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About changes in your electricity supply

Phil Markham, of Jimena Real Estate, sent this item he found online. There seems to be much confusion on the subject, which is not surprising as the electricity companies are none too clear. This item comes from a law office, details about which are at the bottom of the article. (JimenaPulse is not responsible for information contained therein.) Do I need to do anything? Contrary to an article that appeared in a local British paper your electricity bills will not increase by 20% if you fail to re-register with your existing electricity provider or sign a contract with a new one of your choice. Consumers who have contracted 10kw of power (factories, shops, businesses) have already been notified that they are obligated to move over to the free market and choose their preferred supplier as, in the future,>(See the complete article on CampoPulse; and please consider: When was the last time you made a donation to this site?)

New traffic laws came into effect yesterday - be warned!

Many of you will have received a folder through the post with the logo in the image, left. It is an explanation of a reformation of the traffic laws that came into effect yesterday, ostensibly 'Simpler', 'Easier' and 'Fairer'. We have gone into the Dirección General de Tráfico website (www.dgt.es), as suggested, and discover that there is more to the new laws than it says in the folder. We have asked TheTranslationPeople to help but they are busy right now - though they might not be averse to a bribe. (Please consider: When was the last time you made a donation to this site?)

Good job by gardeners; pity about the litterbugs

When something is right, we like to mention it. This time it's the gardens just below the main square that have been given a bit of TLC by the gardeners employment scheme (there are several, we don't know the name of this one). This garden, that connects with the pensioners' day centre and the steps leading to 'Downtown Jimena', are a lovely spot. Unfortunately, there are those who would wish it otherwise: no sooner has the place been tidied up than we find Coke and beer cans and crisp packets littering the newly mown grass. (Prospero note: I live close to this spot and I have never, ever seen a policeman there at the times when there is a gaggle of youthful litterbugs: any day between 9pm and 2am, depending on what day of the week.)

Massive anti-organized crime operation on Costa del Sol, Brits and Irish arrested

(Agencies/Photo: Diario Sur) Early this morning an operation by the Organized Crime Units of the National Police (Udyco) spread out on the Costa del Sol, from Estepona to Marbella and Fuengirola, arresting over 20 people, mainly British and Irish, allegedly involved in such things as assasinations, kidnappings, drug dealing and prostitution, among others. Most of those arrested so far are British and Irish. Searches of homes are under way (Read the whole story with updates on CampoPulse)

A piece of Jimena history disappears

We knew it was going to happen and it's taken longer than we thought. The old mill almost opposite the supermarket on Avenida de los Deportes has gone, pulled down to make way for a block of flats (see photo below). Such a pity! The mill was old, decrepit and neglected (see photo below), admittedly - and not within the boundaries of Jimena's Historic Quarter (and thus protected, which it should have been anyway),  but only a few metres away. But its proportions were pleasing and it had a history (about which we will be writing). Progress, it's called.

Council clean-up of empty plots

Jimena Council's Department of Environment is to begin its annual campaign advising owners of empty plots and neglected buildings of their obligations to maintain and keep them clean, as a fire precaution. The proprietors whose properties are on the Council's list will  soon be receiving letters to that effect. Should these obligations be ignored, they will be carried out by the Council and charged via judicial proceedings. The objective every year is to avoid possible fires and the presence of rodents and insects. Given the amount of rain last winter, weeds have grown to unusual proportions in many of the unbuilt plots, so the problems with dry  undergrowth could be worse unless action is taken now. (Photo: illustration only)

Gaucín artists open their doors

The large colony of artists living in Gaucín opens the doors to their studios at this time every year. ArtGaucin.com gathers together painters, sculptors, photographers, ceramists and artists of renown: Michael Lock, Victoria Orr-Ewing, Lesley Riddihough, Bayard Osborn, Juan Antonio Sangil, Sebastian Fisher and Vivienne Whiffen may be some of the names you have heard. But there are many more. The Art Gaucín website even offers a map with which to find their studios, so plan a trip the weekend of May 29 to 30 (open 11a to 7pm).

