Garraf and Botigues; two places with their own realities

Last week, I participated along with other components of the Municipal Government in the Municipal Council of Garraf and Botigues. The main goal of the meeting was to devise a plan of action for the two locations for the coming months, so the needs of the residents could become the real roadmap of the City Hall for the two locations. It was a pleasant meeting, but above all it was an especially rewarding one, because we share a way of doing things that must be the rule to govern the municipal action plan. Such actions must answer both to our limited financial possibilities and to the real needs of both sectors.

During recent years, Sitges and also the rest of the country witnessed public works, sometimes accompanied by substantial investments, that were not only not necessary to improve the quality of life, but that also were totally unnecessary. The use and abuse of this way of managing public assets is one of the reasons that led us to the extreme difficulties we are now facing. 

It is significant, however, that Garraf and Botigues have the feeling that the past boom years did not leave the investments they deserved, and that now it is not possible to answer to all desired implementations. The situation is doubly complex because both sectors deserve the implementation of works that are necessary and fully justified.

Therefore, our plan for Botigues and Garraf is based in work carried out in close collaboration with the neighbors. In this sense, the work carried out by the Territorial Councilor Lluis Marcé and by the Participation Councilor Josep Moliné is crucial, and shows the willingness of the local government to implement actions that involve effective and real environmental improvements. Residents and the City Hall have activated jointly all the priorities that involve improvement of access to both areas, beach-cleaning and maintenance of public roads. This form of public implementation that encourages participation and responds to the real needs of residents is the line on which we want to base our policy of service planning and implementation in public roads.

Quality services in our beaches

Two weeks ago, the Tourist Association of Beach Services (ATSP for its acronym in Catalan) inaugurated the acts of commemoration of its 25th anniversary. To open a full commemorative program, the Association organized the roundtable Building a new tourism in Sitges, where I had the honor to participate, along with other Government Team members such as Jorge Carretero, Lluis Marcé and Ignasi Garrigó, the president of ATSP, Manuel Martinez, and the director of Hotel Terramar, Fran Marcé. The debate highlighted that challenges faced by the tourism industry in Sitges are directly related with quality, both in providing services and in the supply of equipment and facilities. The owners and employees of beach services such as restaurants, hotels and apartments, are in this sense, the main actors in conveying the image of our town among tourists.

The beach season has started this weekend, coinciding with Easter. It also implies the beginning of the summer season, when our town pours most of its efforts on our major economic sector: tourism.  Therefore, we must welcome the arrival of the season with the support they deserve, and the trust that the good work done during previous months will lead to positive results, despite the current difficult situation.

During the nineties, Sitges made a smart bet in favor of deseasonalization, with the aim that tourism could be maintained during almost all year. It was a necessary step to adapt to changing times and improve our competitiveness as a first class tourism Mecca. The efforts and the strategic bet made by the local tourism industry paid off (in a few years, we went from two four-star hotels to eight) and Sitges became a major favorite destination for conferences and conventions, such goal remains a reality that we promote dearly.

The task to become a prominent location for business meetings cannot leave behind or outside the policies to provide beaches with all the necessary quality services. Business conventions must be compatible with the tourism of sun and beach, as well as with cultural and sports tourism.

For all the above reasons, the City Hall produced a Beach Use Plan 2012-2016. The plan strives for imagination, quality and maximum safety on our beaches. Last year, more than 13 beaches in Sitges were granted the EMAS award (Community System for Ecomanagement and Eco-audit), managed by member states of the European Union based on reference standards ISO 14001. Such a fact recognized our efforts in favor of competitiveness and quality, and showed us the path to follow.

Time for “Caramelles”. “Caramelles” are one of the festive expressions of Sitges. To hear and sing "Caramelles" also means Easter, spring, music and lyrics of our teachers, our mountains ... and "sitgetanisme". This year, the three groups of "Caramelles" have launched, in conjunction with the City Hall, the "Give away Caramelles" promotion campaign, whereby families from Sitges have the opportunity to bring their songs to the balconies of their homes and collaborate in this way with the groups. I invite you to sing, listen and give away “Caramelles”.

A difficult but hopeful budget

Monday night, the Municipal House approved the budget of the City Council for 2012. This is the first budget of the government formed last June as a result of the outcome of recent elections. The budget was approved three months later than planned because, in a responsible manner, we conditioned approval upon the outcome of negotiations with employee representatives of the Corporation, as it directly affects municipal accounts. The budget was approved with votes in favor of the municipal government and the abstention of the Socialist Group. I want to publicly acknowledge the sense of responsibility shown in this episode.

