Brent Lane, an Expat from Austin Texas Does an English Language TV Newscast With His Mexican Cohost Jessy Ruiz For The Expat Community in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
CPS News With Jessy and Brent is English Language News Available Once a Week Via Their YouTube Channel
An Interview With Foodies and Lovers of Vallarta Susie and Russ from New York Talk About Their Favorite Puerto Vallarta Restaurants
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Hello fellow travelers, welcome to this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler, and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, in fact my new home, and maybe even yours too and that’s Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
That music you were just listening to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are The Le Bistro Jazz Café, riverside on The Isla Cuale, and the La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta’s Oldest Restaurant on the famous Los
Muertos Beach, and The El Dorado Restaurant and Beach Club right next door so you can enjoy that fantastic view of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors, or during the day in its grand splendor for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated
with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. Or riverside at Le Bistro, it’s so romantic, it’s so, Puerto Vallarta my friends.
This week we are going to a real live Television News station in Marina Vallarta, CPS Studios where we’ll meet Brent Lane. Brent originally from Austin Texas, does a weekly English language news show with his cohost Jessy Ruiz where they deliver to their viewers the local news, including local sports, special events and even tips for the expat community in Puerto Vallarta. The show is called CPS News with Jessy and Brent, streamed and available on YouTube. You will really enjoy the conversation with Brent.
Also, Debbie and I have a couple of new friends, listeners from New York who we cornered at Restaurant Moro Paraiso for an interview. You will be hearing from Susie and Russ about some of their favorite restaurants in Vallarta as well as their favorite things to do in paradise. We have Vallarta News and More so let’s see what’s happening this week in Puerto Vallarta this week, the 21st of April, 2025.
Yesterday, Easter Sunday marked the end of Semana Santa in Mexico and here in Puerto Vallarta, the front of the church is all fancied up with yellow and green pennants which match handsomely with the beautiful yellow primavera flowers in the tall primavera trees in the Plaza de Armas. The town square in front of the church, with a carpet of yellow flowers at the base of these trees. It’s very pretty this time of year here. Speaking of the church, they had a fireworks show over the Inglesia de
Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe two nights ago. I’ll post a video I took of it from our balcony on the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show Facebook Page.
JR’s Birthday Bash
My buddy JR, John Russel of Vallartainfo.com is having his 85th birthday celebration this coming Friday the 25th of April, at Gringo Loco in Zona Romantica. He should be there from 3 in the afternoon, onward, he reports. Hopefully, he says, if he is healthy enough he may be able to have a drink!
If you want to drop by to celebrate his birthday with him, he’d be delighted. So, if you are in town stop by El Gringo Loco on Madero in Zona Romantica and hoist a cold beer, or an adult beverage of your choice to JR. 85 years old, and doesn’t look a day over…84. The owner of Gringo Loco, Larry, has one of the friendliest bars and in my opinion, the coldest beer in Vallarta. Federico I. Madero 403 in Zona Romantica, The Gringo Loco from 3 till whenever JR decides it’s quits, I guess.
Unfortunately Debbie and I will be missing JR’s bash, we are headed up to Los Angeles for business. We got an extension on our taxes so we could meet up with our accountant do do our corporate and personal taxes. All of that information is at my brother’s house in his garage, so we are doing taxes. We are also closing a sale on a client’s new house, so we will be there to hand them the keys to their new home.
Then we are headed up to northern California to ranch sit for a childhood friend of mine and his family for five days in Trinidad, California, so they can attend a family wedding in Nashville, Tennessee. My friend John’s house, Dr. John that is. John is a radiologist and an amateur gynecologist has a big place with a beautiful view overlooking Trinidad State Beach. So not too shabby. Well, except for the fact that Debbie and I will be milking and feeding 16 goats, feeding 2 horses, 17 chickens, a dog, assorted cats, and I’ve been told tropical fish as well. Dr. John is really taking a chance here. But hey, we can do it. City boy schmitty boy. We will do it.
It’s up in Humboldt County, California’s weed growing capitol so there are plenty of dispensaries. Plus, we can walk down to the beach in about 15 minutes. Just like in Vallarta, so we won’t skip a beat really. Except for the goat milking thing.
It will be the first time we get to try using our new residency cards to exit and re-enter Mexico. We’ll report back to you how that goes. I’m hoping for smooth sailing.
I do plan to produce an episode from northern California, just like old times.
