OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Anneli Fogelberg on August 1, 2019, 4:36 pm
PLEASE URGENT REQUEST - So La Manzanilla changed overnight....El Pueblo Violado... First is was shock/disbelief, then anger/disturbance and now sadness/helplessness... The aura, the magic landscape and the bay view of magical La Manzanilla has now changed dramatically, literally overnight. The big OXXO came in, after permission from La Huerta, right at the main intersection in town, to be open 24/7 with its huge lit up signs, and its 4 football stadium type flood lights on ALL night long, taking away the star gazing at night, the tranquility of the town and its magic. It is now gone. In a little sleepy town with 2000 inhabitants, to have a 24/7 convenience store with intense flood lights on all night, is uncalled for, causing significant light pollution and a waste of money and the Earth’s limited resources. IF it was something important like a lighthouse, emergency room or a historically significant landmark/statue making such a major mark in La Manzanilla - that would be a different story - but that a commercial convenience store chain can mark La Manzanilla this way, even purely esthetically, is beyond words and belief. The huge OXXO sign is even much taller than the church in town. For those who are not here to see this atrocity we are including some photos that are ok but simply can not capture the huge and offensive OXXO signs and the intensity of the new blinding OXXO lights. So please instead of waiting until you come back down, take our word for it, and please help La Manzanilla to do something about it now. Guillermo and I and some close neighbors have already written to OXXO and an executive from OXXO called Guillermo the very next day, and they discussed the matter at length. He asked for photos so we have sent them to him, but no word back yet. Guillermo has also written to La Huerta Municipality with photos as evidence. We need to encourage La Huerta to install regular safety street lights at the main intersection, in lieu of the super flood lights that are in place now at the top of the OXXO store - lights that are simply not designed for street lighting. Even Wikipedia on OXXO (a company privately owned by a family in Monterrey and none of their stores are franchises) shows photos of various OXXO stores in Mexico and none of them has flood lights on their roofs and most of them have modest signs. After all OXXO company’s values are Integrity, Simplicity, Modesty and Respect to the People... RAMSAR convention, which has the La Manzanilla Mangrove as a designated RAMSAR site, has a declaration on Light Pollution at their sites since 2007 and we are concerned to that the significant light pollution will disturb the circadian rhythm of the inhabitants of the mangrove, as well as the locals of our town. I am planning to contact RAMSAR if OXXO doesn’t take down these 4 lights and lower the light intensity of the 2 main OXXO signs and/or close at midnight /shut off lights at midnight. Even turtles are affected by light pollution, according to RAMSAR. We think it is only the Westerners here that can try to change the atrocity that happened here. We would appreciate if OXXO removes the flood lights and change their commercial signs into modest and less offensive signs. The new malacon with its golden arch, right next door, is now dwarfed by this monstrous sign. We are including photos of the tastefully integrated OXXO store in Comala, as a comparison, proving that OXXO does not make all their stores identical. One can speculate that OXXO made their store like this, in order to attract the highway drivers to come to their store, hence the huge and tall sign and its flood lights, shining up the whole mountains, the town and the beach. At the cost of the locals and the animals of the mangrove. Tons of insects swarm around the flood lights all night, causing diminution of food for the animals of the mangrove. Yes, our town is changing rapidly so it is so important that we use our education and knowledge about civility to try to make any changes here gentle and beneficial to the town and its inhabitants. The last city planning for La Manzanilla was written in 1995, after the earthquake, and most things on that plan have not been implemented or adhered to. It ought to be revised and updated, so La Manzanilla can review, disapprove or approve major changes in the future, in order to maintain its beauty and magic. PLEASE, we strongly encourage you to write to OXXO and ask for removal of the flood lights, close at midnight and taking down the offensive OXXO sign that has ruined and violated La Manzanilla. Or write to them what you think and what is important to you. For example, one person we spoke to is also concerned about the parking area of the OXXO - the customers have to reverse into the busy María Asunción, right by the busy intersection, probably causing accidents there. To write to OXXO, go to OXXO.com site under Contacto and when asked for Calle y numero, Colonia and Entre calles enter the following: Calle y Número: Lázaro Cárdenas y Mara Asuncion (no number yet) Colonia: Condocida (known) Entre calles: María Asunción y la Playa Or to call: 01-81-83 20 20 20 (no charge) MORE TEXT below these photos - more photos coming. Adding photos is definitely a learning curve! And/or if you prefer to also write to La Huerta: gobernacion@lahuerta.gob.mx Attn: Señor Adan Israel Mendoza Rodriguez, Presidente Municipal de la Huerta I wrote my letter in English, using Word and then used a free of charge, very easy and user friendly Doc Translator (onlinedoctranslator.com) for translation into Spanish. Takes less than a minute to translate. Then I copied and pasted into the comment box on the OXXO Contacto site. For Mac/IPad users - write in the Pages app, then export into a Word document and save to your files, for upload on the Doc Translator site. Very easy! It would be interesting to hear what New York Times reporter Sebastian Modak would say now, after visiting La Manzanilla before and after the OXXO domination. (He wrote an article in New York Times on Costa Alegre on July 16, 2019). Thank you for listening to us and please help! Now! Anneli Fogelberg 37 Mariposa La Manzanilla 315-351-7130 1-717-265-3085 Lifogelberg@gmail.com | -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Valerie D on August 2, 2019, 8:42 am, in reply to "OXXO and Our Violated Town"-------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Anneli on August 2, 2019, 10:08 am, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
