m. - 1p.m. Monday-Friday. The cost is $260 pesos. You must bring proof of payment of latest tenencia, driver's license or IFE ID & copy.

For vehicles with US plates:

Only cars with factory tint will be exempt from the inspection and permit. Cars with after factory tint installations are not eligible for the permit - owners are required to remove the film.

If anyone wants a copy of the letter from the police chief, you can pick one up from Ann Harris at the U.S. Consulate office.

Who is allowed to drive the vehicle?

If imported by a Mexican Citizen: the importer, his spouse, ascendants, descendants or siblings, only if they have legal residence abroad; a foreigner with the appropriate migratory status, and any other person, as long as the importer

travels in the vehicle.

If imported by a Foreigner (i.e. not a Mexican citizen).: the importer, his spouse, ascendants, descendants or siblings, even if they are not foreigners; foreigners that hold migratory status authorizing them to do so (FM3 or non-working rentista FM2)  or a national, as long as any of the authorized persons travel in the vehicle.

Only these persons are allowed to drive the vehicle, if not, the vehicle will be seized and a sanction will be applied.

The police chief also verified that according to Art. 22 of QR transito reglas, Americans can drive any car legally using their valid (i.e. not expired!) US driver's license.  A local license is required to get titles for a car with Mexican plates. Sorry just to clarify one point that might be confusing for you - when I say that you can drive any car legally , I mean any car that you are authorized to drive - SAT aduana regulations still apply as to who can drive your car with US plates:

In case people are not aware, transito is now requiring a curp # to issue a local driver's license. These can be obtained by taking your FM document to the Registro Civil now located at the corner of 65 y 11.

For additional information contact:

Anne R. Harris

U.S. Consular Agent in Cozumel

Public Office Hours 12-2pm Mon-Fri

Villa Mar Mall in the Main Plaza (behind Fat Tuesdays)

2nd floor, right rear office

Office Ph (011 52 987) 872 4574

Cell (011 52 1 987) 876 0624 (for emergencies only).

Email: usgov@cozumel.net or anne@cozumel.net

Fax: (011 52 987) 872 6662 or 872 4485. News Blog:    http://www.cozumel.net/News-From-Cozumel/  

You can also download the transito reglas at

http://www.sspqroo.gob.mx/marco/docleyes/14_1798_1.pdf

See articulo 22

Http://www.aduanas.sat.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2008/pasajeros/139_10179.html

http://www.aduanas.sat.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2008/pasajeros/139_10255.html

To Share with Spanish Speaking Friends who might want to borrow your vehicle:

Pasajeros

A). Cuando lo importa un mexicano: Los vehículos podrán ser conducidos en territorio nacional por el importador, su cónyuge (esposos), sus ascendientes (padres), descendientes (hijos) o hermanos siempre y cuando sean residentes permanentes en el extranjero, o por un extranjero con las calidades migratorias señaladas anteriormente. Cuando sea conducido por alguna persona distinta de las autorizadas, invariablemente deberá viajar a bordo el importador del vehículo.

B). Cuando lo importa un extranjero:

Los vehículos podrán ser conducidos en territorio nacional por el importador, su cónyuge (esposos), sus ascendientes (padres), descendientes (hijos) o hermanos, aun cuando éstos no sean extranjeros, por un extranjero que tenga alguna de las calidades migratorias ya señaladas, o por un nacional, siempre que en este último caso, viaje a bordo del mismo cualquiera de las personas autorizadas para conducir el vehículo.

Again, these regulations are being enforced now, along with increased surveillance in general. Expect to see more inspections at the ferrys to improve security for the community.

Mexico City bans stores from distributing plastic bags

MEXICO CITY , Mexico (CNN) -- Mexico City 's thousands of stores went green Wednesday, 19 August, 2009 as amended ordinances on solid waste now outlaw businesses from giving out thin plastic bags that are not biodegradable.

The law affects all stores, production facilities and service providers within the Federal District , which encompasses the city limits. Nearly 9 million people live inside the district and another 10 million reside in surrounding communities that make up greater Mexico City .

Mexico City becomes the second large metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere to outlaw the bags. San Francisco in March 2007 enacted an ordinance that gave supermarkets six months and large chain pharmacies about a year to phase out the bags. Los Angeles is set to impose a ban if the state of California does not enact a statewide 25-cent fee per bag by July.

The bags are also a major threat to ocean wildlife, causing the deaths of 100,000 sea turtles and other marine animals that mistake them for food.

Mexico City , which has had some of the worst air pollution in the world, also is looking at improving its environment in other ways. The municipal government announced this month it will place more than 1,100 bicycles at 84 stations throughout the city for residents to use. Officials said they hope to increase bicycle use as a form of transportation to 5 percent, up from the current 1.2 percent.