Dengue is On the Rise in Jalisco
Dengue is On the Rise in Jalisco, and they are getting serious, they say, about fumigation and other remediation measures in Puerto Vallarta.
From The Banderas News…
Puerto Vallarta has taken a major step to protect the health of its residents with the start of a large-scale fumigation campaign aimed at controlling the spread of dengue fever.
Led by the Jalisco Ministry of Health through the Eighth Health Region, the effort will cover more than 1,600 city blocks over the next four weeks. Crews began fogging neighborhoods on Monday, focusing on areas where mosquitoes that transmit dengue fever are most active.
According to Jaime Álvarez Zayas, head of the Eighth Health Region, the fumigation strategy is carefully guided by heat maps and confirmed dengue cases. The goal is to dramatically reduce the mosquito population ahead of the rainy season, when conditions for breeding increase.
In addition to fumigation with heavy machinery — mostly carried out during early morning hours — health officials will also perform larval control in more than 6,600 homes. Special attention is being given to neighborhoods like Ixtapa, the upper part of El Pitillal, and 5 de Diciembre, where mosquito activity has been highest.
As of April 7, 2025, Puerto Vallarta has reported 118 cases of dengue fever. Of these, 92 were classified as Dengue with Warning Signs and 23 as Non-Severe Dengue. Encouragingly, there have been no hospitalizations or deaths related to the illness so far this year.
This proactive campaign reflects the city’s commitment to public health and its determination to protect the community before the summer rains arrive.
And I have a link to that article from the Banderas News in the show notes.
Puerto Vallarta Launches Citywide Fumigation to Fight Dengue Fever
So, when you hear a big leaf blower coming down the street. Well, sometimes they sound like a street sweeping machine with a leaf blower, run for cover. Well, close your windows if you can.
Water Still Flowing in The Rio Cuale
Speaking about those Summer rains we are still about 2 months away from the start of rainy season in paradise. June 15th is the official start date, give or take a week or two. And currently the Cuale is still flowing. Although it’s down to slightly stronger than a trickle. By the time it gets to the Isla Cuale there’s barely enough to flow past one side of he island on the way to the sea. Debbie and I have been doing a lot of walking along the Cuale of late. We walk from our place which is near Casa Isabel over to La Huerta BBQ in Paso Ancho. And most of that walk is along the river, and it’s really interesting to, as you walk, take some time to see what the folks at Seapal, Seapal is the government entity that supplies the city’s water. Seapal pumps, stores, purifies, delivers, and disposes of water for the entire city of Puerto Vallarta. They have pumping stations and purification stations and water storage tanks all over town. They’re very proud of them. They have their name written all over them. You can’t miss them. Some smell better than others. Just an observation.
But as you walk up the river you can see how they collect and divert water up the river, upstream from the Zona Romantica, by slowing it down and damning it up creating pools so they can suck up as much water as they can, before it gets to the ocean. It’s a small system of locks and channels and pools. It’s very interesting. Stuff you don’t notice when the river is full. But when it’s down to a trickle, it’s very cool to watch. And just another reminder for us all to conserve water while in paradise. Oh, and pray for rain if you are into that. Every little bit helps.
Vallarta Botanical Garden is now closed on Monday’s until December
There’s lots of nationals in town for the Easter holiday. Schools are out for two weeks but most folks around here go right back to work tomorrow. The day after Easter.
Meanwhile, every day more and more Canadians are heading back north to their igloos.
So as things are slowing down in paradise, so does the schedule at the Vallarta Botanical Garden. The garden will be closed now every Monday until December, so plan accordingly.
Speaking of the Botanical Garden, they added another 6 hectors or, almost 15 acres of pristine forested land to their over 200 hectors with the generous help of the Tryst Luxury Hotel Group. So, good news for the Gardens.
Friend of the podcast Bob Price, the founder and curator of the Gardens, has told us in past interviews how important it is for the Gardens to obtain adjacent properties to keep the natural untouched look of forest surrounding the Botanical Gardens intact. And good on the Tryst Hotel Group for making this acquisition possible.
Be Aware of Unsafe Swimming Conditions on Vallarta Beaches
If news of dengue carrying mosquitos isn’t biblical enough, Vallarta also has crocodiles invading a popular beach at the mouth of a river, and jellyfish in the water, and there were unfortunately two drownings reported over the Semana Santa Holiday.