Valerie - thank YOU for your help! 😊 And we keep trying from here.. | -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Gary on August 2, 2019, 11:31 pm, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
Yikes! I feel your concern and your letter writing might be useful with the lights. The photos are disturbing. However, with respect - isn't it the Mexican residents who need to decide what kind of town they want (not easy anywhere I know), not the visitors? I have a friend who works for OXXO elsewhere...feeds his family. It's not new to have convenience stores (and certainly not in the US or Canada, where they were born). | -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Anneli on August 3, 2019, 12:26 am, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
Thanks Gary for your input. I do happen to be a Mexican Resident and La Manzanilla is my home, where I live and breathe all year. Fortunately, my husband is from Mexico and he is currently in dialogue with both OXXO and La Huerta Municipal. It is a start. I have nothing against OXXO as a company or convenience stores in general, of course not. They are very handy. It is just how OXXO did it here, in our small town, which was completely uncalled for - in my opinion and in my Mexican husband’s opinion. Anneli Fogelberg, M.D. | -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by PAUL & BJ on August 3, 2019, 9:04 am, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
Hi Anneli: I sure hope we can make Oxxo see the problem with the lights. They don't need this kind of illumination to attract anyone. If we need supplies we no where it is! What a blight on the view of the ocean and sunsets! Paul and Betty-Jean | -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Gerardo on August 3, 2019, 10:26 am, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"-------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Vicki Mercer on August 3, 2019, 9:34 am, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
Me too. And I will talk with the Delegado next week. Anneli, did you talk to him yet? | -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Anneli on August 4, 2019, 8:38 am, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
Citizens of the World: Thank you all for your support and your comments. I hope that some of you or everyone will write to OXXO and/or La Huerta Municipal and voice your opinions. I think it is in numbers of voices that will enable a change. If we do not speak up, then nothing will change. An architect at La Huerta Municipality Office told my husband that they hope there will be no demonstrations and protests in La Manzanilla. So somehow this tells me that they are aware of how this was done here and that many people would be very upset. And I do think there would have been a protest here, if it was December, when those who call La Manzanilla their second home, would be here to see and experience this in person. Citizens of the world - I think everyone would react. The architect said something to my husband about how much money it would take to try to change how OXXO did their store here. In my opinion, OXXO ought to not be paid for the necessary changes they need to make. This atrocity has probably the worst light pollution of any little town up and down this coast. The more I read about light pollution, especially from LED lights, and its affect on basically everything around us - humans, the animals, the insects, the trees and the ocean - the more upset I get about what happened here, in a little town of 1800 inhabitants. I have downloaded every light pollution app there is for iPhone/ipad, but the problem is that we have currently no great way to measure the new LED lights. There are a few android apps that I can not download, that might be useful. Explanation from Radiance Light trends, an app that measure light pollution over time: “The satellites measure light in the spectral range of about 500-900 nm. This is not the same as human vision, which runs from 400-700 nm. The satellite data is therefore less sensitive to white light than the human eye, and has sensitivity at infrared wavelengths that the human eye cannot see. For this reason, when communities switch from orange high pressure sodium lamps to white LED, the satellites often report a drop in brightness even if a human would say that the white LEDs look brighter. Since cities worldwide are changing to white LEDs, it is important to keep this in mind.” Needless to say, I ran this app for La Manzanilla, comparing the light pollution before and after the OXXO store, but as the explanation above describes, it just can’t measure these LED flood lights. So too bad. Would have been nice to have some scientific proof... But we do have one proof - our photos and the thousands of insects swarming around these flood lights all night long - causing diminution of the food source for the inhabitants of the mangrove. Not to talk about attracting mosquitos carrying Dengue Fever, ZIKA etc. The OXXO representative claimed they are yellow lights, as to attract less insects, but I don’t think so. They do not appear yellow to me, in person or on the photos, but I am not sure - I am not a lighting expert! But I do know it is very hard to find yellow LED lights nowadays, because that is what I am trying to use in my home. Many companies have stopped making them. I drove to Manzanillo today for some provisions, that I