New ITV (MOT) centre open in Ondara
Feb 24th
A new ITV car testing centre opened on 24th February in Ondara. It is conveniently placed just off the N332, near the Ondara roundabout near the Pamis turnoff of the Benidoleig road. There are four lanes and the centre is open from 7.00 am till six pm . Bookings can be made by phone on 902 108 368 or via the website on http://www.circuitv.com/index.html
Thomas Lipton Match Race back in Javea
Feb 32rd
Fans of the Americas cup will be interested to know that the 2010 Thomas Lipton Match race will be held in Javea Port, opposite la Grava Beach from 4th to 7th March. The races have international rankings, and take the form of the Americas cup, with two identical boats duelling and jockeying for position.
26% of Xàbia's unemployed from construction
Feb 23rd
Of the 1,926 registered unemployed in Xàbia, 508 are from construction, 371 from catering and 294 from business. The General Union of Workers will be running an information and guidance service in the Casa del Poble (Convent square) from 5.00pm till 8.00pm on Mondays to help the unemployed move to new types of employment with a better long term future. From las Provincias: UGT asesorará...
The mounting cost of Spain's new illegal underclass
Feb 23rd
The black economy, estimated to account for almost a quarter of Spain's gross domestic product, costs the government up to 25 billion euros a year in lost tax revenue and also traps workers in low-skill, low-pay occupations. Besides acting as a safety net for migrants banned from legal jobs, the black economy reinforces barriers between recent arrivals and native Spaniards. For more see: Reuters
Slow Food arrives in Xàbia
Feb 22nd
"Slow Food" is an international movement which was founded in Italy in 1989 to counteract fast food and fast life, the disappearance of local food traditions and people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world. The Marina Alta has its own branch (called a "convivium") and the chairman, Vicent Martín, addressed a well attended meeting at Xàbia's Casa de Cultura in Friday 19th February. They aim to put local food producers in touch with the public and restauranteurs, and preserve local varieties of food which are in danger of extinction. Two foodstuffs typical of the Marinal Alta are the moscatel raisins (pasas) and a variety of melon "Melo del Pinyonet". The audience also heard from Slow Food restauranteur Miquel Ruiz (of La Seu restaurant, and organic farmer Oscar Dutto.
Urban Allotments in Xàbia
Feb 22nd
Xabia Town Hall is initiating the establishment of 17 Urban allotments each of 40m2 in the Avenida Augusta. The plots will be fenced and every garden will have its own water supply. They will used for growing plants for personal use only and composting facilities will be available. The only requirement is that you must be on the Xàbia Padrón and comply with the rules. You don't even need to know anything about horticulture since the local growers association has offered to give advice voluntarily. Those interested should contact the Department of Citizen Participation: gro.aibaxja|anadaduic.noicapicitrap#gro.aibaxja|anadaduic.noicapicitrap tel 96 579 0500 and leave contact details. Plots will be allocated on April 15th From XAD Slow food, agricultura...
Perception of drought in Spain exaggerated by the Press
Feb 17th
Researchers from the University of Barcelona (UB) have, for the first time, analysed all the articles published in the La Vanguardia newspaper between 1982 and 2007 linked to natural hazards, climate change and sustainable development. Over 25 years the press devoted more headlines to forest fires and droughts, even though floods are much more frequent and cause more damage. "If the press focus more on forest fires and droughts, then people also become more aware of these events, to such an extent that they are deemed a more significant hazard in the area and more frequent occurrences than they really are" For more (in English see: Risk of drought in Northeastern Spain....
Xabia Ecoparque now open
Feb 17th
Xàbia's Ecopark was inaugurated on 16 February at 11.00 am by the Mayor, Councillor for Services, Doris Courcelles and Councillor for Citizen's Participation, Pepa Chorro. It is now open 8.00 am till 8.00pm Monday to Saturday. The park was built by a local contractor under the Plan E stimulus package at a cost of 205.835€. It is located on a 2.550 m2 plot between the dog pound and sewerage works on the Camino de les Sorts. It is permanently manned with staff to help people deposit their rubbish properly. The ecopark is for the disposal of items like old electronic equipment, flourescent bulbs, batteries, mattresses, left over paint , ink cartridges, glass, and toner.. etc. There are several different bays and containers, all clearly marked in Valenciano, Castellano and English. It is free for use by Javea people only and users must bring ID and register in order to dump anything. Information in several languages will be available as from later this week. Fliers in Castellano can be collected from the Ecopark. Note: This was one of the proposals put forward by Agenda21 some time ago - It is finally, now a reality. Members of the public are reminded that there is a service to collect large items from your house for free. Call 900 102 149.
