Airport runway to be extended; Animal abuse laws revised and strengthened; EMOV may take over speed cameras; Homeless removed from city bridges

Bored? –
(De El Mercurio del jueves, 17/9) AGENDA
18 de septiembre
19:00 – Horror fans – Screening of the film, “La noche del terror ciego” (The Night of the Blind Terror) in the IV cycle: cine B. in the Casa Patrimonial Municipal del Artista.
10:00 – The film, “El rezador” directed by Tito Jara as part of the Festival of Ecuadorian Films – Colegio Bachillerato de Ricaurte.
19 de septiembre
11:00 – Killa Raymi celebration which connects the memory, identity and traditions of our people – Plazoleta de El Vado.
20:00 – Concert by Colombian singer/songwriter Andrés Cepeda as part of his “Nuestra Vida en Canciones” with Sergio Sacoto and Tercer Mundo – Coliseo Jefferson Pérez – Tickets from Ticketshow.com.ec or the box office at the Mall del Río.

Pet owners who do not tag their dogs or let them run loose in public areas will face new fines.

Hungry? –
(De El Mercurio del miércoles, 16/9) Un helado de choclo por el Día del Orgullo Ecuatoriano (Corn ice cream for Ecuadorian Pride Day) – Elena Narvéz, representing the mercado 3 de Noviembre, presented a corn ice cream accompanying a baked humita during the “Reto del Sabor Cuencano” (Cuenca flavor challenge) which was one of the activities during the 8th edicion of the Día del Orgullo Ecuatoriano. She created the recipe for the challenge and used the reaction of attendees to decide whether to include it in her regular offerings. The artisanal ice cream has a base of corn milk and is served in a combination that includes tocte, mora and strawberry. She has been serving artisanal ice cream since 1992 and is now on the 2nd floor of the mercado 3 de Noviembre.

Curious? –
(De El Mercurio del martes, 15/9) EMOV EP analiza asumir radares (EMOV EP considers taking over speed cameras) – <This is for all of you lead footed drivers.> Substitute mayor Marisol Peñalosa announced that the Empresa Municipal de Movilidad (EMOV EP) would take over the speed cameras directly in a meeting in which EMOV EP received 15 pickup trucks to strengthen control operations in the city. EMOV has analyzed the situation with the radars from a technical and legal standpoint, but the equipment needs to be prepared. This proposal will be presented to the EMOV board where she hopes it will be approved.

Homeless removed from bridges
(De El Mercurio del martes, 15/9) Entre 70 y 80 personas han sido retiradas de debajo de los puentes en Cuenca. Seventy to 80 homeless people have been removed from under the bridges of Cuenca, according to Citizen Guard Director Guillermo Cobo. “Increasing numbers of people using the space under bridges as lodging, creating security and sanitary risks,” he said Thursday. Cobo added that most of those evicted are not involved in criminal acts but a “small minority are” and we must take steps to protect the public.

The Citizen Guard is working with the social organization Proyecto de Vida (Project of Life) to find temporary housing for those who are evicted. Although some have accepted assistance, many have not, Cobo said. “Many of these people have become accustomed to this style of life and plan to relocate to other public spaces. Sadly, we will be forced to remove them in the future.”

(De El Mercurio del miércoles, 16/9) Endurecen multas por maltrato animal (Fines for animal abuse are being increased) – Part of the proposal for reforms to a domestic and companion animal ordinance include fines of up to $2,410, mandatory sterilization <of the pet, not the owner, although that might not be a bad idea for some owners>, and prohibiting sales of dogs and cats on digital media. The Environmental Management Commission (CGA) of the City is publicizing these reforms, considered necessary due to the cases of irresponsible animal ownership. Carlos Orellana, director of he CGA said one of the first changes considered are substantial increases of animal abuse fines ranging from $42.80 up to $2,410 in 6 levels depending on the seriousness of the infraction. The lowest fine would be for not having ID on your pet or leaving it loose on the streets. Among the more serious infractions are breeding cats and dogs in unapproved locations. The most serious penalties are for cases of aggressiveness and cruelty which can bring criminal charges.

For sterilizing pets, the proposal includes a transition period of 2 years during which owners <I don’t know what word to use besides ownership that won’t offend PETA members.> can gradually register their pets. This measure seeks to avoid overpopulation since there were more than 278,000 pets in the last census. The proposal also seeks to strengthen IDs for pets using collars or microchips. Orellana said that selling pets on line has become common which promotes unregulated commerce. The current ordinance prohibits selling animals in mercados and public spaces, but doesn’t address sales online.

(De El Mercurio del miércoles, 16/9) Ampliarán pista de aeropuerto (Airport runway to be extended) – The runway at the Mariscal La Mar de Cuenca airport will be increased by 300 meters at a cost of between $1 and $1.5 million and will include airport and urban mobility work. The extension can’t exceed 300 meters because of the urban limits of the airport. Authorities consider this project necessary to improve connectivity and respond to the increase in tourism. Currently there is no date set for the bidding process. Upgrades to enable the Cuenca-Chiclayo route are underway with the opening expected in the middle of noviembre.