can’t find in La Manzanilla, and I studied the various OXXO and Kiosko stores along the way, and I must say our town got the worst. Only in Manzanillo by Walmart was there as tall of an OXXO sign as here, but on a busy road, competing with other stores, and no flood lights on its roof. Even the OXXO along the highway towards Barra de Navidad, did not have flood lights on their roof and that store is right by a highway. So of course I question over and over again what OXXO did here and why - it is not like any cruise ships can come to our shallow bay (well, I don’t think). Or maybe they did it so they can attract as many highway drivers as possible, but if they have signs on the highway that ought to be enough. Also, the OXXO representative mentioned the big hotel coming nearby (the Four Seasons I assume, but I don’t know) and I have heard in town that there will be day trips and guided tours for the hotel clients to La Manzanilla, either by boat into the bay or vehicles through the mountain. OXXO probably want to attract these clients too - for frozen pizza heated up in a microwave, hot dogs, soda and alcohol - the regular fare for 5 star hotel clients...😂 So it appears to me that OXXO just went “all out” here, to make a major mark/stamp for their company and now we all have to try to change it. To me, it is simply not acceptable what happened here and ought not to be, anywhere in the world. Interestingly and disturbing, was when I entered the La Manzanilla exit ramp coming from Melaque, the sign for the OXXO is right in line with Pedros’ previous restaurant. So basically when drivers come from the South, they will not see the sign for OXXO until AFTER the exit into La Manzanilla. If a sign is AFTER the exit ramp then what??? It appears that the La Manzanilla committee gave the ok to OXXO, but due to being overworked and maybe not necessarily knowing what was coming or not knowing what they would have liked to have in their town, they might not have given any type of instructions, limitations or guidance to the OXXO architects so it appears that they then had free reins. And OXXO took advantage of it, that is for sure. Not like in San Pancho where the OXXO has a palapa! The members of the committee do as well as they can with the resources and the education they have. So I am not pointing fingers, no point and of no use, we all do as well as we can in life. What matters now is what we all do about it. The OXXO store will probably put some of the family run tiendas in town out of business. But that is too late now, the conglomerate has already moved in, permanently. But we can all help by supporting the local economy and restoring the beautiful landscape again, like lowering the tall OXXO sign and have the flood lights removed or at least redirected down towards the store, and not to the sky and mountains and straight into the drivers’ eyes coming into town. One option I read about is putting hoods on top of the lights, as to prevent some of the light pollution. I wrote to the OXXO representative that the strong interior lights of the store is more than efficient, in my opinion. No response. Of course. Vicky asked me if I had talked to the Delagado. I must say, the times I have gone there to talk about important issues, well to me, in my very limited Spanish, I have not gotten much response or results, unfortunately. So no, I have not gone to the Delagado but I would appreciate if someone would. Last night we had an electric black out in town and for a few hours our town was the way it used to be, at night, with no blinding lights, just normal house lights, that must have had a transformer of some kind. I will kindly ask Daniel to upload the photo from last night, in addition to a few others, including the OXXO store in Comala - a town that has a 25 year into the future city planning in place. I have so much to do, I want to contact FEMSA, RAMSAR, some major Mexican newspapers and maybe even the New York Times. The problem is that I am leaving this Tuesday for a 3 week trip home to Sweden. I will try to do as much as I can from there, but it might be hard due to going on a vacation trip once over there, with my family. Meanwhile, PLEASE, I BEG you, do your best to voice your opinions/concerns/wishes/facts and even your feelings about, in my opinion, our violated town. I truly believe you will not regret it. And please continue to eat the healthy food from the local tiendas and restaurants. Buen día! Anneli
| -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Shane on August 3, 2019, 10:26 am, in reply to "OXXO and Our Violated Town"
You can finally see La Manz on the map ....from outer space .... Good grief. | -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Boss on August 3, 2019, 12:14 pm, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
They must be hopping to attract ships at sea! Outragious, uncalled for light pollution. Obviously, no regulations in place for things like this. | -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Gary on August 3, 2019, 1:40 pm, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
Thanks Anneli, I will put my voice toward the light issue too - the information is helpful. Gary | -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Kim on August 3, 2019, 2:24 pm, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
I thought the store was going out by the highway near Pedro's or is that going to be a different store? Yes the Mx. citizens should have stopped OxxO because it will hurt the local businesses. A town that small was doing well without a commercial chain store taking over. Can not believe it was built since we left in March. | -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Geo on August 4, 2019, 2:42 am, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