Agenda21 adopts new meetings format
Feb 11th
For the coming year, Xàbia's Agenda 21 will adopt a slightly different format. There will be a minimum of 6 general meetings (foro) to address on-going isues and tie up loose ends. In addition there will be three or more Seminars (Jornada) on new approaches to sustainable development and how they could positively affect Javea. A seminar on Slow food has already been organised, and additional topics focus on methods of reducing wastage (and hence) saving money. Topics so far suggested are Energy and water conservation. Agenda21 workling groups will continue to function autonomously and a new consultant will be employed whose role includes encouraging greater citizen participation. For an update on what the small groups are up to see: Work groups website
Xàbia's Ecopark Opens - Tuesday 16th
Feb 12th
Xàbia's first Ecopark will be inauguruated on Tuesday 16th February at 11.00am. It is situated between the APASA dog pound and the sewerage works on the Camino de les Sorts. Here, Javea residents can dispose of rubbish such as old computers, batteries, ink cartridges, mobile phones, tyres and light bulbs and small amounts of household rubble. (From Press release)
Photographic Exhibition opens on Thursday 18th
Feb 11th
There will be an exhibition of the entries for the recent "Sustainable Xàbia" photographic competition at the Casa de Tena. This will be inaugurated on Thursday 18th at 7.30 pm and will continue until March 11th. The competition was organised by the Tourism working group of Xàbia's Agenda21, through the Town Hall. (From press releases)
Annual Tree Planting at Granadella - Sunday 21st
Feb11th
Volunteers are invited to help reforest Granadella at the annual "Tree Day" tree planting on Sunday 21st February at 10.00 am. Everyone meets at the entrance to the park near the Centro Hipico (access from the Cumbre del Sol). Bocadillos will be provided for elevenses (almuerzo).
Slow Food Seminar and food tasting Saturday 20th
Feb 11th
There will be an introduction to the "Slow Food" movement - what it is and how it can be linked with local agricuiltural production and restaurants on Saturday February 20th at 5.30 pm at the Casa del Cultura. The session will end with an optional "Slow Food" supper at a nearby restaurant. For more on "Slow Food" and how this suggests a sustainable approch to local food production see: Slow Food International
Xabia obliged to pay for unused underground parking
Feb 11th
The town is trying to find ways out of the underground parking cost problem. At present Xàbia has to pay around 1 million Euros a year to the car Park managent company in compensation for underused parking. It was hoped to be able to wriggle out of this one by pointing to contradictory clauses in the contract. Namely, that the management company is supposed to carry all financial risk on the one hand, while being entitled to compensation for under-use on the other. Unfortunately the contract was drawn up by the Town hall, so it can't argue about being unfairly treated. Much argument continues on what the most sensible (and cheapest) solution might be. From XAD
Port Taxi Rank now in the Avenida Lepanto
12 February
In response to a request from the taxi drivers, the taxi rank in the Port has moved from Avda Jaume I to Avda Lepanto.
From XAD: La Parade del taxis....
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Thursday market Stall to be re-arranged
12 Feb
Given that there are now so few market stalls on the Ronda Sur, the Town Hall is thinking of moving the remaining ones to the Plaza de la Constitución or Convent square. Numbers of stall have dropped off since the move of the market to the streets and some of the stall owners owe two years worth of plot fees. From XAD: El Ayuntamiento re-ubicara....
Spain Power Grid Can Feed 10 Million Electric Vehicles
9 Feb
Spain's electricity system can supply power to 10 million electric cars if charging were to be made at night when general demand is low, said Ignacio Galan, chairman of electricity company Iberdrola SA (IBE.MC). For more (in English) see Iberdrola press story on REVE
Revive our beloved old Cinema !
Feb 10th
The Association "Xabia Viva" is launching a campaign to re-open the old "Central Cinema" building in the centre of the Old Town in some sort of capacity. They have convened a meeting on Saturday 13th at 12 noon in the new meeting room at the Soler Blasco Museum to discuss ideas. The Cinema has been closed for many years and is now almost a ruin. From XAD Xàbia Viva quiera...
Spain's Troubled Economy: Why Europe Is Worried
Feb 10th
Results from the fourth quarter of 2009, which will be released on Thursday, are expected to show 0.1% contraction in gross domestic product, which would make Spain the only G-20 country not to have experienced expansion during that period. In fact, the International Monetary Fund has predicted that Spain will remain mired in recession until 2011. Daniel Gros, director of the Brussels-based Centre for European Policy Research says "If it wants to (get the economy back on track), Spain is going to need to either cut wages or increase the workweek. And because of the oversupply of housing, it's going to have to get used to the fact that its economy could be weak for a very long time." Read more on Time magazine
Spain Power Grid Can Feed 10 Million Electric Vehicles
9 Feb
Spain's electricity system can supply power to 10 million electric cars if charging were to be made at night when general demand is low, said Ignacio Galan, chairman of electricity company Iberdrola SA (IBE.MC). For more (in English) see Iberdrola press story on REVE
Revive our beloved old Cinema !