Get ready for the La Estrella car boot sale & dog show

Tanya and the Ward family at Marchenilla are busy preparing for this year's La Estrella car boot sale, to which they're adding a dog show, to be held at their Finca Los Caballos, just past Marchenilla (see map on poster - click to enlarge), on Sunday, June 6th, from 9.30am to 3pm. This is the place and time to show your support for Jimena's local handicapped organization. If you want to book a stall or need any more information, please call Tanya on 627 649 320. Tell all your friends about it, and/or send them the poster now (a version in Spanish is available below)! Let's make this one the best ever!

Wot a party! Henrietta's Open Mike

This may well be the first of many Open Mike Nights at Henrietta's Place on Calle Sevilla, on Saturday. It was a great fun night with all kinds of music, from Blues to Flamenco, from pub ballads to a fascinating version of Norah Jones by Verity that had everyone enthralled. And even a birthday! (It was good to see everyone from the Quiz Nights at Oba, says Prospero.) The better photos were taken by Juan Manuel Contreras, who doesn't miss anything going on in Jimena.

DominGo4 - Special Flamenco Issue- is out today!!

It's feria time. What will you wear? What's he supposed wear? El Rocío is on as you read this, tens of thousands heading for Doñana, but why? What's there to see in Europe's largest National Park, anyway?  All the answers are in the fourth issue of DominGo - and you don't even have to find it at a news stand! In the interest of speed, we're changing the way we`re putting DominGo up here. All you have to do is click on any of these DominGo links ... ¡Olé! (It would be nice if you sent the link - http://issuu.com/prospero/docs/number_4 - to all your friends and relatives; or use the little envelope below. We need all the help we can get!)

A good service story

(Via e-mail) "A GOOD service story. This morning I telephoned Telefonica on their 1004 number and immediately had the option to speak in English. I then reported an out of order number. At lunch-time an engineer called to say that he would call at 4.30pm. He turned up on time and fixed the fault. At about 7.30pm I had another call from them to ask if all was OK. Well done Telefonica! Sheila" Thanks, Sheila, we like to hear the good news, too!

Reader's questions: Is there ... oh, just read it!

(Via e-mail) "Firstly let me say that as I am one of Jimena Pulse readers who has not contributed I will understand if you choose to ignore my letter." [If we did that, there wouldn't be a JimenaPulse and we'd have to ignore everyone, even in the street. Ed] "Whilst tapping away on my laptop I was wishing my knowledge of computers was more than just sending emails etc and thought that it would be wonderful if there was someone out there who would give computer lessons - it would have to be in English, as although my Spanish has improved it is not THAT good. Secondly I would love to know more about First Aid, is there anyone out there who could impart their knowledge, perhaps a donation to La Estrella would be in order, what do you think? There must be more like minded people in Jimena and the surrounding area. Perhaps I have to much time on my hands!! Best Wishes and Keep Up The Good Work. Sue" [When can we expect the donation, Sue? Ed]

Open Mike Night at Henrietta's Place

The magnificent and newly re-opened Henrietta's Palace (okay, it's Place, Hotel, Hospedaje, whatever) is holding an Open Mike Night with Jimmy Cinders this coming Saturday, May 22, at 9pm. As it says on the poster, 'If you'd like to play, talk, sing, dance or recite poetry you are very welcome to come along to Calle Sevilla 44...' (We understand Prospero has every intention of being there, but we hope he won't be talking -he does that a lot anyway- or reciting his terrible poe ... oh, no, he might be taking his drums!)

Campo faithful head for El Rocío

The local media is full of reports on the brotherhoods heading for the annual El Rocío pilgrimage. Some 350 people left from La Línea alone, another 400 or so from Algeciras, and we know of at least two from Jimena who are joining up with others on the way to cross Doñana National Park towards Almonte and La Blanca Paloma. (What's all this about? Find out in our Special FLAMENCO Issue of DominGo coming soon!)