Please look out for red flags flying at beaches, meaning unsafe swimming conditions like riptides, and purple flags denoting crocodiles. Personally like, what is it with the purple flag? Is it because Barnie was purple. He was a dinosaur, wasn’t he? But purple, really? How about a flag with, I don’t know, a picture of a crocodile? I don’t know. Call me old-fashioned.
My personal opinion, get a place with a pool, or buy a resort pool day pass if you need to get in the water. I actually never get in the ocean here in town. There are some places south of town where I’ll get in. But these are calm waters. Conchas Chinas, yes. Mayto, not a chance. The water is clean, but too rough. Tehuamixtle, absolutely, it’s clean and calm. Yelapa, Las Animas, Quimixto, all good. On calm days. Or hire my friend Mario and his panga for the day and he’ll take you snorkeling, beach hopping or even fishing if that’s your thing. He’ll drop you off in some safe swimming holes with colorful fish.
But hey, if you are going into the ocean on your own just make sure you know how to swim before you do it, and don’t get too drunk. The ocean deserves some respect. Stay safe and be careful. Por favor.
Lifeguard Towers in Puerto Vallarta
Speaking of drownings and water safety in paradise, Puerto Vallarta just opened it’s first of 12 planned lifeguard towers
From The Banderas News dated April 16th…
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – With an eye toward enhanced coastal safety, on Monday, Puerto Vallarta inaugurated a new lifeguard tower at Camarones Beach. This action, spearheaded by the Luis Munguía administration, initiates a broader strategy to safeguard visitors during the busy Semana Santa and Pascua holidays.
The freshly erected tower will function as a central point for rescue teams, enabling rapid responses to emergencies and fostering a safer, more enjoyable beach atmosphere.
Highlighting their direct impact on the effectiveness of emergency response teams. “These towers are not merely installations, but lifelines for our visitors,” he stated, encouraging responsible use and care.
The broader initiative, as detailed by Misael López Muro, Director of Civil Protection and Firefighters, will see a total of twelve towers strategically placed across the bay’s most frequented beaches. Six large towers, along with six medium-sized counterparts, will provide extensive coverage along the Banderas Bay coastline.
Although the first tower is already operational, the rest will be gradually installed during the holiday period, which runs from April 11 to 27. Notably, these towers are constructed using sustainable, recyclable materials, demonstrating a harmonious blend of public safety and environmental consciousness.
The city’s dedication to both visitor security and ecological responsibility underscores its endeavor to offer a superior Easter holiday experience.
And I have a link to that article from the Banderas News, in the show notes.
https://banderasnews.com/camarones-beach-gets-first-of-vallartas-12-new-lifeguard-towers/
So good news for beach goers. Soon there will be 12 of those lifeguard stations on Vallarta beaches. Unfortunately, the two drownings last week couldn’t have had better endings.
Susie and Russ Panzer, my Fun Foodie Friends From New York
Let’s get to our first interview with my friends Susie and Russ Panzer, my fun foodie friends from New York.
We met Susie and Russ because of the podcast. They are listeners who over the years I’ve been in touch with them through their Instagram Page called interestingly enough, Vallarta Info where they post mostly food porn from Vallarta. And they go to some pretty cool spots.
Well finally we had a chance to meet Susie and Russ who let us know they were in town, and wanted to get together with us for drinks. So, we invited them up to our place, and they invited us up to their place, and we had a couple of great dinners, and we really hit it off really well with Russ and Susie.
Susie told us a story about how she met Kevin McGuinness, who we had on the show a couple of weeks back with his wife Inga, when we talked about the Walk and Wobble and tacos and happy hours, if you remember. If you haven’t listened to that episode, go back. Kevin and Inga were great and also had some invaluable information. And she told me about how she and Russ were in Vallarta, and Russel wasn’t feeling well, or maybe he had a mobility issue at the time, I don’t recall, but she wanted to walk up to the cross, the one overlooking the whole city above downtown Vallarta, and, using Facebook she asked Kevin, without ever having met him in person if he could show her how to do the walk. And she to her surprise he, never having met her, agreed to meet her, and show her the way. And they as a result have become great friends over the years.
And it was through Russ and Susie that I was introduced to Inga and Kevin McGuinness. I’d been stalking Kevin and Inga for some time before Susie and Russ set up the interview for me over at Restaurant Moro Paraíso, one of the top three kickass margarita spots in Vallarta according to, well, me. And I asked Russ and Susie if after we record the interview with the McGuinness’s if they would agree to let me interview them as well. And they graciously agreed. And I’m so glad that they did. So let’s go right now and meet a really fun, couple, who know how to eat, have fun and keep active in paradise. Off to restaurant Moro Paraiso, up the river cuale, in Paseo Del Guyabo, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
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Thank you so much Susie and Russ. You know how to have fun and keep busy and how to pick some great places to eat. I have links to all the places they talked about in the show notes at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com.