The budget submitted by the Government draws five main values ​​that are absolutely essential in our policy, and that also constitute the core of this document: social justice and equality, austerity, transparency, reliability, and rigor and sense of duty. These five areas are the foundation of the lines of income and expenses that the City Hall and its agencies will apply during the current year.

The budgeting process has been difficult, without the ability, dedication and applied financial engineering of the Deputy Mayor for Finance, Jordi Mas, we would hardly been able to bring it to fruition. It is a difficult budget as it includes necessary restrictions, containment in expenditure and drastic reductions in investment. The situation faced by municipal finances forced the application of special measures, and especially the introduction of a new political culture, which makes austerity and the exercise of responsibility the foundation of a good government.

But it is also a budget that makes a firm commitment in favor of concrete social policies and services, which encompass a broad chapter called "Sitges of the people." This is the most important part (19.3%) of the total 48.7 million making up the budget, after the part which is unfortunately the larger (37.8%), which is intended to narrow our serious budget deficit. As a "Sitges of the people", we understand social policies, initiatives to support families and groups and actions aimed at improving the quality of life of all the inhabitants of Sitges. The approved document also contains, despite the forced restrictions, items intended for the socio-economic revitalization of the town.

The 2012 budget was made possible thanks to the efforts applied by many sectors of the town: organizations, societies and all the universe of festivities, all those sectors offset the decline in their respective budget lines with an increase in personal or collective dedication; companies and self-employed of Sitges that assumed the irrational late payments of their bills by the City Hall, the group of employees of the City Hall that agreed to give up certain rights acquired to avoid the reduction of staff; and all the citizens of the municipality, who must give up some services or facilities due to the serious situation affecting municipal finances. I want to thank all these sectors, groups and citizens, and I also want to encourage them to continue working every day, without losing faith or hope.

An agreement that guarantees jobs

Today, Wednesday, March 7, we presented the Agreement that the government of the New Majority signed with the Union Leaders of the City Hall (CONC-CCOO, CSI-F, USOC, SFP and UGT). The Agreement guarantees the continuity of employment, thanks to the renunciation by part of the staff of certain benefits consolidated over the years. The Agreement represents savings of 1.4 million € for the City Hall.

The Agreement regulates the temporary suspension of the concepts of productivity, the municipal contribution to the pension plan and certain social benefits enjoyed by the workers of the City Hall. The Agreement allowed the corporation to maintain the 2012 staff, an impossible feat without the agreed reduction of expenses that stopped unavoidable layoffs.

In this regard, thanks to the understanding between the Government and Union Representatives, the Chapter 1 Item of the 2012 Municipal Budget, to be approved during the coming weeks, which corresponds to the cost of staff and human resources, will show a reduction of 1,4 million Euros in relation with last year’s figures. To the abovementioned savings, we must also add the reduction in salaries of elected officials implemented by the government of the New Majority at the beginning of the current legislature, and also the suppression of various positions of trust and directors.

All such measures aim to reduce the deficit and redirect municipal finances, in a dire state thanks to irresponsible management implemented during the past years.

For this reason, I want to thank the exercise of responsibility made by the Union Representatives of the City Hall. They are well aware of serious condition of municipal finances. A responsibility that all the inhabitants of Sitges show everyday. They know that the current economic climate do not allow the maintenance of certain situations. We were able to witness such a responsible behavior during the Three Wise Men Celebration, and just a few days ago during Carnival. We can also perceive such a stance everyday in the attitude of all businesses, organizations and society at large with a direct or indirect relationship with the City Hall. We are determined to redirect municipal finances, but to make this possible we need efforts, imagination and will.

The situation is very complex, but we will prevail if we act with financial accuracy, and with the capacity of mutual understanding and the dynamic and active spirit that has always distinguished this town.

Carnival: first assessment

Fat Monday is a day that always generates very unique sensations. The day is right in the middle of the two parades, the ripe occasion to comment the parades of the previous day at our home, work or at any commercial establishment. It is the moment in which people from Sitges make their initial assessment and review the development of parades, the street environment, weather conditions, the level of the costumes or the skills of King Carnival or Queen Carnival. It is a clear sign that the carnival is part of our DNA as a community, and plays a key role in the social fabric of our town. It is a demonstration that Sitges still is and will continue being a town for many years to come, with all positive components that it implies.

This Fat Monday we can make a first assessment of the Parade of Debauchery celebrated yesterday. The Parade was marked by the schedule change that aims to facilitate greater participation and ensure optimum security measures, both for members of the parades, public and neighbors. The reconciliation of interests of so many stakeholders (organizations, groups, people in disguise, security, economic development ...) is not easy and you can't please everybody, but I think that the change will be evaluated as positive and necessary once that enough time has elapsed to pass judgment.