Phone lines down all morning

Prospero got 17 calls this morning, via mobile, to ask what was going on with the phone lines: no phone, no broad band; no banks or hole-in-the-walls; no Post Office. We don't know what it was but are glad they're back. One person who shall remain nameless -and whom we know has never made a donation to the site- actually asked us, in a very miffed tone, why we hadn't put anything up on JimenaPulse. What would you have answered, and why didn't we think of it at the time? (Another thought: given that all Telefónica products are now called Movistar, what's the name for them when everything goes down like this?)

Reader's Question: What's going on with Endesa?

(Via e-mail) "I did not get a letter like the one you are showing on the site,  but I just received 3 bills this week from Endesa from May of 2009 and June, 2009 - a year late and the last one just received, all 3 the same day,  for service sept. 22 to Oct. 28, 2009. What is going on there?  I call the number they give on the statements, 902 50 88 50 but only get recordings in Spanish  and am then  cut off.  I have tried this for 3 days now.   Anyone else having this problem?  Lee Andreason" Can anyone help?

Remember 'Something smells bad in the Campo de Gibraltar'?

On May 3rd we published Something smells bad about a national TV report on pollution in the Campo that was to go on air that night. On May 5th, we published Something smells very, very rotten in the Campo de Gibraltar, saying that the broadcast had been cancelled at the last minute and replaced. Well, it was finally aired last night (See it here). The programme, called Repor and originally cancelled as 'incomplete' after a phone call from CEPSA, owners of the refinery, comes up with a lot of information. Interviewed are not only representatives of the Junta, the Mayor of La Línea, a scientist specialising in air pollution, a local gynecologist of long standing and environmentalists in Gibraltar itself, among others, but also, significantly, a representative of a curious pressure group (See the full story on CampoPulse)

Yes, you can lose weight in Jimena

(Photo: illustration only) We had coffee this morning with three very nice ladies who tell us that a group of English-speaking people have been getting together every week for two years - to lose weight. Some of their success stories are awesome. We are preparing an interview about the group and will be publishing it next week as a new item in our occasional series (see sidebar). If you tried and tried to get into that bikini  (or the swimsuit, boys!) for the summer, and failed, watch this space!

Readers ask about an Endesa letter re your ICP

Several people have stopped Prospero in the street to ask about a letter they received from their electricity company, like the one here, our old friend Endesa. Why nobody has asked us online, we cannot fathom;  it's the kind of thing we are here for (what would you do without us?). Back to the letter. Our sponsors TheTranslationPeople have kindly translated it into comprehensible English, available below. If you have any questions, ever, please do not hesitate to contact us - we will do our best to help.>

Roadworks on Calle Sevilla (gently) under way

As of 12.45 this morning, there was little sign of any road work being carried out on Calle Sevilla. However, there were indications that something is going on. Nevertheless, plans are afoot to start on Phase 1 (See Roadworks start on Monday), perhaps mañana. Just so you know, here's a map with the traffic detours as officially announced on (white) posters (taped to white walls) up and down the Paseo area - click to enlarge. (What would you do without us! Please ask yourself when was the last time you made a donation to JimenaPulse.)

Barça wins La Liga

Contrary to public belief, there are several Barcelona fans in this Real Madrid-mad village. We know this because all three of them came out hooting horns and waving flags as soon as their club won La Liga this afternoon, beating Valladolid 4-0. Real Madrid, a contender until the last, could only muster an equalizing 1-1 against Málaga. It would be foolhardy for us here to say ¡Enhorabuena! in Catalan, so we'll just leave it in Spanish. Oh, and we should say ¡Qué lástima! or some such condolence to Valladolid, Xerez and Tenerife, who say good by to the Primera División (First Division) today, the last day of La Liga's 2009/2010 season.

