“It’s been a long time coming” – President Elect, Barack Obama
 Barack Obama has been elected the first black president of the United States. The president-elect told a jubilant crowd at a park in Chicago "It's been a long time coming, but tonight... change has come to America," Mr Obama appeared with his family, and his running mate Joe Biden, before a crowd of tens of thousands in Grant Park, Chicago. "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer," he said. Mr Obama captured the key battleground states of Pennsylvania and Ohio, before breaking through the winning threshold of 270 electoral college votes at 0500 CET, when projections showed he had also taken California and a slew of other states. "The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep... But America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there." Democrats are expected to expand majorities in both chambers but it is unlikely they will gain the nine extra Senate seats needed to reach the 60-seat "super-majority”, which could prevent Republicans blocking legislation. Inland News
SAX FASHION SHOW A SUCCESS
The Commercial Association of Sax has presented the Red Cross with a cheque for 2,500 euros raised from a fashion show. The show was organised by the Commercial Association of Sax and Sax Town hall with over 800 people taking part. The show was a huge success with many local shops taking the opportunity to show off their new autumn-winter collection with the help of 80 models. Adding a slight twist to the fashion show was a collection of doggie wear available to buy in local shops.
12 MILLION BEES KILLED
A beekeeper believes more than 12 million of his bees in hives in Llosa of Ranes were poisoned. Professional beekeeper, Vincent discovered on October 30 that 150 of his hives had been infected with some kind of pesticide or insecticide. He also claims that hives belonging to colleagues were also poisoned killing around 240 swarms. Vincent is devastated by the deaths “There is no law against a murder of this kind. Who purposely kills 12 million bees?" Insurance experts have estimated the loss of 150 hives at a total of 12,159 euros, although Vincent explains "sentimental value can not be calculated in money". As yet there are no clues as to who is responsible for the poisoning and according to the beekeeper "it is very difficult to say who it was and track them down as we have no idea when it happened”. The incident was reported to Seprona in the hope of establishing whether it was an accidental or calculated poisoning.
GASTROMOMIC FAIR
Fancy working your way through 9,600 tapas dishes prepared by 21 restaurateurs? Then get along to the Gastronomic Fair in Ontinyent on November 7th in Plaza de la Concepción. Local restaurants will show off their cuisine and a 6 euro ticket will allow you to sample 6 dishes of your choice. All tapas are prepared using local produce from the Vall D’Albaida. The fair is open from 11am to 2pm and from 5pm to 10pm until November 9. Whilst enjoying local delicacies visitors can enjoy performances by the ‘Mostra de Titelles’ Puppet Show.
MAYOR AND SON ARRESTED
The Mayor of Zarra and his son have been arrested in connection with irregularities in urban planning. Requena Court issued a notice of bail for 18,000 euros for Mayor, Juan Jose Rubio and his son after it was discovered they sold land and built homes on land listed as rural use only. The pair will remain in prison until bail is met and later appear in court charged with distortion, crimes against regional planning, fraud and possible theft of property.
ONTINYENT FAIR
From November 14 to 17 the Ontinyent Fair will be open to public with an array of rides, market stalls and food stands. The official opening will take place Friday, November 14 at 7,30 pm when Ontinyent Mayor, Lina Insa will cut the opening ribbon and a fireworks display, provided by the Town hall, will mark the beginning of four days of fun. On Saturday there will be a free orchestra concert.
19 HIKERS RESCUED FROM THE GORGE OF HELL
Firefighters have rescued a group of hikers from an area known as the Gorge of Hell in Vall Laguart in Alicante. The alarm was raised after the group from Elche and Elda were not seen for some time by other hikers. Fire crews were able to make contact with them, confirming that they were all well but had become trapped in a flooded ravine. A Provincial Rescue and Fire helicopter made several attempts to reach the group but the decision was made to rescue them on foot. The Rural Emergency Brigade guided them along a 500 metre path to safety.
MAN DIES COLLECTING MUSHROOMS
A 65 year-old man has died after falling into a ravine while picking mushrooms in Alcoy. A firefighter was lowered into the ravine by helicopter to air lift the body to a local health centre.