Thank you Anneli for alerting us--locals, resident extranjeros, and frequent visitors to this quaint and marvelous town. I have studied and lived in Mexico on and off since 1973. I loved this place literally the first moment I saw the beach 5 years ago--after getting off the bus at Hwy 200, and walking the 2 miles to town. My last visit was 2 months ago. The lights are WRONG for this place. Oxxo presence also does seem out of place. I will not go there. Will join this reasonable cause. -Geo
| -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Anneli on August 4, 2019, 8:40 am, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town" Edited by board administrator August 4, 2019, 9:28 am
Sorry- my message just now ended up in the middle of the thread, so I am resending it. Citizens of the World: Thank you all for your support and your comments. I hope that some of you or everyone will write to OXXO and/or La Huerta Municipal and voice your opinions. I think it is in numbers of voices that will enable a change. If we do not speak up, then nothing will change. An architect at La Huerta Municipality Office told my husband that they hope there will be no demonstrations and protests in La Manzanilla. So somehow this tells me that they are aware of how this was done here and that many people would be very upset. And I do think there would have been a protest here, if it was December, when those who call La Manzanilla their second home, would be here to see and experience this in person. Citizens of the world - I think everyone would react. The architect said something to my husband about how much money it would take to try to change how OXXO did their store here. In my opinion, OXXO ought to not be paid for the necessary changes they need to make. This atrocity has probably the worst light pollution of any little town up and down this coast. The more I read about light pollution, especially from LED lights, and its affect on basically everything around us - humans, the animals, the insects, the trees and the ocean - the more upset I get about what happened here, in a little town of 1800 inhabitants. I have downloaded every light pollution app there is for iPhone/ipad, but the problem is that we have currently no great way to measure the new LED lights. There are a few android apps that I can not download, that might be useful. Explanation from Radiance Light trends, an app that measure light pollution over time: “The satellites measure light in the spectral range of about 500-900 nm. This is not the same as human vision, which runs from 400-700 nm. The satellite data is therefore less sensitive to white light than the human eye, and has sensitivity at infrared wavelengths that the human eye cannot see. For this reason, when communities switch from orange high pressure sodium lamps to white LED, the satellites often report a drop in brightness even if a human would say that the white LEDs look brighter. Since cities worldwide are changing to white LEDs, it is important to keep this in mind.” Needless to say, I ran this app for La Manzanilla, comparing the light pollution before and after the OXXO store, but as the explanation above describes, it just can’t measure these LED flood lights. So too bad. Would have been nice to have some scientific proof... But we do have one proof - our photos and the thousands of insects swarming around these flood lights all night long - causing diminution of the food source for the inhabitants of the mangrove. Not to talk about attracting mosquitos carrying Dengue Fever, ZIKA etc. The OXXO representative claimed they are yellow lights, as to attract less insects, but I don’t think so. They do not appear yellow to me, in person or on the photos, but I am not sure - I am not a lighting expert! But I do know it is very hard to find yellow LED lights nowadays, because that is what I am trying to use in my home. Many companies have stopped making them. I drove to Manzanillo today for some provisions, that I can’t find in La Manzanilla, and I studied the various OXXO and Kiosko stores along the way, and I must say our town got the worst. Only in Manzanillo center was there as tall of an OXXO sign as here, but on a busy road, competing with other stores, and no flood lights on its roof. Even the OXXO along the highway towards Barra de Navidad, did not have flood lights on their roof and that store is right by the highway. So of course I question over and over again what OXXO did here and why - it is not like any cruise ships can come to our shallow bay (well, I don’t think). Or maybe they did it so they can attract as many highway drivers as possible, but if they have signs on the highway that ought to be enough. Also, the OXXO representative mentioned the big hotel coming nearby (the Four Seasons I assume, but I don’t know) and I have heard in town that there will be day trips and guided tours for the hotel clients to La Manzanilla, either by boat into the bay or vehicles through the mountain. OXXO probably want to attract these clients too - for frozen pizza heated up in a microwave, hot dogs, soda and alcohol - the regular fare for 5 star hotel clients...😂 So it appears to me that OXXO just went “all out” here, to make a major mark/stamp for their company and now we all have to try to change it. To me, it is simply not acceptable what happened here and ought not to be, anywhere in the world. Interestingly and disturbing, was when I entered the La Manzanilla exit coming from Melaque, the sign for the OXXO is right in line with Pedros’ previous restaurant. So basically when drivers come from the South, they will not see the sign for OXXO until AFTER the exit into La Manzanilla. If a sign is AFTER the exit ramp then what??? It appears that the La Manzanilla committee gave the ok to OXXO, but due to being overworked and maybe not necessarily knowing what was coming or not knowing what they would have liked to have in their town, they might not have given any type of instructions, limitations or guidance to the OXXO architects so it appears that they then had free reins. And OXXO took advantage of it, that is for sure. Not like in San Pancho where the OXXO has a palapa! The members of the committee do as well