Events Mailing List

Luis Mendoza is the curator at the Museum who arranges and organizes the exhibits. Mr. Mendoza is interested in an e-mail list of English speaking people who live on the island so that notices of upcoming events can be sent. This would be used by the Museum, the Cultural Center and the Palacio. This will finally help those of us that often miss out on events because we did not hear about them until after the fact! Thank you Mr. Mendoza!!! Anyone interested submit your contact information to Mr. Mendoza at: luimen18@hotmail.com.

Life on the Island

“The Other Side” and Other Matters

By Sue Sievert

When we first came to Cozumel , we kept hearing about “the other side,” spoken almost in hushed tones. We couldn't figure out if it was a place where strange rituals were still practiced or if it was like the dark side of the moon. Would we “cross over” to “the other side,” never to see the light again? I can just hear the folks now…”They were such a nice couple. Wonder what happened to 'em?”

Well, you can imagine our relief when we found out it is a beautiful, untamed, challenging beach that offers unblocked views of gorgeous shades of Caribbean blue water and rock outcroppings where waves burst up as if they were angry, then madly swirl away. There are sections where the undertow can sweep you off your feet and just as quickly sweep you away. 

Kite boarders dot the water's landscape and there are plenty of “watering holes” to quench one's thirst.

The trip there is just as exciting. With thousands of acres of tangled, wild jungle on one side of the road and the pristine beach on the other. It takes one back to another era, when white-washed sandy shores were enjoyed for just what they were and man's insistence to ruin them had not yet reared its ugly head. It is our favorite Cozumel place to escape.

After living longer than I probably should have, I've noted that there are three types of observers in this world: First, there's the “keen” observer. Much like me, this type of person is always looking at life through a wide-angle lens, making mental notes about things and people of interest. Rather nosy, I suppose. The next are the “casual” observers who only take notice of those things that tremendously interest them, perhaps missing out on a lot of other noteworthy experiences. Last, but not least, are the “clueless.” Those whose only observations are to locate the nearest bar and drink until the cows come home. That could take awhile as I have yet to see a cow on this island.

One of my observations has to do with technology. Considering I was dragged screaming and flailing into the 21st Century, you can imagine my consternation when I walk into a store like Best Buy or Circuit City and I realize that there is only one aisle in the entire store that carries anything I am remotely familiar with. I break out in the hives at Christmas.

I really am thankful that technology has made our lives easier. Uh huh, you know it! Once my husband and I finish our morning coffee, we ramp up the old laptop and begin our day. Three hours later, after we have checked all three of our e-mail accounts, our two Face book accounts, one MySpace account, replied to all e-mails, checked our bank accounts, weather for the day, currency info, Mexico News in English, Cozumel My Cozumel, Cozumel 4 U, done our daily Bible study, checked our phone text messages, etc., it's time for lunch and I am exhausted. I haven't even gotten off the bed yet.

The Internet has made our lives a lot easier in other ways, though. It's wonderful to be able to communicate with family and friends who are so far away. It's nice that they can Skype us on a continuous basis and see that we don't have any AK-47s pointed at our heads.

Living here is not without its challenges and it is not for the faint-hearted. It is, however, a great place to settle in and finally escape the rat race, which is over I hear. And yes, the rats won!

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(Sue Sievert and her musician husband, Will, are permanent residents of Cozumel .)

LOST TOWN OF SANTA MARIA

By Peter Czwick

According to the historian Hugh Thomas (Conquest), when Juan Grijalva discovered Cozumel in 1518, his fleet coasted the windward side of the island, rounded the south end and anchored two leagues from a point. In that time, a Spanish league was about two nautical miles in length. Thomas said that a Mayan chief invited the Spaniards ashore and gifts were exchanged .The next morning the fleet sailed to another Cozumel town where they spent a few more days exploring the area. The second town is said to have been San Miguel.

Records show that during the Spanish early 1500s Age of Exploration, the Mayan town Santa Maria , which is located in the south of Cozumel , was the more heavily populated Mayan settlement. However, today people of the island have not been able to pinpoint the location of the town and it is rarely or never mentioned.

An old Spanish chart names Laguna Colombia or the small bay in front, Baya de Santa Maria . Longtime residents of the island have said that the ruins of Santa Maria are located in the vicinity of El Cedral; others say that they are the ruins at Columbia .

I ask Cozumel historians or readers of this article where the ruins of Santa Maria are and why is the location of this once prominent settlement such a mystery? Send your input to News Cozumel!

Colores de Cozumel

By Will and Sue Sievert

We are putting together a 12-month wall calendar which will feature photos of the beautiful island of Cozumel . The name of the calendar is “Colores de Cozumel” and will be used as a fund-raiser for local charities as well as provide additional revenue for local tourist businesses. Credit will be given to those photographers whose work is featured in the calendar.

