12-15-07-Amigos de Sayulita update from Heather Murray (New police station for Sayulita)

Update from the "Amigos de Sayulita" group.

Hola to everyone that reads Sayulita Life News and wants to know what is happening in this fantastic place we call home. 

We have great news for Sayulita as it grows by leaps and bounds.  Beautiful homes are being constructed, new businesses are opening almost daily, and people are traveling to visit us like never before.  They are coming from all over the world, and many parts of Mexico as well.  People/institutions are prospering in many ways, including the schools, daycares, and medical facilities.  The roads are improving rapidly and it is easier to get around by car or on foot.  Whichever you prefer, although on foot you get to actively participate in the culture.  As always, it is a wonderful place to live and be to absorb nature, culture, and community.  We are all changing with the times and doing what is needed to maintain this tranquil, fun, and safe environment.

This letter is partly a response to a recent thread in the Sayulita Life Forum

     With this growth come other things besides nice homes and businesses, and one of those is crime.  Crime is a common occurance in any town, in any state, in any country in all of the world.  The local Police Department has been very cooperative and helpful, when we are communicating our needs to them on a regular basis.  This communication I am talking about must occur, because law enforcement here in Mexico is very different than in other parts of the world like we know it to be.  Our communication allows them to know where to be proactive and how to handle many new situations,  they haven't even dealt with before.  They are open to suggestions and often put them into daily practice.

     We ask that everyone use common sense when it comes to their valuables, their home, and car.  We have written to the home owners here and advised them of easy, normal safety measures to take such as locks on doors in the homes, safes in the houses, etc.  We have contacted the Property Management companies and asked them to tell renters to lock up their valuables when they are not in the houses and then if something should occur these managers know how to handle it.  We have set up a Neighborhood Watch program, with flyers posted around town that have the information you may need to contact authorities or someone in town that can assist when you don't know what to do.  Please keep an eye out for them when you are walking through town and the outlying neighborhoods.

     Not everyone who travels here knows we have many people in Sayulita from out of the area, and that are not known to us here in the village.  Many of them are workers in construction and other growth related jobs, and are from bigger cities and states here in Mexico. There has been an increase in petty thefts recently and it has caused some talk in the town amongst the people who live and vacation here.  Fortunately the word eventually gets back to those of us to live here, and we investigate for the truth about what is really occuring.  We don't always find it because it was never officially reported or didn't really happen in the first place. 

     What we have found is that much of what is discussed in town is partial truth and therefore it becomes very hard to determine what is real.  We ask that if something should happen while you are in Sayulita, to please report it to an officer, your Property Manager, or homeowner, so the information is shared with those who can take positive action.

     What we have done to be a pro-active community, is have a meeting with the Director of the "Policia Preventiva", (County Police Department).  The Director was very appreciative of our opinions and calling attention to things that he did not know were occuring.  Through our explanantion of what we see happening, the changes we see occurring, and our needs altering with the times, we came to an agreement on many issues.  We asked for the officer who rides the 4 wheeler to come back for patrolling the beaches, the neighborhoods, and easy, fast access to any situation (medical, fire, criminal related).  The Director told us he would dedicate the 4 wheeler to Sayulita only,  based on our growth, our needs, and our unique position here in the Bahia de Banderas. 

     We also asked for a couple of officers who know the area and the community very well to be here working at least a couple of days a week.  He agreed to all of the above and has since put it into action.  I have already seen the officers we asked for out of their patrol vehicles, talking to people in the community, and asking about where the problems may be.  This is a huge step towards preventing crime, generating a better relationship between law enforcement and our community, and changing direction in this area.

     We are repairing a building at the entrance to town, near the bridge for the officers to be able to use while they are here.  It is centrally located and will be highly visible to all.  Since they work 24 hour shifts, this will give them a place to rest and still be in Sayulita all night long.  It will be a place they can be reached physically at various times during the day/night.  We plan to connect a telephone for them to receive calls directly when someone in Sayulita needs something (non emergency situations).  Keep in mind we have emergency telephone numbers they can be reached at as well, 066 from your home or 080 from your cell phone.  These calls are free and someone will answer 24 hours a day.

     The construction repairs begin on Monday (December 17) and our hope is to have it complete and open for the officers at weeks end.  All of this is occurring because of donations from local home owners, business owners, and groups.  Here is a list of some of the people/groups who are contributing to this cause for the benefit of the everyone:
     Amigos de Sayulita and Pro-Sayulita have both contributed time and money.  Estela Gayosso and Abel Avalos have contributed workers for some of the repairs such as plumbing and tile work.  Comex has donated paint and InterCeramica tile store has given us a deal on what we need.  Local contractor, Joel Perez has given two of his workers for two days to make the first repairs.  This is only a brief list of those who have contributed and become involved.

     We have collected some of the money we need for these items from people who live and work here, both foreign and Mexican.  So many people have gotten involved and want to help.  It is very much appreciated!! But we will need more.

     The following is still needed from those of you who wish to contribute:
1) Lamp for the office
2) Money to set up phone line through Telmex (approx $2000 pesos)
3) Set of twin sheets 
4) Desk chair
5) Various office desk supplies

     We know in 2008, the government plans to bring more to our town than they already have.  They will be eventually constructing an office for the Delegation and Police Department, however truth be told we do not know when or where exactly that will be.  So we as a community are doing our best to meet the needs of the town as they come.  We thank you in advance for any contributions you make to these causes and to the positive energy of our local community. 

     If you have any questions about the above mentioned project, please feel free to contact me at my office.  I would be happy to answer any questions you have about it, and if I do not know then I will do what I can to direct you to the person/office that does.  We conspire to create an even better location for you to spend your time, your lives, and your energy.  Thank you for allowing me to be a working member of this place.

Sincerely,
Heather

 
Heather Murray
Sayulita Investment Realty, Inc.
heather@sayulitainvestmentrealty.com
Calle Revolucion #43, Sayulita, Nayarit
01-329-291-3154 01-329-291-3155 fax
From USA (310) 492-5607