Removal of Wall Debris Begins
Reopening date still looks good

Removal of the debris and rubble from the retaining wall collapse at Lindo Mar is expected to begin this week. All of the anchors needed to stabilize the collapsed portion of the wall have been installed and filled with expanding concrete. Tension was applied to them in the last few days and all is ready for the crews to begin cleaning up the material that fell. We have made arrangements with the owners of Casa Mirador to move the debris from Lindo Mar onto their property and haul it up to the street from there. An agreement indemnifying both parties with respect to that operation only has been fashioned and signed by all concerned. The contractor that removes the debris will assume full liability for injury to his crew or damage to Casa Mirador's property.

When sufficient debris has been removed, a concrete beam will be built and put in place below the remaining portion of the retaining wall. It will become part of the new structure that holds back the dirt under the parking lot. The crew will also install buttresses (in Spanish, “Contrafuertes”) to give additional strength to the new wall.

At this time, the onsite maintenance staff is cleaning the water holding tank. Once it has been completely scoured it will be hermetically sealed to prevent any future leakage or intrusion that might be detrimental to the water supply, the tank, or the retaining wall. By the end of this week it should be possible to supply water to the main building and flush out the plumbing before reoccupying the building starting January 13, 2007. Reoccupation will also depend on finding a new location for the propane tanks but that should be accomplished in plenty of time to start checking members and guests into rooms a week from Saturday. Staffing will be back to 100% by the end of this week.

As you know, Lindo Mar's attorney has filed a suit with the Puerto Vallarta court to determine who is responsible for the damage at Lindo Mar. At this time, no determination has been made but there have been several investigators at the site to do their investigation. An engineer appointed by the court was there a day or so before Christmas and an architect from Guadalajara came last week. Pictures were taken, people were interviewed, and reports prepared regarding the damage and the progress of the restoration. The architect has asked for copies of the pictures that were taken by Lindo Mar staff.

Many Lindo Mar members have stopped by the resort and expressed their support. Not only have they told onsite staff what a great job they are doing under the circumstances but they have put their money where their mouth is by patronizing the restaurant as often as they can. Everyone is grateful for the support and good wishes.

Keep a good thought and help us all achieve the best possible start to the new year.