as they can with the resources and the education they have. So I am not pointing fingers, not point and of no use, we all do as well as we can in life. What matters now is what we all do about it. The OXXO store will probably put some of the family run tiendas in town out of business. But that is too late now, the conglomerate has already moved in, permanently. But we can all help by supporting the local economy and restoring the beautiful landscape again, like lowering the tall OXXO sign and have the flood lights removed or at least redirected down towards the store, and not to the sky and straight into the drivers’ eyes coming into town. One option I read about is putting hoods on top of the lights, as to prevent some of the light pollution. I wrote to the OXXO representative that the strong interior lights of the store is more than efficient, in my opinion. No response. Of course. Vicky asked me if I had talked to the Delagado. I must say, the times I have gone there to talk about important issues, well to me, in my very limited Spanish, I have not gotten much response or results, unfortunately. So no, I have not gone to the Delagado but I would appreciate if someone can. Last night we had an electric black out in town and for a few hours our town was the way it used to be, at night, with no blinding lights, just normal house lights, that must have had a transformer of some kind. I will kindly ask Daniel to upload the photo from last night, in addition to a few others, including the OXXO store in Comala - a town that has a 25 year into the future city planning in place. I have so much to do, I want to contact FEMSA, RAMSAR, some major Mexican newspapers and maybe even the New York Times. The problem is that I am leaving this Tuesday for a 3 week trip home to Sweden. I will try to do as much as I can from there, but it might be hard due to going on a vacation trip once over there, with my family. Meanwhile, PLEASE, I BEG you, do your best to voice your opinions/concerns/wishes/facts and even your feelings about, in my opinion, our violated town. I truly believe you will not regret it. And please continue to eat the healthy food from the local tiendas and restaurants. Buen día! Anneli
| -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Jean on August 4, 2019, 9:14 am, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
After viewing Vern's drone video of four seasons, I highly doubt the guests that may come here will go to an Oxxo. The oxxo rep is full of shit.
| -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Anneli on August 4, 2019, 10:07 am, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
Jean - we are not sure if the OXXO rep meant the Four Seasons, he didn’t specify - maybe a new major hotel is coming to La Manzanilla - not sure. Does anyone know? I have seen Tamarindo trucks with tanks etc going towards the mangrove, passed Valentina’s. La Huerta Municipal’s website talks about Transparency - but it seems like us locals are the last ones to find out about the major changes in our town. That transparency ought to also involve the monetary gain to La Huerta from the Tamarindo/Four Seasons use of our town and its roads during construction as well as from the OXXO. Makes me wonder how much of that monetary gain will benefit La Manzanilla for the sewer/water project, making curbed sidewalks along the main road leading into town (accidents waiting to happen there) as well as education and health. And more... Anneli | -------------------Before and after
Posted by Anneli on August 4, 2019, 12:31 pm, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
| -------------------Re: Before and after
Posted by Anneli on August 4, 2019, 2:56 pm, in reply to "Before and after"
Hi, Just wanted to add that the first photo in my last thread shows our town during the black out last night. The photo above shows the natural light of the sunset of the involved area, before OXXO. Anneli | -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Michele P on August 4, 2019, 2:49 pm, in reply to "OXXO and Our Violated Town"
I will encourage my house manager Juani to say something. I will also write and/or contact OXXO as well as the municipio - the town has grown and is growing, change cannot be stopped but perhaps modified. Shame can also be a power for good. I won't be down until late March, hopefully things will have improved by then. | -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Anneli on August 4, 2019, 3:14 pm, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
Thank you Michele for your much needed and appreciated engagement and help. You are right, change can not be stopped and ought not to, but we could try to help to make those changes civil and beneficial for our town. And like you said, we can try to modify those changes that have happened, that none of us could have predicted. This is the very reason why we need to, somehow, try to adhere to and implement the city planning of La Manzanilla from 2016. My husband has printed out the whole city planning and is in the process of studying it. The key, I think, is prevention, rather than trying to change things afterwards. That is why it is so important that we will work with the Committee in La Manzanilla, in order to try to prevent more violations here and prevent changes that are not according to our town’s city planning. Anneli
| -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by LaRae on August 4, 2019, 5:28 pm, in reply to "OXXO and Our Violated Town"
As a new comer to this beautiful pueblo, I just submitted a message on oxxo.com. I hope my information doesn't get lost for lack of store number though. I couldn't find one online to input on the online form. WE NEED NOT TO FORGET THAT WE NOT ABUSE OUR PRIVILEGE TO LIVE IN THIS DELICATE BIOSPHERE. Every action to live simple and mindfully goes a long way. Raising our voices for this insensible act of light pollution and unnecessary capitalistic encroachment of the OXXOs presence is the least I can do.
