Until we have a municipal government dedicated less to padding its pockets and more to providing public security with a professional police force that can actually contribute to the efforts of the state and federal governments in the prevention, investigation and punishment of crimes, the local environment is not conducive to attracting businesses here beyond the slimy cartel inmobiliaria, which is where we currently are and why the local environmentalist Alex Serna was murdered.

Decades ago I worked on this idea and managed to attract an engineering firm that designed turbines. They even managed to get local schools to teach the engineering classes to produce the necessary workers. Things were going well, and the business was growing until local extortionists discovered they were making money. And there went that business, as far away from Zihuatanejo as they could get. Nothing of substance has changed since.

This topic has been gnawing at me for years. Just how much violence and lawlessness is there in Zihuatanejo? When I patronage a businesses, I always ask, "Como va el negocio?" I also want to ask something along the lines of have they ever been shaken down by criminals, what we call extortion. I think the term is, "cobra de piso," or, "pasta de piso." However, I don't because I don't want to pry into something that is so raw and private. I also don't want to come across as a nosy and typical gringo who believes that organized crime is rampant in Mexico. One restaurant owner who I became good friends with told me that she had never experienced it.

Businesses, and the employees they hire, and the families they support simply cannot thrive when extortion is rampant. If the authorities don't respond, eventually the populace will organize and create vigilante groups. That is certainly not ideal as the vigilantes rarely can regulate and control themselves. In short, it is a recipe for anarchy and blood letting.

Locals aren't prone to opening up to outsiders, much less foreigners. But it's a long-time dirty local secret you'll see mentioned every now and then among locals in social media. Slowly but surely our politicians are converting Zihuatanejo into a mini-Acapulco because it benefits them in numerous ways.

Until we have a municipal government dedicated less to padding its pockets and more to providing public security with a professional police force that can actually contribute to the efforts of the state and federal governments in the prevention, investigation and punishment of crimes, the local environment is not conducive to attracting businesses here beyond the slimy cartel inmobiliaria, which is where we currently are and why the local environmentalist Alex Serna was murdered.

Decades ago I worked on this idea and managed to attract an engineering firm that designed turbines. They even managed to get local schools to teach the engineering classes to produce the necessary workers. Things were going well, and the business was growing until local extortionists discovered they were making money. And there went that business, as far away from Zihuatanejo as they could get. Nothing of substance has changed since.

This topic has been gnawing at me for years. Just how much violence and lawlessness is there in Zihuatanejo? When I patronage a businesses, I always ask, "Como va el negocio?" I also want to ask something along the lines of have they ever been shaken down by criminals, what we call extortion. I think the term is, "cobra de piso," or, "pasta de piso." However, I don't because I don't want to pry into something that is so raw and private. I also don't want to come across as a nosy and typical gringo who believes that organized crime is rampant in Mexico. One restaurant owner who I became good friends with told me that she had never experienced it.

Businesses, and the employees they hire, and the families they support simply cannot thrive when extortion is rampant. If the authorities don't respond, eventually the populace will organize and create vigilante groups. That is certainly not ideal as the vigilantes rarely can regulate and control themselves. In short, it is a recipe for anarchy and blood letting.

... that's what happens when a local economy becomes 100% dependent upon tourism instead of diversifying and providing alternative opportunities for employment.

Rob, do you have any ideas for economic diversification in Zihuatanejo? I have been racking my brain trying to come up with some ideas. This question was not meant to put you on the spot. It is just hard to imagine what other industries or services the Zihuatanejo region would have to offer without a massive infusion of resources, both monetary and human. I am at a loss except to showcase its natural beauty, awesome climate, and warm and welcoming culture.

I have all kinds of ideas about fixing many local problems, but...

Until we have a municipal government dedicated less to padding its pockets and more to providing public security with a professional police force that can actually contribute to the efforts of the state and federal governments in the prevention, investigation and punishment of crimes, the local environment is not conducive to attracting businesses here beyond the slimy cartel inmobiliaria, which is where we currently are and why the local environmentalist Alex Serna was murdered.

Decades ago I worked on this idea and managed to attract an engineering firm that designed turbines. They even managed to get local schools to teach the engineering classes to produce the necessary workers. Things were going well, and the business was growing until local extortionists discovered they were making money. And there went that business, as far away from Zihuatanejo as they could get. Nothing of substance has changed since.

... that's what happens when a local economy becomes 100% dependent upon tourism instead of diversifying and providing alternative opportunities for employment.

Rob, do you have any ideas for economic diversification in Zihuatanejo? I have been racking my brain trying to come up with some ideas. This question was not meant to put you on the spot. It is just hard to imagine what other industries or services the Zihuatanejo region would have to offer without a massive infusion of resources, both monetary and human. I am at a loss except to showcase its natural beauty, awesome climate, and warm and welcoming culture.

Waking up Monday morning was fine until I moved around outside where there was no breeze and plenty of heat and humidity. I was all nice and comfy in bed with the window open and a fan on. But after returning from an easy morning walk to the bakery I was soaked. But my cold strawberry licuado along with some delicious pan dulce made everything all right again. And Monday morning turned out mighty fine!

There's a small chance of rain for this Monday evening and a good chance of rain for both Tuesday and Wednesday. We need it!

Tides have been extreme lately, worsening the effects of the mar de fondo, but the tides will be diminishing in the coming days until barely being noticeable by this Saturday, after which they'll start to increase again. Waves are expected to increase in size this Wednesday, peaking out this Thursday. And surfing conditions look good through Saturday.

Tourism is pretty much nil right now. Lots of businesses didn't even bother to open today. Las Gatas was quiet. This is the time of year when hotels, restaurants and shops lay off workers. It's also a time when we typically see an increase in crime, more people fishing for their meal, and even some people eating from garbage cans. It's a rough season for many people here. We look after each other as best we can, but so many new people show up each year looking for work that doesn't exist. So the elderly person makes ends meet by selling aluminum cans or recyclable plastic they find in the trash all of a sudden has competition they didn't have before. It's heartbreaking, but that's what happens when a local economy becomes 100% dependent upon tourism instead of diversifying and providing alternative opportunities for employment.

Penthouse Suite 612 is a 2-bedroom beachfront condominium for sale on Playa El Palmar in Ixtapa at the Tesoro Ixtapa Hotel & Condos. Near shopping centers, golf courses, banks, and restaurants. The condo comes fully furnished. Owners and their guests have access to the resort hotel's facilities including pool, beach, bars, and restaurants. (click to enlarge image)
Real Estate Properties and Services in Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa and Troncones

¡Cuidemos nuestro patrimonio!
#JusticiaParaAlexSerna
#MásSeguridadPúblicaMenosCemento
#NoBlueFlag
#PreservemosPlayaManzanillo
#DenunciaElEcocidio

La playa Principal vacía de turistas, y la vista de nuestro hermoso árbol de amate sin obstrucción por parte de las tontas decoraciones que suele poner el gobierno municipal. Aún dejan demasiadas luces colgadas en el árbol y Plaza del Artista.