Cathy Von Rohr: Originally from Toledo, OH, she had graduated from Brooklyn’s Pratt Institute three years prior and was freelancing as a graphic and exhibit designer. As such, Von Rohr couldn’t resist fellow designer Pamela Waters’ invitation to visit Mexico’s Pacific Coast.
Maxie Sutton Perez: Collage artist Maxie Sutton Perez recalls being interested in art and painting since she learned how to hold a pencil in her hand.
Painting by Mouth: Every morning on the Malecon, working in natural light and inspired by the sounds of the sea, Xaime Ximenez sits with brush in mouth in front of his canvas.
José Luis González: Every day, José Luis González goes to the beach by the Malecon to work on his sand sculptures, as he has done every year since the winter of 2005, when he first visited Puerto Vallarta during a trip with a friend.
Alper Oztok: One could easily imagine that being an extrovert would be one of the requirements to be the general manager at the region’s most important luxury resort.
Salvador González: Puerto Vallarta’s Mayor-Elect Salvador González Reséndiz is just 28 years old, born in Puerto Vallarta on March 26, 1981.
Keith May: When Keith May visited Puerto Vallarta for the first time eight years ago, he had already been involved with gray whales for 14 years as a volunteer at San Diego’s aquarium.
Enrique Tovar: No matter whether it’s a weekend or holiday, Puerto Vallarta’s Tourism Department, headed by Enrique Tovar, is always open.
Art Fumerton: Originally from Canada, Art Fumerton was enchanted with our city during his first visit in 1970, and when Vallarta called him again in 1994, he said goodbye to a 15-year career in “corporate America,” loaded up the Bronco and headed south with his wife, Mayra.
Debbi Egan: A one-day stop in Vallarta while cruising with her family 22 years ago touched Debbi Egan’s soul.
Kerri Rivera: Like a kite, Kerri Rivera rose against the wind rather than with it when, after a frustrating slew of hits and misses, her youngest son, Patrick, was diagnosed with autism six years ago.
Sylvie Laitre: This native of Quebec, Canada, planned to learn Spanish to complement her French and English before beginning post-graduate studies. Laitre is currently the director of the extremely successful
Mexico Boutique Hotels. Over the past seven years, she has increased this collection of premium properties from 28 to the current 47.
The Fregosos: Natives of Mexico City, Carlos and Mariel Fregoso moved to Puerto Vallarta in 1992, charmed by the warmth of its people and the beauty of that small town of long ago.
Sidney & Enrique: Sidney Lecther and Enrique Cremaschi were born in different countries and had diverse professional backgrounds, but fate and the shared passion for excellent pizza brought them together in a Buenos Aires pizzeria in 1995.
Tracie Willis: Sometimes adversity brings out the best in people. Take Tracie Willis, for example. Some 18 years ago, she found herself at a crossroads with only $1,000 USD in her pocket, wondering whether to leave nearby Sayulita and return to her homeland, or purchase a freezer.
Jorge Acosta: Every day, singer Jorge Acosta goes table to table, flashing his marvelous smile as he offers his services: singing from the heart and showing his pride in Mexican music.
Peter Gray: We're fortunate - and it's compliment to Puerto Vallarta - that this self-effacing Brit, who held an impressive job as Latin America's marketing director for Proctor & Gamble overseeing operations in 15 countries, chose to retire here.
Chu: A cuddly lamb named Chu becomes an overnight success, after being discovered in 2006 at a furniture show in Guadalajara! Formerly a member of an eclectic family of stuffies, Chu was first spotted by Make-A-Wish Mexico’s President Bob Mandel, who instantly fell in love with the yellow lamb, after seeing the positive effect that he had on everyone who laid eyes on him at the furniture show.
Al Cardeña: Al Cardeña arrived in Puerto Vallarta with his family in 1969, in an era when the television and the phone still did not exist here, and a at time when only eight cars took control of the few existing streets. A talented and visionary businessman known for his passion at work, he lived here for 38 years until his recent passing.
Robert “Bud” Acord: Many knew Bud Acord from his beloved Hacienda Jalisco. While he himself was not the hacienda, the place was imbued with his loving care and affection. Most may not remember the earlier days when Bud arrived in Puerto Vallarta, a time when the small gringo community was united or, at least, connected.