| -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Anneli on August 4, 2019, 8:40 pm, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
LaRae - I am so glad you found La Manzanilla - a magical place, as you now know. Thank YOU for caring about this beautiful biosphere and trying to keep it that way. I completely agree with your comments. Well, that is obvious by now, I think...☺️ Anneli | -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Anneli on August 4, 2019, 8:48 pm, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
Forgot to say that we have not found the number of the OXXO store either - it is probably number 18,000 since there are 17,999 OXXO stores in Mexico, Columbia, Chile and Peru, according to the FEMSA website (2018). As long as one enters the information that I wrote in my first thread, OXXO will know which store. By now, they definitely know which store... Anneli | -------------------FEMSA - Owner of OXXO
Posted by Anneli on August 5, 2019, 9:40 am, in reply to "OXXO and Our Violated Town"
Good morning/Buenas Diaz, Due to lack of response to my letters to OXXO and La Huerta Municipal, I am now directing my concerns to FEMSA - the company that wholly owns OXXO, which is part of FEMSA Comercio, a subdivision of FEMSA. So OXXO is not privately owned, as I thought - it is a publicly traded company. I encourage those who have taken a stand and have written to OXXO and/or La Huerta, to send your letters to FEMSA as well. The FEMSA website is in English, so all letters can be in English, if you wish. For those who have not voiced your opinions yet, if you have any, then please direct them to FEMSA, instead of OXXO. I believe we need to go to the top, in order to achieve recognition and hopefully modification of the OXXO store here. There are 2 ways to do this: 1: http://www.informeanual.femsa.com/contact.html This web page lists all the Important contact emails/phone numbers for FEMSA - you can choose to write/call to your own division like FEMSA Comercio (OXXO) or division of Sustainability (all of FEMSA), according to what is important to You. 2: Go to FEMSA’s website, choose your language, go under ‘Contact Us” at the bottom left (way bottom), choose your Country and it will take you to the following that says: “I am a consumer / seller of your products and I want to offer a suggestion or comment” “You may call OXXO´s Customer Service Center at 01800-288-6996 or send an email to atencionaclientes@oxxo.com, we will be happy to assist you” At the end of the above message it says: “You could also contact us”. If you click on “contact us” it leads you to a complete form to voice your concerns. Choose FEMSA Comercio as the Business Unit option. I am planning to write my letter to All of the contacts listed on the Weblink above, in one email, hoping to at least reach one civil, reasonable and influential person. I will also invite them all to come and visit our magical town. I will write it in the language they understand - Money $$ - in addition to the environmental impact, which also seems to be very important to them and their stockholders. FEMSA’s website writes: “We base our actions on an unwavering commitment to ethics and values, and we organize our sustainability approach along three pillars: Our People, Our Planet and Our Community.” “Energy is fundamental to our business operations. This is why every year we incorporate new technology along with processes and tools that help to diversify the energy portfolio and optimize its use, reducing the environmental footprint of our operations.” “We work to reduce our products’ energy consumption, benefiting our consumers and the environment.” “Developing and maintaining positive, mutually valuable relationships with the communities in which we operate is fundamental to our business strategy and our sustainability goals. This begins with understanding the positive and negative impacts our businesses have in our communities, and then assessing how our business strategy can address the needs of these communities to further promote their sustainability through our business strategy.” Buen día! Anneli
| -------------------The Moon and OXXO Light Competition - Photos
Posted by Anneli on August 5, 2019, 5:14 pm, in reply to "FEMSA - Owner of OXXO"
I think the OXXO won!