Feria de Agosto goes back to its roots

(Photo of Jimena feria as it used to be from the book '... y al Sur, Jimena') Mayor Pascual Collado and the Councillor for Festivities, Jesús Rodríguez, have announced that the Feria de Agosto, Jimena's summer fair, will be moving to the main square this year. Until the 1980s this was always the traditional location of the fair. Given that the International Music Festival,  which had one of its stages in the square, has been cancelled, the idea is to offer an alternative. Plans, with details to be announced, are that the square serve as an 'open air marquee', and for the coronation of the Queen and Court, as well as dancing and music. The rides are to be set up at the Friday market site and the Youth Marquee (too often a troublesome spot) on the flat land behind the primary school. Further developments to be announced, so watch this space.

Marchenilla on the move - again!

This item first went up on April 17, 2008, almost exactly a year ago. We are re-posting it because nothing has changed, except for a comment that came in this morning from someone who is affected by the problem as it arises again. "The residents of Marchenilla, just down the A-405 from Jimena and part of its municipality, are mobilizing against a building rubble recycling plant nearby, though the project has not even been published in the Provincial Official Bulletin (BOP) yet. Protests are about the plant being built at Haza de la Piedra and the fact that a considerable increase in heavy traffic is already affecting them.>

'There but for the grace of Greece'

We are not economists here, which accounts for us not offering opinions on the economy. We are trying to refrain from offering opinions about the drastic measures being taken by the Zapatero government to cut back €190 billion of the country's deficit by 2013. It's difficult to bite our tongues, so we've left it to Alexander Bewick's Soap Box, where he says, "... at the top of the heap sit the fat cats who made vast, often illegal and fraudulent profits on land speculation throughout the country. Even Zapatero admits it: "Those who have had nothing to do with the recession, who did nothing to create it, are the ones who will have to make the greatest efforts to get out of it." Great. Another good socialist concept." He's also 'borrowed' the cartoon from DominGo, the thief!

Calle Sevilla works start on Monday

The Council has announced that work on Jimena's main street, Calle Sevilla, is to start next Monday, May 17th. As JimenaPulse told you here, the work is extensive and not only on the main street but also Calle Romo. These being the village's main arteries, traffic and access is likely to be affected considerably. However, the work is essential to replace ancient, deteriorated pipes for sewage and water supply and will be carried out in phases. The image shows the scheduled phases (click to enlarge), and detailed traffic instructions for Phase 1 are below. We will keep you informed, so watch this space.>

Vote for REAL cork!

We had a curious e-mail from one José Miguel Ortíz Cano, (blog: Bajo los Árboles) whom we are not aware of having met, urging us to 'vote for the cork of our forests' on a poll no less than in the Wall Street Journal. We did. The US is cork's biggest market, and one of our local economy's largest employers, so we figured that it could do no harm. You can do the same here: http://online.wsj.com/community/groups/wine-241/topics/plastic-real-cork-better-way but be sure to see the results when you do and  a related article in that august publication. And while you're about it, you might like to see the work it takes to get that cork in your bottle, if you ever thought about it. (Over on the sidebar are several widgets that will take you to others in our occasional series.)

Council announces help for families

Jimena Council's Department of Equality and Welfare, headed by Mercedes Segovia (left), has announced a package of help for families in straitened circumstances. The objective is to help families with an income below the Minimum Salary for 2010, or €633.30 per month. The measure consists of three amounts in an annual as-needed payment depending on accredited income and number of children. More information can be obtained at Jimena Social Services Dept. (Casa de la Cultura Leopoldo de Luis, phone 956 648 136 - photo) or at municipal offices in San Pablo and Tesorillo. Requirements: photocopy of NIE; certificate of co-habitation, Libro de Familia and a document attesting to income dated on the date of application. Councillor Segovia points out that the money to finance this scheme comes from a reduction in the salaries of the Mayor and his government, plus other help from Diputación de Cádiz.