Feb 10th
The Association "Xabia Viva" is launching a campaign to re-open the old "Central Cinema" building in the centre of the Old Town in some sort of capacity. They have convened a meeting on Saturday 13th at 12 noon in the new meeting room at the Soler Blasco Museum to discuss ideas. The Cinema has been closed for many years and is now almost a ruin. From XAD Xàbia Viva quiera...
Spain's Troubled Economy: Why Europe Is Worried
Feb 10th
Results from the fourth quarter of 2009, which will be released on Thursday, are expected to show 0.1% contraction in gross domestic product, which would make Spain the only G-20 country not to have experienced expansion during that period. In fact, the International Monetary Fund has predicted that Spain will remain mired in recession until 2011. Daniel Gros, director of the Brussels-based Centre for European Policy Research says "If it wants to (get the economy back on track), Spain is going to need to either cut wages or increase the workweek. And because of the oversupply of housing, it's going to have to get used to the fact that its economy could be weak for a very long time." Read more on Time magazine
Xàbia draws up proposals to control fiestas
Feb 5th
As a result of increasing vandalism and violence seen during fiestas, particularly San Juan, the working Committee (see January 22nd story) is drawing up regulations which include concentrating the fiesta days, holding discos only on the last days of the fiestas and limiting their hours; prohibiting publicising events not suitable for children (i.e. activities which encourage drinking); prohibiting arriving drunk at fiesta activities. There will be guidelines for the Penyas to ensure safety, hygiene and proper management of the public highways. There will also be time limits on loud music. It has yet to be be decided however, which of these measures will be bye-laws and enforceable by the police, and which limited to mere recommendations.
From XAD: Xàbia crea propuestas....
Xabia International College Students in Exchange programme with Valencian college.
Feb 8th
In order to perfect their spoken Spanish and learn more about Spanish customs and culture XIC students in Years 8 to 10 are again taking part in an annual exchange programme with the Instituto Rafelbuñol in Valencia. Spanish students from Rafelbuñol came to Javea last week to stay with their English exchange partners and their families. The students spent 3 days with their partners, accompanying them to school and returning home with them each evening. Last Thursday they spent the day in the beautiful town of Gudalest, where they visited the Casa Orduña and Antonio Marco museums. XIC students will pay a return visit to Rafelbuñol in March, just in time for the Fallas, giving them a fantastic opportunity to experience the incredible atmosphere of these fiestas at first hand.
from XIC
Xàbia Concert raises over €15,000 for Haiti
Feb 8th
On Saturday evening, some 500 people attended a gala concert in San Bartolome Church in aid of the Red Cross Haiti relief. Takings were boosted by a raffle for various prizes donated by Xàbia Clubs and Associations. Members of the public who wish to donate to the fund can pay donations into either Caritas: Bancaja 2077 0004 62 3102196139 or Red Cross: CAM 2090 0001 73 0042262273 For info about Caritas see: Caritas Xabia
From Press Release.
Municipal Library wins award for its International section
Feb 5th
Xàbia's Municipal Library has for the second time won the Maria Moliner Award for promoting reading and the integration of everyone who lives in Xàbia. The Library has a significan foriegn language section consisting of 1250 titles in Dutch, 1500 in German, 1200 in French and 2500 in English. Borrowers are also from different nationalities: 53 French, 70 German, 88 Dutch and 152 English speakers. The prize is 500 books. From Press Release.
Spain 'to miss air quality targets'
The Spanish environment ministry announced on Wednesday (February 3rd) that it will fail to hit its carbon dioxide emissions reduction targets set out in the Kyoto protocol. Although emissions in the country fell by 7.7 per cent in 2008 compared with the previous year, Spain anticipates that its greenhouse gas output will be almost 20 per cent above 1990 levels at the end of the 2008-12 period. For more see Environmental Technology
Town hall right to sack contractor for Old Town Works
Feb 3rd
The Alicante courts have vindicated the Town Hall's decision to sack the UTE consortium of contractors after their failure to complete the Old Town works on time. The works were to have been completed by March 2007, but by that date only 25% had been completed. The Council now receives the 100,000 Euro collateral deposit and will sue for damages resulting from the delay in the job and need to re-tender the contract. The Town is also in dispute with other contractors about the trinquet court, some works in the Port , and a couple of jobs carried out by ECIS. From XAD: El TSJ da la razon....
Spain risks joining Greece at bottom of deficits class
Spain wants to reduce its total public sector deficit from 11.4 per cent of gross domestic product in 2009 to the European Union target of 3 per cent of GDP in 2013, but is not sure if it can - or how to do it. Central government intends to play its part, but budget cuts need the support of autonomous regions, local authorities and trade unions. They may not co-operate.For more see Financial Times: Spain risks joining Greece...
