Traffic cops make record 23 DUI arrests at one stop; Agro-tourism options; AG Salazar welcomes a baby girl

Domingo, 29/121/2024

Hola, Todos –
I hope you all had a joyous Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just plain holiday.

Actividades –

Se convoca a exposición (Call for exhibition) – The Mayor’s office through the Dirección General de Cultura, Recreación y Conocimiento (Department of Culture, Recreation and Knowledge) is calling for craftspeople, entrepreneurs, collectors, and citizens interested in participating in the Exposition, sales, and exchange of antiques El Vado 2025. The products should be at least 25 years old. Applications should be submitted by 13:00, 30/12 at postulacionesferiavado@gmail.com. <I doubt they want your closet full of old clothes dating from the last millenium unless they carry haute couture labels.> The Expo will be held in the Casa Patrimonial de la Lira on el 3 & 4/12.

An EMOV traffic officers administers a breathalyzer test Friday night on the Cuenca-Azogues autopista.

Titular –

Agroturismo con 5 destinos en Azuay (Agro-tourism with 5 destinations in Azuay) – These 5 locations offer unique experiences to disconnect from your urban routine and enjoy agro-tourism. ‘Inti Kamari’ is in the Yunguilla valley of Santa Isabel and the lodge’s name means “regalo del Sol” (gift from the Sun for those of you need additional translating.) The lodge offers accomodations in rustic and welcoming lodgings with food based on natural products. Visitors can participate in yoga, walks, horseback rides, and permaculture tours. This project benefits the local community through sustainable tourism. If you’re interested, call 099 022 1462.

A bus transports those arrested for driving under the influence to jail Friday night.

In Paute at ‘Callimanta Productos Pauteños,’ you can tour the agro-ecological gardens of the ‘Paute Minga’ association, learn how to make natural condiments, visit the Cuchara más Grande del Mundo (Biggest Spoon in the World), and prepare quinua pizza with fresh ingredients. This activity costs $10 and encourages education in ecological production and helps the growers. Located in Paute, ‘Callimanta’ produces a natural condiment made with cilantro, parsley, celery, green onion, oregano, sambo seeds, and thyme mixed with sea salt. Patricio Coronel, promoter of the business said when you talk about agrotourism, it’s important to not only see where the product is cultivated, but also where it is sold. To visit, call 099 684 9093.

The ‘Finca Don Antonio’ is located in the San Vicente Parish, 5 km. from the center of El Pan and offers an immersive country experience. You can walk through organic gardens, feed the animals, milk cows, ride horses and enjoy and/or buy natural products including jams, artisanal yogurt, liquor, cheese and manjar de leche. This family business is linked to local providers of the primary materials used in the fabrication of its products. The finca also provides lodging and food services in a location where you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the country. To arrange a visit call 098 421 3952.

The ‘Casa Matilde Apiario’ is in the Sinincay Parish and combines learning with a connection to nature. You can participate in gathering honey, exploring beehives, going on walks, and enjoying products such as propolis, royal jelly, and honey craft beer. In the apiary, tourists get protective clothing to collect honey. Beekeeper and owner Javier Inga, organizes guided visits with a focus on rural tourism which contributes to the economic development and sustainability of the sector. Call 098 263 1123 to visit. <All of those sound like a good way to spend the first weekend of the new year.>

Sucesos –

23 detenidos en control de alcoholemia en autopista (23 people arrested in alcohol control on the highway) – EMOV agents conducted an alcohol control on the Cuenca-Azogues highway last viernes, 27/12. They netted a total of 23 drivers who were arrested when they tested positive for alcohol. An EMOV spokesman said it was the most drinking-and-driving arrests ever made on one night at one check point.

The drivers were taken through the respective procedures and to face an arraignment hearing and later sentencing. Many of them will spend the New Year festivities in jail. Article 385 of the Código Orgánico Integral Penal (COIP – Penal Code) establishes sanctions on a sliding scale depending on the quantity of alcohol ingested by a drunk driver. If the alcohol level is from 0.3-0.8 gram per liter of blood, the fine is one basic salary ($460 <this year>), loss of 5 points off the driver’s license, and 5 days in jail. For alcohol levels of 0.8-1.2 gram, the fine is 2 basic salaries ($920), loss of 10 points, and 15 days in jail. For alcohol levels abve 1.2 grams, the fine is 3 basic salaries ($1,380), a 60 day suspension of the license, and 30 days in jail. <How do you all think you’d do in an Ecuadorian jail? Look at it as an opportunity to learn some Spanish (like agacharte?) and make new friends?>

For drivers of light or heavy public transport vehicles or commercial or cargo vehicles, there is a limit for consuming any narcotic drug, psychotropic drug or preparation containing them. <Does that mean no heavy duty cold medications?> That limit is cero (zero – your word for the day). The maximum level of alcohol is 0.1 grams per liter of blood. The sanction for exceeding these limits is loss of 30 points off the license and 90 days in jail. <And I don’t think we want to know what happens if you injure or kill someone while DUI.> In all cases, Transito police will retain the car for 24 hours and take it to an impound lot. <And who knows what shape the car will be in when you get it back.>

Nacional –

Fiscal agradece saludos por nacimiento de su hija (Attorney General thanks those who sent greetings for the birth of her daughter) – On her personal Instagram account, A.G. Diana Salazar gave thanks for expressions of love on the birth of her daughter, Julia Victoria on el 4/12/2024. The birth was in Argentina where the baby’s father is from. The communication from the A.G. was made after a video and photos of the delivery were disseminated on social networks. <WTF? What kind of jerk (I’ve got stronger words I think would be more appropriate, but some of you are easily offended.) would invade someone’s privacy like that?>

And that’s all for today so hasta ? –

Jeanne