LARGEST LANDFILL IS SENTENCED
El Puig Council have removed ten tons of rubbish including cars, sofas and many old household appliances from an old quarry and now plan to secure the area. Over the past 10 years the old quarry in El Puig has become the largest illegal tip in the L'Horta region. Easy access and its distance from the centre of town have made it an ideal location for many to dump their rubbish but the town hall wants this to stop. El Puig Mayor, Jose Miguel Tolosa, announced that "the owners of the plot, the Port Authority of Valencia have been contacted and agreed to the clean up". As well as clearing the quarry the town hall also plan to demolish several illegally built farmhouses in the area.
DEBT WITH MANCOMUNITAT SETTLED
L'Olleria has finally cleared its debt with the Mancomunitat of Municipalities of Vall d'Alba. Since April Mayor, Julià Engo has made it a priority to reorganize the towns money in an attempt to clear many outstanding debts. Engo said, "The municipality of L'Olleria has paid a total of 310,000 euros to the Mancomunitat. These debts date back to invoices from November 2007 up until September this year. This means that the debt inherited from my predecessor has been dealt with". She added that this week the last payment was made, leaving the Town Hall with no pending bills. Engo said she was very pleased as for her it "is a clear sign of good management".
WORK CAUSES UNEASE
Residents in Montaverner are upset at the inconvenience caused by work on the N-340 as it passes through the town. Part of the road has been closed and drivers are forced to make a longer journey through the industrial estate. Work on the major route coincides with work on Calle Virgen De Loreto causing traffic jams throughout the town. Montaverner resident, Juan told Las Provincias newspaper, "this work has created chaos in the village, now every time we want to go out it takes us twice as long" The work includes the installation of roundabouts at many junctions which will force drivers from Alfarrasí to drive around the outside of the town.
ONE KILLED AND OTHER SERIOUSLY INJURED
One person was killed and another seriously injured after their car left road in Hondón de las Friars. The accident happened on November 1st on the CV-873 when the Seat Leon left the road for unknown reasons. The driver was transferred to Alicante General Hospital by helicopter with serious injuries.
IBI AND BIN TAX SOARS
The Gent d'Esquerra Montserrat political party has criticised the 40% increase on rubbish tax and the 15% increase on IBI tax implemented by the PP-Aigua. "In 2008 residents have been paying 80 euros for waste collection in 2009 they will pay 112 euros more than eight time the IPC (Índice de precios de consume). With regard to IBI tax this increase is twice the IPC," said Gent d'Esquerra spokesman, Josep Maria Mas. Councillor for Personnel and Finance, Antonio Campos, explained that not all taxes have gone up only these two, which will be used to balance the running costs of the City Council.
PARADE RAISES FUNDS FOR ALZHEIMER'S CENTRE
The L’Olleria Alzheimer’s Society and business in the town held a parade to raise funds for dementia related charities. The show was held at the Cine Goya theatre and a post show dinner was held to raise further money. All money raised will go towards extending care given to sufferers of mental illnesses in the town. The local Alzheimer Centre helps 16 people every afternoon but with increased funds the centre will be able to open in the mornings as well. The centre's psychologist, Inés Ferrer said she hoped that the new service would be available from early 2009. Social Welfare councillor, Júlia Boluda explained that funding had also been raised from her department to install a small kitchen on the premises.
HOODED MEN ATTACK CHALET
Four men armed with baseball bats stormed a chalet in La Partida De La Serradella in Canals. The group stole 4,000 euros and jewellery whilst the owners were shopping in Xativa. The home owner told Las Provincias newspaper: "This has left us very shocked and helpless. This can not be - we can not live like this." Once inside the house the group ripped all visible security alarms from walls but were unaware of a hidden alarm in the ceiling. According to the victim, the group were in the house 15 to 20 minutes, long enough to rummage through cupboards and drawers and cause a lot of damage. He continued “They had probably been watching us; they knew what time we would leave and return." He added that in the days leading up to the burglary, "there had been a black car parked outside the house with a person I did not know sat inside. This car was also there in the day of break in." The individual was described as "a tall, thin man with brown hair and a pale, haggard complexion." Guardia Civil were alerted by a neighbour walking his dog when he saw the men jumping the fence of the property. Within minutes three patrol cars arrived at the property but were unable to catch the group, who fled through orange groves behind the house.
PEDOPHILE EXCHANGES DRUGS FOR SEXUAL FAVORS
Guardia Civil has arrested a man after it was discovered he was taking children to his house and giving them drugs in return for sexual favours. The mother of one of the victims reported the incident to police in Canals. The man would entice children back to his home from the Sports Centre in Canals, where he worked, appearing to befriend them. Once back at his house he would give the children marijuana and show them pornographic movies whilst abusing them. Police arrested 60 year old Enrique CJ and seized several marijuana plants from his home.