| -------------------Re: FEMSA - Owner of OXXO
Posted by Michele P on August 5, 2019, 5:52 pm, in reply to "FEMSA - Owner of OXXO"
Thanks for that update, I will be sure to write them and everyone else I can think of. It is important to make a stand or it will all be downhill from here, having seen other towns "explode" i.e. Mauata in Michoacán, even Zihuatanejo was a sweet town in 1990, not any more. When the NY Times came out, I saw that most of the focus was in the Chamela area, hopefully it will stay that way. Organization is the key and strong planning regulations. How to get these is the question. I live in Santa Barbara which, nearly 100 years ago, instituted an architectural board of review and publicly approved permitting. Now our town is a jewel and although there are tons of tourists, we have been able to maintain the essential character of the town. Yes, we have a 99cent store on state street and other chain stores, Marshalls, but there is still room for local businesses. I have owned my home in LaManz since 2004, before the cell tower. Hope I die before the town gets ruined. | -------------------Re: FEMSA - Owner of OXXO
Posted by Anneli on August 6, 2019, 5:39 am, in reply to "Re: FEMSA - Owner of OXXO"
Thank YOU Michele for your insightful comments and your active engagement and support. Santa Barbara - One of my favorite towns that I visit every year. Yes, Santa Barbara has definitely done a great job preserving its charm and initial character. Yes, it will take a lot of work and probably knowing the “right” people in order to do the same here in La Manzanilla. But I truly think it is possible and it is definitely worth it. I care so much about this town and its inhabitants, human or otherwise, making it very hard for me to just stand by and watch how it is continuously being taken advantage of by the “bigger’ guys. Without any regard to geography, geology, the natural beauty and most importantly the local people. Off to my other beautiful home, Sweden, today for 3 weeks. Hasta luego! Anneli | -------------------Re: FEMSA - Owner of OXXO
Posted by Paul on August 6, 2019, 12:30 pm, in reply to "Re: FEMSA - Owner of OXXO"
It's kind of like having your beautiful daughter get a new tattoo. Sure changes the look, but we'll all get used to it because we love her anyway! | -------------------Re: FEMSA - Owner of OXXO
Posted by Michele P on August 6, 2019, 12:36 pm, in reply to "Re: FEMSA - Owner of OXXO"
Anneli - hopefully we can meet in person either in SB or LaMa - you sound like my kind of person. My email is mhpadron@sbceo.org. My house is behind the Aztek, around the corner. I haven't written yet but will do so this week. It is definitely worth the effort. and Paul … a tattoo is one thing, but on the face? loads of piercings, c'mon, why would someone want to do that to themselves? | -------------------The Earth and Light pollution
Posted by Anneli on August 6, 2019, 8:48 pm, in reply to "Re: FEMSA - Owner of OXXO"
“OUR NIGHTS ARE GETTING BRIGHTER, AND EARTH IS PAYING THE PRICE” That is the title of a National Geographic’s article from April this year. Great read if anyone is interested. Explains exactly why we ought not to just get used to things that affect the Earth in a negative way, especially when they could be remedied so easily, as in the case of La Manzanilla. Anneli
| -------------------Re: The Earth and Light pollution
Posted by Daniel H on August 6, 2019, 9:19 pm, in reply to "The Earth and Light pollution"-------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Benito on August 6, 2019, 3:52 pm, in reply to "OXXO and Our Violated Town"
Well, we know who we are going to be boycotting! | -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Michele P on August 6, 2019, 9:33 pm, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
FLYERS ANYONE??? Did someone say boycott? Make a bilingual flyer addressing the main issues and (1) distribute and (2) give to anyone intending to enter the store, try to dissuade them and take their business to other local merchants. Would require some organization and commitment, perhaps when the workers are getting off, target certain times when they are likely to be busy. Nothing will get their attention like the bottom line. I have spent a bunch of time this evening composing and sending to FEMSA and the Presidente Municipal. Next chance I get I will think of more places to target this message until it gets heard. | -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Cruz at cruzio13@gmail.com on August 7, 2019, 11:38 am, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
Excellent suggestion to boycott OXXO as I plan never to set foot in that door. I consider myself a new resident local. However, many Mexican local residents favor OXXO being here because, amongst other things (wrongly or rightly), it saves transportation cost and travel time to other OXXOs to pay bills and to receive and send $. Many have to do this by bus so for them OXXO here is a plus and they will be very hard/impossible to dissuade from using this OXXO. I believe this would be an uphill battle that will create division (comfortableness), seeing that it is mostly us, expats and a few locals (and store owners), against a, I guess and sad to say, majority. Since I doubt that we can rid ourselves of that monstrosity as a whole, I suggest that we focus on the items mentioned by Michele P. and try to contain the lighting, environmental effect and store hours and appeal to the locals on these issues without alienating them because, unfortunately, that store is here to stay. Also, hopefully we can inform people on the need to support our local businesses for the economic health of our community which impacts us all and the preference of consuming natural, live products. Thank you Anneli and all who will help contain this creature. Put me on the list. I think we can prevail by writing, boycotting and talking respectfully to our neighbors of our objections. Perhaps we can help induce the idea of the need for planning a LM future to the powers that be. Today was OXXO, what will tomorrow bring? Respectfully, Cruz | -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Kyle on August 7, 2019, 2:04 pm, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
I understand the sign, but what's wrong with the hours? | -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Michele P on August 6, 2019, 8:52 pm, in reply to "OXXO and Our Violated Town"
THIS IS MY EMAIL TO FEMSA - (in Spanish) MORE TO COME By means of this letter I wish to communicate the disappointment and horror which have been provoked by the opening of the OXXO store in La Manzanilla, La Huerta, Jalisco. What were you thinking in designing and opening such an eyesore in such a close-knit and picturesque community? There already had been concern regarding the impact on local merchants, but to blast our town with floodlights and raise a sign to a level more appropriate to large urban areas is the height of poor corporate citizenship. It is well known that other OXXO stores have been designed to integrate with the surrounding community, and it is not too late to undo the damage that has been done to your reputation and the town. Remove the inappropriate lighting, lower the sign and adjust the hours to a more reasonable closing time, 10:00 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on the weekends. The community is rapidly mobilizing and we will not rest until OXXO has complied with our reasonable requests. I look forward to hearing back from you. Thank you for your time and consideration. feel free to use any or all of this if you wish.