New street furniture for San Sebastián

Jimena's most picturesque street, San Sebastián, close to the main square, has been given a facelift with new benches and planters. The council's Department of Development, headed by Fernando Gómez, has also announced that the municipality has been included in a Diputación scheme for urban parks that includes the availability of plants such as petunias and pansies, among others, to be planted at different places throughout the municipality.

'Is this what you voted for?'

You will have noticed that JimenaPulse has not published a single item on the UK elections. There are those much better equipped than us to do so, and our friend Sancho is certainly one of them. His latest post on his Tilting at Windmills blog is a fine example of a journalist at work. He was in England for the momentous event while we sat here checking the Spanish online media hourly - about which the best that can be said is that they seemed amused by the 'controversy on hung parliaments' and the 'headaches involved'. They, the Spanish, are used to coalitions, as is the rest of Europe, who get along reasonably well with them.

La Estrella Dog Show and Car Boot Sale coming up

We just got a call from Tanya at the Saturday Pony Club to say that she is planning a Dog Show and Car Boot Sale to benefit La Estrella, Jimena's handicapped association. Initially planned for Sunday, June 6th (weather permitting), this is subject to confirmation from La Estrella. A similar initiative two years ago raised a considerable amount of money for the charity - aside from giving us a fun day out. (see photo: JimenaPulse archive) Watch this space for further information - and Call Tanya on 627 649 320 if you want to book a stall. (Read more about how the expat community has helped La Estrella over the years - click here.)

Council's recommendations on gas inspections

(Press release) Jimena Council will soon be putting up a bando municipal (official announcement, usually put up in bars and other public spots in Spanish - The Translation People have done the work for you, see below) about your rights and obligations regarding your gas installations. Also, the Local Police have lately detected a rise in false inspections, about which JimenaPulse has warned extensively (example: Gas scam - again!). However, the police say that some of the personnel presently touring the town do belong to an authorized gas installer. Nevertheless, the Council is offering further advice:>

Collado meets with Public Works head

Mayor Pascual Collado met yesterday morning in Cádiz with the Provincial Delegate for the Junta's Public Works Department, Pablo Lorenzo, to review work being carried by the department in the municipality. The agenda included the situation of illegal building in Tesorillo, the public housing project at Corral de Concejo  in Jimena (see photo for site), the 'normalization' of building at El Chorro, also in Jimena, as well as aspects regarding certain modifications of the Subsidiary Regulations that need to be adapted to the new Urban Planning Law of Andalucía. The Mayor also asked about ongoing procedures to widen the A-2102 road that links Tesorillo with San Enrique de Guadiaro, for which land expropriation is necessary. Collado also presented the changes made to a public housing project in San Pablo that was approved recently by the Council.

Barranca Bermeja roadworks finished

(Press release) The road known as Barranca Bermeja, behind San Pablo, has been repaired. Started in December, work had to be suspended due to the bad weather, which further damaged an already troublesome road. Some 600 metres have now been paved and given drainage. The heavy rains caused a landslide that has been walled as an emergency precaution (see photo). This road is used primarily by farmers in the area, who hadlong been complaining about its condition.

Two policemen injured at feria

Two Local Police agents were injured after allegedly being attacked during an altercation at the Feria yesterday, according to a Council press release. The incident took place at the Youth Marquee as the fair wound down. They, and other colleagues, arrived after being alerted by security personnel of a brawl inside the marquee. They were then attacked by several youths and had to be taken to Emergency at the La Línea Hospital, from where they were later released. The Guradia Civil took overthe incident and is now in the process of identifying the aggressors.

Butterflies flutter by...

... and our regular contributor, photographer, film maker and friend Phillip Heinzl captures this Two Tailed Pasha on a strawberry tree (arbutus unedo, or Madroño in Spanish) in his garden. It really is a spectacular photo that you can enlarge when clicking on it. You can see more of his work on JimenArte (our free art exhibition site soon to get a facelift) or by writing his name in the search facility at the top of the sidebar.