Coastel News
Dénia-Palma passengers stranded in sea
PASSENGERS en route to Mallorca from Dénia were stuck in the water for 22 hours on Sunday due to the bad weather. Around a hundred people who had sailed from Dénia on the Baleària ship, Isla de Botafoc, were unable to dock when Palma port was closed at 03.30hrs due to high winds. Gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour – more than 60 knots – were registered. The trip to Palma de Mallorca from Dénia usually takes ten hours, including a stop-off in Ibiza. But this time, the ferry remained floating just a few miles out of the port for nearly 12 hours. Two other ships were also left stranded in the sea until it was safe to sail into shore.
Hotel Port Dénia bomber jailed
A TERRORIST who planted a bomb in a Dénia hotel in 2005 has been sentenced to 17 years in jail. José Ángel Lerín Sánchez has been found guilty of the attack by Basque separatist extremists, ETA. The explosion at Hotel Port Dénia left five people injured and caused extensive property damage. Along with another member of ETA’s Comando Zapa, Lerín Sánchez left a rucksack containing a 10-kilo homemade bomb up against the back wall of the hotel beneath a spiral staircase in January of that year. They left a sign advising of its presence before fleeing to the northern region of La Rioja. Upon arrival, they telephoned a newspaper based in the province of Vizcaya warning that the bomb would go off. The blast occurred at around 15.00hrs that afternoon. Lerín Sánchez was arrested the following March and similar explosives were found in his home in Navarra. He has now been jailed for 17 years by the national court and has been forced to pay 1,000 euros to each of the injured parties, plus a daily fine of 10 euros.
Forest fire destroys three hectares – despite heavy rain A FOREST fire has wiped out at least hectares in the Valldigna. Firefighters were called out at around 20.20hrs on Sunday night when residents reported the blaze in a piece of scrubland near Tavernes. Despite recent rainfall, the flames took hold quickly because of the high winds registered in the area. Emergency services believe that the blaze was the work of an arsonist, since the ground was still damp following Saturday’s storms. Additionally, the stretch of pine forest affected is difficult to access, being set back from the Alzira-Benifairó de la Valldigna road.
Police to patrol La Drova due to crimewave
A SERIES of burglaries in La Drova has led residents to call a meeting with the mayor. Last week, a car was stolen from a restaurant in the calm, leafy urbanisation in Barx. Thieves gained entry by pulling up the fence. Some residents have also had their houses burgled. The meeting was called by local authorities at too short notice, meaning the Guardia Civil were unable to attend as planned since they were occupied with the floods in Tavernes de la Valldigna, complained those present. Nevertheless, officers have promised to increase vigilance in the area. They will keep watch over the estate day and night, particularly in areas with no street lights. Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity to the police.
Empty Costa properties sold abroad
A CONCERTED effort will be made to sell the thousands of empty properties on the Costa Blanca to buyers abroad. It was recently revealed that there are over 140,000 unsold properties in coastal parts of the Comunidad Valenciana, and around a million in Spain as a whole. Alicante’s chamber of commerce has started a campaign to advertise the properties in emerging foreign markets. Until now, new homes on the Costa have been snapped up by northern European buyers, mostly British and German retirees. But due to the recession, fewer are considering holiday homes or retirement in the sun. The chamber of commerce says European expats are now tending to buy in cheaper countries such as Morocco, Mexico, Panamá, Romania and Croatia, among others.
General News
Economic crisis affects drivers concentration
The General Director of Traffic, Pere Navarro, has blamed concern over the economic crisis and bad weather for increase in deaths on the roads during October. In October 180 people died in road accidents compared to 150 in September. In Navarro’s opinion, "concern about the economic situation affects the attention and concentration required for driving." He has called for road safety training for businesses as 30% of those killed were professional drivers. Navarro is concerned that employers believe they are only responsible for what happens in the workplace and that accidents on the road are a problem for the DGT.
