By Carola Rico
This year was full of challenges. We learned some things, we unlearned others, we won and lost battles; we must prepare to start over.
The year 2022 will be a cycle of transitions, laying the foundations for changes that the post-global pandemic world demands of us.
Atencion San Miguel also closes 2021 by introducing new concepts and transformations. We will be working to bring fresher, timelier, and more interesting information to everyone through our printed newspaper—already a tradition—and every day through our electronic media, website, and social networks.
Summary of the year
Vaccines against Covid-19: A year after the pandemic started, the first vaccines arrived in San Miguel de Allende in mid-March and were administered to adults over 60 years of age. The vaccination program was successful, thanks to coordination between the federal, state, and municipal governments, as well as relief units—the Red Cross and firefighters—and civil organizations. Ten immunization centers were set up for the first dose for those over 60; they operated from 8am-8pm. The vaccine provided was Pfizer.
Reforestation days: During the months of May, June, and July more than 200,000 trees and magueys were planted—a historic number. The effort was led by civil organizations, such as Salvemos al Río Laja, Vía Orgánica, Somos Mezcaleros, and Bodies of Water Conservation. Some 500 men and women participated from the communities of Doña Juana, Sosnabar, El Membrillo, El Salitre, Los Torres, Cañada de la Virgen, Los Toriles, Agustín Gonzáles, Puerto de Nito, El Cañajo, Tierra Blanca de Arriba, and others.
Trejo Pureco won the municipal election in the Heritage City: Three strong candidates ran for the municipal government for 2021-2024. The major contenders were Luis Alberto Villarreal García, a PAN-party licensed mayor who was running for reelection; Mauricio Trejo Pureco, a PRI party member and former mayor; and Ricardo Ferro, a Morena party member. It was a close contest. According to the results of the INE in June, Mauricio Trejo Pureco won the election by a four-point majority. Ricardo Ferro accepted the results almost immediately. However, because of the small margin, Luis Alberto Villareal contested the election. The issue was not settled until almost a day before Trejo Pureco took the oath of office as mayor.
Botin Rojo shoe factory fire: An event that shocked San Miguel residents was the fire that occurred at the Botín Rojo shoe factory on December 12 in the Allende neighborhood of San Miguel de Allende. According to the report to the 911 Emergency System, this incident began around 1am at the shoe factory. Following the fire at this local company, neighboring houses collapsed, and two more were on the verge of collapse due to structural damage. Fortunately, the LP gas tanks were removed, preventing explosions from worsening the situation.
Fight between two councils in SAPASMA: Shortly before the end of the last municipal administration, the City Council, headed by PAN Mayor Luis Alberto Villareal, appointed a new Council that was to be installed during the administration of PRI Mayor Mauricio Trejo. On October 30, the City Council, headed by Mayor Mauricio Trejo, approved the appointment of a new council for the San Miguel de Allende Potable Water and Sewerage System (SAPASMA). Those affected filed an appeal to change the order in their favor, and a magistrate ordered the suspension of the act and the restitution of the original council. This meant that the original council was allowed to enter the SAPASMA facilities and were reinstated. During the last session of the council, the dismissal of said councilors due to loss of confidence was approved. This struggle will surely continue in January.
The current government dissolved the Tourist Council of San Miguel de Allende after 16 years of operation: The news spread via a statement issued on December 9 by the Tourist Council itself. It reported that it would only operate until the end of the month:
“The Tourist Council dissolves to start the creation of a new body to face the new times. The business sector, together with the mayor, are working so that in the first quarter of 2022 there is a new council that continues to position San Miguel de Allende. The destination city will continue to renew itself in terms of tourism, and we are sure that we will continue to be the best in this project called San Miguel de Allende. We will continue working with the Tourism Offices of the Municipal Administration in 2021-2024, headed by Tania Castillo de la Peña.”
Civil organizations helped Haitian migrants in San Miguel: Around 400 people of Central American origin, many from Haiti, have arrived at the National Migration Institute of San Miguel de Allende. Authorities have been carrying out the necessary procedures to review their immigration status, while organized civil society coordinates to offer shelter and food to the migrants.
Covid vaccine boosters for those over 60 arrived in San Miguel: On December 21, vaccine boosters for people over 60 years of age arrived. The only administration site was the COMUDE headquarters. The booster applied was AstraZeneca.