Sunday at the Feria

Dogs, people, horses (some) and rain, rain, rain. It was the latter that had the organization change plans and cancel the horse dancing, usually a feature of the May Fair in Jimena. However, the casetas (marquees) were full of people getting in out of the rain. But the sun came out in the afternoon and the kids were able to enjoy the rides. Thanks again to the Council website for the photos.

Hotel Henrietta opens in Jimena

What used to be the Hotel Jimena Real has become the Hotel Henrietta thanks to Melissa and Eoin, who are now running the two-star establishment. Yes, it's open! The photo (thank you, Currini) is of the sign that is now on the door, painted by Melissa.  The charming couple are artists; Eoin is an accomplished sculptor, painter, photographer, etc, and Melissa is very modest about her own accomplishments. Watch this space (and a renewed JimenArte) for a lot more on these two - and an answer to the question we all want to know: why Henrietta?

Yesterday at the Feria

Bad weather kept away, unlike today. The cork loaders did their thing in excellent spirits (See our series How did that cork get in your bottle?). Many thanks to Antonio Sierra, or possibly Ricardo Gómez (Tio Jimeno), or at any rate, www.jimenadelafrontera.es, the official Council website, for the photos.

Don't worry, this is your new Telefónica bill

Unaccustomed as they are to advance warning, Telefónica has changed their billing form again. As it says, 'All Telefónica products are now called Movistar'. So, if you're Vodafone or Orange or anything else for your mobile, don't throw it away (as Prosp almost did) if you've got Telefónica broadband or land line at home, thinking it's just advertising. Click on the image to enlarge for a (marginally) less fuzzy idea of what it looks like.

King Juan Carlos recovering from lung operation

SPAIN
King Juan Carlos underwent an operation to remove a non-malignant nodule from his right lung at the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona this morning. Latest medical reports say that he is doing well and is expected to be released from hospital in three or four days. His doctors say that the problem originates with his smoking. The King, 72, and whose most recent annual check-up revealed the problem, carried out his official duties until the last minute. The King's health, usually robust except when related to his liking for sports (skiing and sailing), caused a certain amount of consternation as news leaked out that he was being operated on for a tumour, which was denied by the latest bulletins from the hospital.

Yesterday at the Feria

 Jimena's annual May Fair (Feria de Mayo) got under way yesterday with the cork gatherer's competition, which consists of a race that involves tying together a load of cork bark and running with it. Competitors included people whose livelihood this is (See How did that cork get in your bottle?). Despite the weather, which dawned with a spittle of rain, the morning was more of an excuse to spend some time with colleagues and friends. See more photos below (and today's programme here).

Reader's Choice: The patios of Córdoba

Sponsored by:

 

Today's Reader's Choice comes from 'porcupie', a new contributor (it's a porkie, innit?). The patios in Córdoba are open to the public this weekend until next. They are absolutely magnificent every year. Gardening enthusiasts and anyone else who likes flowers, colours and Andalucía, are sure to thank whoever it is that sent it in, and us for suggesting you visit them. Find out more on http://www.andalucia.org/eventos/festival-de-los-patios-cordobeses/ in English.

All the way from Australia...

La Tasca was invaded this morning by a very pleasant group of visitors from Australia, who kindly agreed to have their photo taken in the square. They called themselves a 'study group', presumably studying Southern Spain. The group's leader, Dr. John Wreglesworth, of Banbury in Oxfordshire, told us that they had previously visited Granada, Córdoba and were on their way to Sevilla, and after that to spend five days in Barcelona. Comments ranged from 'What a lovely village!' to 'What do you do all day here?' (which has no answer). In one of those coincidences that seems to be the norm in Jimena, one of the group was born and raised near where one of the regulars' son and family now live. Welcome, Ozzies, and bon voyage!

Feria de Mayo begins today

This year's May Fair gets under way this evening with a cork gathering competition at 7pm, followed by the official lighting up of the fair grounds, down by the sports pavilion. You can see the whole programme in English here, or click on the feria poster on the sidebar.