The chilly, wet weather may be playing havoc with planned outdoor activities but it’s certainly having beneficial effects on the natural world.

Following a month of trials, the Community Safety Initiative (CSI Chapala) has fully activated the bilingual Anonymous Witness Hotline, in association with Crime Stoppers International and the Chapala Police Department.

With the recent acquisition of four new garbage trucks, the Chapala government is ready to move forward on revamping door-to-door refuse collection services, including separation of household wastes.

Chapala city hall responded quickly to the call for action that followed a recent highway tragedy on the western outskirts of Ajijic. In the wake of the January 22 deaths of a senior citizen and her young grandson caused by a speeding and intoxicated motorist, residents of several outlying neighborhoods drew up a petition asking for immediate steps to boost pedestrian safety along the main highway.

Local professional and amateur artists are invited to participate in a sidewalk drawing contest scheduled for Sunday, February 19 on the Chapala malecon in front of the Beer Garden Restaurant.

Empresa Centenario, the private company holding the contract to operate Carnaval Chapala 2012, is working closely with municipal police chief Reynol Contreras to guarantee the public adequate safety and security measures during the festivities.