| -------------------Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town
Posted by Anneli on August 6, 2019, 9:26 pm, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
Thank YOU SO much Michele! Your letter manages to touch upon all the concerns in such a succinct way. Incredible! Interestingly I got an automated email from OXXO today asking me to complete a survey of how my complaint had been handled. Needless to say, I couldn’t complete it, since I never heard back from anyone... So I’m so pleased and relieved to see that you wrote to FEMSA instead. If you need to reach me my email is: Lifogelberg@gmail.com Phone: 717-265-3085 But since I’ll be in a Europe by tomorrow email is easier. Looking forward to meet you when you come down. Great job Michele! Thank you again! Anneli at ZLO airport. | -------------------The Bright Side (Pun Intended) of OXXO
Posted by Mark S. on August 7, 2019, 8:02 am, in reply to "Re: OXXO and Our Violated Town"
It provides free and convenient parking for Aly's tienda. | -------------------Re: The Bright Side (Pun Intended) of OXXO
Posted by Paul on August 7, 2019, 6:41 pm, in reply to "The Bright Side (Pun Intended) of OXXO"
I believe that mounting public protests, demonstrating and carrying signs would do far more harm to the delicate relationship we Norte Americanos have with the local Mexicans than it would to solve the issue. Most of us are "tolerated" here mostly because we bring money, not so much loved and respected. A few, after many years of working "with the locals" have gained respect. Like Cruz pointed out, the majority of Mexicans welcome the convenience of being able to buy their snacks and drinks long after the local stores have closed up. Remember they don't head for bed at 10:00 like us gringos. For them the social time is just beginning at 9 or 10 o'clock. The real issue here is light polution for those who live higher on the hill and at the north side of town and I do sympathize with you. The excessive light is over the top and unnecessary! However, MOST of the Mexicans are really unaffected and unconcerned by the light. Send your letters and talk to the leaders who might listen. The issue can be fixed with the more calm and sensible approach. Please, don't push a wedge between Norte Americanos and Mexicanos. I view a demonstration as an adult temportantrum. They can be offensive if you are on the other side, and in this scenario I fear the local majority is on the other side. | -------------------Re: The Bright Side (Pun Intended) of OXXO
Posted by Michele P on August 7, 2019, 8:21 pm, in reply to "Re: The Bright Side (Pun Intended) of OXXO"
point taken, however a lot of the "locals" are not aware of the ecological issues posed by light pollution so some education could be valuable. I still do not think we need a 24 hour store in La Manzanilla.
| -------------------Re: The Bright Side (Pun Intended) of OXXO
Posted by Evelyn on August 9, 2019, 12:28 am, in reply to "Re: The Bright Side (Pun Intended) of OXXO"
Thankyou Cruz, and Paul, for your thoughtful, right on suggestions. Alienating the locals is definately not the way to go. And do I need to add my two cents as a reminder that yes, we are visitors to this country, no matter how much we have invested here, and really have no right to say that the store should close at 10pm. That would be like saying there should be no noise after 10 pm, which would include Christmas and New Year’s Eve, barking dogs, roosters, weddings a the casino....get my drift? I’m all for education, especially around light contamination, but that is still a long hard road ahead. As I’ve been coming to La Manz for over 35 years, long before anyone had ever even heard of it, and own a home here, I’ve seen enough change to boggle the mind. Still, I do support trying to make the powers that be understand that they have missed the mark with this store in this town as far as the lighting goes. Alas, that’s progress folks, and just one thing in a long list of things still to come. Does anyone remember when that big condo development went in on the beach a couple of years ago and how everyone was sooo upset? Somehow we’ve all adjusted to it, and it did give work to many locals. I constantly tell myself that I’ve had the best years in La Manz, anything from here on in is certainly going to be challenging. Wait until the Government renames our section of the coast as the Riviera Pacifico. Hopefully I’ll be dead and gone by then. | -------------------Re: The Bright Side (Pun Intended) of OXXO
Posted by Marble on August 9, 2019, 6:01 am, in reply to "Re: The Bright Side (Pun Intended) of OXXO"
A (GREAT POST)"And a meaningful "answer" I have lived in Mexico for 33 years. I "never" "ever" got involving "IN Mexico's Wonderful and Beautiful Country"! Never have ever have had not one problem with the" Wonder People of this County"....
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Posted by Dave on August 10, 2019, 11:18 pm, in reply to " |
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