Vallarta Restaurant Suggestions From Susie and Russ
- Bixabeel Kitchen in Cinco de Diciembre
- Marisqueria Los Lirios PV
- Don Chiva for Tacos
- Burning Burrito: Great Bloody Caesars
- Casa Nicole Restaurant: Brunch
- Cafe San Angel Puerto Vallarta
- La Palapa: Great Affordable Breakfast
- Lamara PV: On the Beach
- Cafe De Artistes: Date Night
- El Barracuda: Lunch laid back on the Beach in Cinco de Diciembre
- The Iguana at Casa Kimberly: Fancy
- Il Pesce. Cocina de mar: Italian Seafood
- Don Pedro’s Restaurant and Bar: Good Food in Sayulita
- Bucerias: The Fat Boy
Next up we go to Marina Vallarta where you will find CPS Studios, and my next guest, Brent Lane.
CPS News With Jessy and Brent English Language News in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
I met Brent through other friends of mine and of the show, Stefan and Ada who have a Puerto Vallarta centered YouTube channel called Living Simply in Mexico. I’ve had Stefan and Ada on the show a couple of times, and you may even follow or are subscribed to their YouTube Channel, and I suggest you do, I’ll link it in the show notes. Well, Stefan and Ada sent out a little invite to a group of local creators in Vallarta, to have drinks and appys up at their house in Gringo Gulch, and it’s there that I met Brent and his lovely wife Laura, as well as several others who will be coming on to the show really soon.
But I wanted to get Brent on the podcast because he and his cohost Jessy Ruiz, put out the only English language television news program about Puerto Vallarta, in Puerto Vallarta. And it’s very professionally produced. And it’s a weekly show designed for both expats and tourists alike, so I’m sure you will really enjoy the conversation.
And in addition to the television studios there were also two studios set up specifically for radio so the audio should be absolutely perfect for this interview. We set up right in the studio for Puerto Vallarta’s own radio station, 98.3 FM Radiante Asphalt Radio, if you can believe that. I thought that was pretty cool. It was.
So, let’s go right now to Marina Vallarta, to CPS Studios, and let’s meet Brent Lane, Cohost of the only English Language television show in Puerto Vallarta, CPS News with Jessy and Brent, the news that speaks your language and let’s meet Brent Lane, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
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Thank you so much Brent. Such energy in that guy. I really like him, don’t you?
Jessy, we’ll have you and Brent back soon to learn more about Radiante 98.3 FM Asphalt Radio, Vallarta’s very own English language radio station. I’m looking forward to hearing from you amiga.
And thanks to Stefan and Ada for setting up that party and for the introduction to so many creative people in town, including Brent. More to follow.
I have all the contact information for CPS News with Jessy and Brent, in the show notes at www.puertovallartqatravelshow.com
Brent’s Vallarta Restaurant Picks
- Breakfast: Fluffy’s PV
- Lunch: Lil Piggie PV
- Best Burger in Vallarta: The Burger Station in Pitillal
- Date Night Dinner: Canto Modern Cantonese Bistro
Contact Information For CPS PV News with Jessy and Brent
Ok, that should do it for this week, next week, stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more. Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message.
And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that
you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. Don’t forget his maps, his DIY tours and I have links to all of those in the show notes.
And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and follow share with a lover of Puerto Vallarta or give me a good review wherever or however you happen to be listening. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven’t been to my website, you really need to have a look there. I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blogposts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven’t already all-right? All right.
Thanks to Susie and Russel. We love you guys. Your passion for Vallarta as well as all the great Ideas you’ve given me for future podcasts. Thanks so much, you two.
And thanks so much to Brent Lane from CPS News with Jessy and Brent. News that speaks your language. English that is right in Puerto Vallarta. Make sure to subscribe to them on YouTube to keep on top of the local news in Puerto Vallarta. They do an incredible, very professional state-of-the-art newscast right in Marina Vallarta. Right here in paradise.
I have links to their website and their YouTube channel and their contact information in the show notes at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com.
Thanks again to Brent and Jessy.
And thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos.
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