 We realize that times have been hard for so many and donations are down. This is a way to help those who need help and enjoy a calendar with spectacular photos of our beautiful island as well.

Everyone has a little "photographer" in them and with the incredible sunsets and many island wonders we enjoy, we look forward to receiving those photos. Also, underwater photography is gorgeous here, with the varied species of fish, underwater life, and the reefs.

We need your very best colorful photograph. Sunsets, underwater life, island animals, jungle shots, etc. Anyone who loves this beautiful Island is welcome to submit a photo. Just submit your very best one. Send the photo attached to an e-mail like you normally would to bluesparrots@yahoo.com. Once the 12 Final Photos are selected, full color glossies will be printed out and scanned at the printer at the required resolution he needs.

Don't forget to include a description of the photo and the name of the photographer. We will also require a signed release from you before actual print date.

This is a win-win for everyone and the tourists get to take a little bit of our magic home with them, until they return again.

Casa De La Cultura Cozumel

By Florencia Ojeda

I am a dance teacher in Casa De Cultura, Cozumel. We started a library, (like a book club) and it is my pleasure to invite you. We have 215 books in English. It is free of charge, and you can even bring your own book.

Our place has good lighting and air conditioning. We will have coffee available and in the future a light menú.  Please let us be your hosts; “Mi casa es tu casa.'”

Our hours are 8 a .m -10 p.m. We are located at 50 Avenida Entre Juarez Y 2 Norte (No number). Telephone:  987-103-1064.

WE ACCEPT DONATED BOOKS!!!!

Compucentro has moved

By Kathy Lasater

The computer store that used to be on Calle 11 near the corner of Ave. 5 has now moved. They are open on Ave. 30 at the corner of Calle 5. For those of you who are familiar with Cozumel , that's across the street from the old location of Ace Hardware. There used to be a pharmacy at that location, but Compucentro is now there.

Hospital on Calle 6

By Kathy Lasater

This hospital is called Clinica San Miguel, and it is only one of the many hospitals on Cozumel . It is located on Calle 6, between Ave. 5 and Ave. 10 and they have recently enlarged and added a new laboratory as well.

After living more than nine years on Cozumel , I have visited Clinica San Miguel a number of times. Sometimes to see a friend in the hospital, at other times to take friends to see a doctor.  I have also used this clinic for X-rays, blood tests, etc.

Music and Art at Benito Juarez Plaza

In an attempt to attract people to the Plaza in the center of town, free music concerts are offered weekly on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7:30 to 10:30.

A wide variety of musicians share their own unique brand of music and it is a mystical way to spend an evening under the stars.

“Classic Rock and Blues Night”

to benefit Cozumel Chrysalis Group

Bandana's Restaurant and Bar will be hosting a huge party on Saturday, October 3, from 6-10 PM at their new restaurant (formerly Aqua) on Melgar, to benefit Chrysalis of Cozumel, an organization that raises funds to assist needy students with school uniforms, shoes and school supplies. The organization has helped thousands of students since its inception in the early '90s.

The Blues Parrot Band will perform from 7-10 PM and will delight the audience with classic rock and roll tunes and sounds of New Orleans blues.

Tickets are 100 pesos in advance and 120 pesos at the door and include food and drink vouchers.

A raffle will be held throughout the evening and will feature very nice donations from local merchants.

For information on locations to purchase tickets, please e-mail:

bluesparrots@yahoo.com

CRIC  Centro de Rehabilitation Integral Cozumel

By  Lynn  Horowitz

CRIC provides a large number of services which, to name a few, include assistance for those who have suffered from injury and need rehabilitation, those who suffer from back problems, and services for children with learning disabilities. The Center even provides a bus for round-trip transportation from your home.

Specialists in the following areas are available to help you: Psychology, Development, Language Development, Physical Therapy, Stimulation Therapy for young children, Massage, and Social work.

On weekends, specialists in Orthopedics, Psychiatry, Neurology, and other medicines come to Cozumel from Merida . They charge between 150-250 pesos.

 If you need an official receipt from a pharmacy here in Cozumel for reimbursement elsewhere, you may request a special stamp on your prescription.

CRIC is located at the southern end of 30 Avenida, right next door to the DIF.  These are huge orange buildings you cannot miss.  39 Av.sur Manzana 10, Colonia San Miguel II, telephone:  (987) 857-2490 or (987) 857-2492.

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La Casa de Marlín

Fishing Charters

Deep Sea Fishing

31' Bertram

Sport Fisherman

 40' Viking Convertible

10% discount if you mention this column in Tiempo de Cozumel!

Call for reservations today at 987-872-4573 or email fishingbandidacozumel@prodigy.net.mx

Costa Brava Restaurant

Enjoy an excellent meal at my favorite family restaurant and get 15% off!

Offer good for everything but the breakfast specials that are already at bargain prices.