Funeral costs soar
 The average price of a funeral and burial in Spain is now over 2,200 euros. This price is not for a luxury burial but reflects basic funeral services, as well as the different permissions and licenses. These costs are essential, and despite the disparity in prices depending on the chosen funeral home, the amount in any case will be no less than 600 euros. Loved ones must obtain a death certificate and report the death to the registry office. A licensed municipal burial or cremation must be arranged and prices can fluctuate depending on the municipality. Once the permits have been obtained families have the biggest outlay for a coffin. An average cost is 1,200 euros but this can soar to 6,000. Add this to the cost of a burial plot (450€), cemetery staff (500€), hearse (80€), floral display (200€ average), Tanatorio (between 500€ and 1,800€ euros), makeup (350€) and publication of the obituary (200€ average), the costs soar. Due to the high price of a common burial, many families opt for a cremation, usually around 400 euros. There is only one way to avoid these expenses and that is to donate your body to science.
Drug smugglers detained Guardia Civil has arrested 10 people for drug trafficking and conspiracy against public health. The investigation has been operational since July with the Guardia Civil working along side colleagues in France and Italy. Over 70 kilos of cocaine, four motorbikes, five cars and a van were seized during the raid. A Guardia Civil spokesman said “we are pleased with the results and hope to continue with these successful operations.”
Bank thieves arrested National Police and Guardia Civil officers have arrested two individuals involved in the theft of 172,000 euros. The men were seen on security cameras entering banks in disguise using violence and intimidation to withdraw money. Officers seized around 53,200 euros in cash, a 38-mm caliber revolver and two pistols during a house search. Police hope that continued investigations will lead them to the remainder of the money.
Weekly shop more expensive The price of lemons, sunflower oil and flour has soared during the month October. Increases range from between 22.94% and 41.53%, according to data from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism. Other fresh foods that have experienced significant price increases include rabbit (+8.47%), lamb (+6.98%) and oranges (+5.36). In October fresh produce was more expensive than in September including bananas (+7,34%) and tomatoes (+4,34%). The price of packaged products was also up, spaghetti (+17.96%), rice (+14.29), pastries (+ 11.17%) and bread (+10.96%). On the contrary there was a drop in the price of mackerel (3.03%), anchovies (-1.97%), mussels (-1.44%) and onions (-1.35%).
Vaccination program begins The fight against womb cancer has begun in over 400 schools in Valencia. Around 25,000 girls aged 14 will be given the vaccination in a bid to help prevent the deaths of around 600 women in Spain every year. “The Sooner the Better” is the slogan used by the Health Ministry who say tests prove that 14 is the optimum age to give the vaccination as it is more effective when given before girls start having sexual relationships. The Health Ministry has opened 493 vaccination clinics which will administer the drug to girls born between January 1 and December 31, 1994. "The vaccination should not be seen as the only prevention of womb cancer, because it is only effective against two types of viruses, but these are responsible for 70% of tumours," said the Health Minister. "Gynaecological care, regular smear tests and sex education are essential for the prevention of cancer," explained Cervera.
Restraining orders in Spain
Over 5,000 men and women in Valencia have restraining orders prohibiting them from approaching their former partners. According to official Government data Alicante has a total of 2205 men and 76 women currently under a restraining order for abuse, either physical or mental. In Castellón the figures are considerably lower, 536 men and 24 women and in Valencia the numbers are slightly higher than Alicante, 2208 men and 128 women. National data suggests there are a total of 40,352 men and 2007 women with restriction orders across the country.
Doña Sofia’s Birthday Celebrations
Queen Doña Sofia was accompanied by the entire Royal family to the inaugural concert at the Sony Foundation Albéniz Auditorium. Following the concert the Queen was presented with eight versions of Happy Birthday by different composers. The classical celebratory song rang to the rhythm of Bach, Wagner, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and Scott Joplin. The concert was also attended by Simeón de Bulgaria, Miguel de Rumanía, Noor de Jordanía and Constantino de Grecia.
Valencian artist decorates Great Wall of China
Valencian artist Rodolfo Navarro has decorated 1,000m2 of the Great Wall of China. The display, called “Plastic Interaction”, consists of twelve black resin sculptures which are displayed against a colourful geometric background. Many visitors to one of the Seven Wonders of the World were surprised to see the display. "Instead of people coming to a gallery to see a box on a white wall, I wanted to convert a portion of the city's landscape," said Navarro, explaining his particular conception of art. "When I set out the draft, my friend Zhang Ling (event organizer) told me with a phrase used in China, “here nothing is impossible” ... and a year later we were granted the first license. “Two years later we have opened the display on the wall," continued Navarro. The first display of this kind was held 20 years in ago at the Eiffel Tower in Paris when a fifty square metre artwork was installed beside the tower.