Calle 7 Sur #57 between Melgar & 5a South

The CARIBBEAN BOL

Go bowling at Cozumel 's only bowling alley. This cool place provides an alternative to the Island 's water sports and is also great in-door fun on rainy days as board games, video games, and billiards are offered upstairs for those who don't bowl.

Free bowling lessons and dollar specials are offered on Sundays. For more information contact Stacey at 878-4321 or at staceydianne@yahoo.com.

Salsa Lessons at Playa Azul

Club Playa Azul provides Salsa lessons every Sunday afternoon from noon to two. Lessons are for beginners and advanced dancers. There is live music immediately after the lessons so everyone can practice what they have learned.

Classes are ten dollars per session. Playa Azul provides a 10% discount on food and beverages.  Dress is come as you are. It is a beautiful atmosphere and lots of fun!              

English Language Church Services

Eben-Ezer Presbyterian Church

30th Ave.   At 10th Street North

Sundays at 9 a .m.

Jesus Es Rey Church

65th Ave. & Morelos Street

Sundays at 10:00 a.m.

Iglesia de San Miguel

Guadalupe Rosary Prayer

10th Street Corner of El Centro Plaza

Sundays at 5 p.m.

CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS MEETING IN ENGLISH

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step Fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is recovery from codependence and the development and maintenance of healthy relationships.

The CoDA meeting in the area meets:  Saturdays, at 11:00 a.m. In the English AA ROOM, Ave 10 Sur corner of Calle 5 Sur, up the spiral iron staircase, first apartment.

For further information contact: DeLea at 869-0369

CoDA is a non-profit organization supported by the voluntary contributions of attending members.

Gardener

Everyone's favorite for all your gardening needs!  He is reliable and very reasonable. Orlando  987-105-3000.

Dentista

C.D. Nora Hernández Lavie'

MEDIDENTAL

Odontología Integral

11 Sur por 65 Ave.

Cozumel , Q.Roo

Tel/Fax 872-0808

Cell (987) 103-2770

E-mail: noral2004@yahoo.com  

Official Translator

Monica Sauza Garrido

75 Ave. Sur #613

between Hidalgo and 7th

telephone: 987-872-5394

email:  mosag@prodigy.net.mx

Cozumel Health Chiropractic

Cozumel Health offers a variety of Massage and Treatments to help you enjoy your vacation.  Chiropractic care is available Monday through Saturday.  872-1122

        Dr. Tom:

Tues, Thurs, Sat  9:30am  1pm

Martes, jueves, sábado 9: 30am - 1pm

Tues & Thurs 6pm- 8pm

Martes y jueves 6 P.M. 8pm

Also available by appointment

También disponible por la cita

Plaza Barracuda # 5 on Melgar (across from Mega) Entre 7 y 11 Sur

MARY KAY SKINCARE PRODUCTS

Priced in pesos and delivered to your doorstep Call Sue at 987-107-9997 or e-mail suecampbell4448@yahoo.com

Quality Educational Software

Quality educational software for every age group and level shipped from the United States directly to your loved ones! Check it out at www.bestchildlearn.com  

AXA Health Insurance

Contact Irma Cantarell at 987-872-6647 or office on 11th with 30th, next to the Ford co. Insurance for as little as $50. - Usd per month.

Bancomer English Division

Contact Mauricio Sanchez at mauricio.sanchez@bbva.bancomer.com or call toll-free 01800-2282-728.   Website:  www.bancomer.com/pcu

Contact Information

At atreasuryoftrade@msn.com for suggestions, comments, assistance, submit editorials or for information on:

-           Book Club

-           Book Exchange

-           Game night

-           Garden Club

-           Ladies Breakfast Club

-           Applying for local discounts

-           Mexican Health Insurance

-           Recreational activities

-           For your convenience, here is a list of emergency numbers that may come in handy.

Emergency                               060

24 Hour Doctor              872-0103

Dentist                         872-0808

Hyperbaric Chamber      872-0103

Police                          872-0092

Red Cross                    872-1058

Taxi Cab                       872-0236

Taxi Cab                       872-0041

U.S. Consulate             872-4574

U.S Consulate              872-6152

U.S. Consulate             044-987-876-0624

The Federal Consumer Interest Bureau (PROFECO) is responsible for enforcing the Consumer Protection Federal Law. Their office is located on the second floor of the Municipal Market at Calle A. Rosado Salas between 25th and 20th Avenues.

You may also file a complaint by e-mail to extranjeros@profeco.gob.mex and at any Mexican embassy or consulate in the world.

For more information on Cozumel , you can visit the Department of Tourism located on the corner of 20th and Xel-Ha Avenues, Colonia Gonzalo Guerrero.

C O Z U M E L   T O D A Y 

Cozumel Today

The Island

Downtown

History

Traditions

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