Two out of three teenagers "refuse to share a desk with Moroccan or gypsy" Two out of three teenagers' refuse to share a desk with a Moroccan or a gypsy and one in two would not share with a Jewish student. These figures were revealed by the President of the Movement against Intolerance, Esteban Ibarra. "Something is not right," he said, "moments of turbulence" such as the current "economic crisis are hitting the most vulnerable" and pointed to the need to protect immigrants. In Spain it appear we have experienced an “explosion” of intolerance. Ibarra said that Europe has experienced "significant growth of xenophobia in recent years", which has led to the presence, in institutions and governments, of parties who are "increasingly blatant about their xenophobic believes." Ibarra explained "the harassment of immigrants is becoming more common," and the growth of hatred and intolerance through the Internet must be stopped "once and for all". There have been calls for Central Government to create Equality Boards to protect the vulnerable and subscribe to the UN International Convention for the Protection of Human Rights of migrant workers. Ibarra feels it is "unacceptable" that Spain still has not agreed to it.
Fine for carrying flag A biker from Alicante has been fined 60 euros for attaching a large Spain flag to the back of his quad bike. Mark Possemiers, a restaurateur, is amazed at the fine which was enforced as he rode his bike through Plaza del Mar in the city. According to police records the offence committed was one of "placing an object on a vehicle - passenger, object or animal – which reduces the visibility or movement of the driver." But Possemiers claims the flag was attached to the rear of the quad and was not causing visibility problems for him or those around him. He often uses his quad bike through the centre of the city to advertise his restaurant, El Flamenco.
ETA bomb injures 21 in Pamplona A 50 kilogram ETA bomb exploded at the University of Navarra on the outskirts of Pamplona on October 29th. The bomb, parked in the heart of the campus in a stolen car, was detonated as over a thousand students and teachers were in classrooms. The explosion blew out windows and doors and sent flaming car parts into the building. Twenty one people suffered minor injures and a huge fire engulfed the main campus building. Police believe the bomb is in direct response to the dismantling of the ETA Navarre Command which included the arrest of ETA terrorist, Araitz Amatria Jimenez.
All Saints Day Florists in the region reported a price increase of 60% in the lead up to traditional All Saints Day festival. Increased demands are being blamed for the price hike which saw the price of a dozen carnations rise from 6 euros to 9. All Saints Day is a time for many to remember family and loved ones who have passed away. Families traditionally visit cemeteries on November 1st and lay bouquets in memory of those no longer with us. Florists say that the current “economic crisis” has not affected purchases stating that "people are still buying flowers as they have done in previous years.” The average spent on flowers is around 20 euros and around 80% of people prefer real flowers as opposed to artificial.
World record attempt More than 2,000 people are expected to take part in a Guinness Book of Records “Body Fitness” attempt in Xativa on November 15th. The record attempt is being held in a bid to raise awareness of cancer research and promote fitness. Youth Councillor, Marcos Sanchis explained that to break the record there must be more than 250 participants, although many more expected following a campaign in local schools. Body Fitness is a combination of dancing and aerobic workouts. Activities will begin at 10.30am with belly dance demonstrations and warm ups. Organisers are advising anyone wishing to take part to arrive at least an hour before the record attempt, at midday, to register. The record breaking attempts will be held in two locations in the city, outside the town hall and in Alameda Jaume I. Athletes must perform a simple 10 minute aerobic workout consisting of bicep curls, sit ups, side stretches and running on the spot. Anyone not meeting the requirements of the monitors will be excluded from the Guinness record attempt.
Divorce soars In the first six months of the year there have been 70,065 divorces in Spain, an average of 384 a day. According to figures from the Supreme Judicial Council (CGPJ) the figures are up 12.5% in the second quarter and exceed numbers recorded for 2007. In 93% of cases the divorce was unanimous and affected nearly 55,000 children.
No case for lawyer A Spanish lawyer who was jailed for two years over a disputed custody case in the U.S will not get her case reviewed early by the Supreme Court. Jose Maria Carrascosa was imprisoned in November 2006 and is waiting to be tried for 8 counts of interfering with the court ordered custody of her daughter. Carrascosa had hoped to bring her case forward and secure an early release but the courts have rejected her bid. Her estranged husband, Peter Innes was awarded custody of their daughter, Victoria.
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