The first assessments on the new schedule released today are positive, as it has achieved the end of the parade at a sensible time, with all the favorable thing it implies: more public, better schedule for those working the next day, more movement at the associations and bars once the parade ends, and a optimum global environment for the proper development of the party. However, yesterday the parade showed again one of its eternal problems: too many interruptions, which hurt brilliance and development. This is one of the challenges that must improve in the future.

Reports indicate that the safety measures were developed with absolute normality, without any important incident. Also, the Emergency Medical Service (SEM) showed a lower level of activity than in previous years. The work of professionals and the new measures were decisive in this favorable initial assessment.

The work carried out by organizations and groups also have a crucial importance. We must be grateful, and we must also point out explicitly all their efforts to make everything happen in the best way possible. It is also the case of the groups of His Majesty Carles Torres and Her Majesty the Beautiful Queen, that contributed with their imagination and ingenuity, and also the members of the parades: despite the crisis, despite financial difficulties, our Carnival retains its high level that makes it one of those with largest projection and participation.

AGNES SCHOOL OF SITGES, WE HAVE THE GO AHEAD. Last week, the budgetary approval of La Generalitat (Catalan Autonomous Government) for 2012 brought about an expected and necessary joy in Sitges: the inclusion of a specific entry for the start of construction of the school Agnès de Sitges. The news is not precisely fresh, since the Education Department informed us around Christmas and we announced the news. But in any case, it means the consolidation of the political will of Catalan minister Irene Rigau. She attended the request made by the City Hall of Sitges, endorsed by the encouraging demands made by parents of students at the school, that have been occupying the modules during too many years.

The 600,000 Euros foreseen in the budget of La Generalitat during 2012 will allow the start of the works and will solve a long and complex process which dates back to 2007. The current business year is not ripe for large investments, given the budgetary constraints needed overcome the deficit situation. For this reason, I want to emphasize my gratitude to the Education Department, since the money intended for Agnès de Sitges is part of one of the few investments made in schools during 2012. We must congratulate ourselves for such long awaited news for so many families in Sitges and the entire municipality.

It's Carnival Time

Thursday will be Fat Thursday. It marks the beginning of party time, debauchery and transgression ... but also the beginning of very special and traditional week marked by the ambience generated by groups and societies involved in a festivity marked by civility and "sitgetanisme". Carnival arouses passions, reinforces happiness and reaffirms our sense of community thanks to our groups, societies and the town itself.

This year, Carnival arrives with significant changes, especially in the schedule of parades. The new format is conceived to promote a better development of the festivity, so everybody will be able to enjoy the party more than ever. The new schedule will avoid situations like the meeting of the head and tail of the parade at Cap de la Vila, or that the last groups end past 3 am.

The good work carried out by the Carnival Commission and representatives of organizations have made possible that this festivity, despite the inevitable budget constraints, maintains its splendor and the spirit that have made this event into a manifestation of extraordinary participation. In such a magnificent event, we must highlight the collaboration of law enforcement and safety prevention agencies (Municipal Police, Mossos d'Esquadra, Fire Department, SEM, Red Cross ...) as well as volunteers coordinated by the Department of Customs and Festivals. I want to make a special mention to the sensitivity shown by the Catalan Minister of Interior, Felip Puig. He provided all the security measures needed by the Carnival.

It's Carnival time. This means it is time of Xató. In fact, Xató prepared in Sitges. Today, 13 February, we celebrate the International Day of Xató, a commemoration established by Mayor Pere Junyent in 1996 to celebrate the centenary of the oldest known documented mention of the word Xató. The quote appeared in L'Eco de Sitges referring to a Fat Thursday dinner where there was, among others, Rusiñol, which, according to research, seeing the wonderful plate of salad with cod, tuna and the pumpkin colored sauce said: "it looks like a château!". Good Xató and good Carnival!

Carnival Proclamation
To all people living in Sitges,
The Carnival has arrived, the most crowded festivity of our calendar.
All the inhabitants of Sitges are eagerly waiting for the festival of debauchery. For seven days, we will experience all the fun and festive ambience that conveys the annual Carnival celebration. On 16 February, the arrival of His Majesty Carnival or "Sa Majestat Carnestoltes" in Catalan, accompanied by all his retinue and, together with the Carnival Queen and her entourage, will spread fun to every corner of the town.
Without prejudice to the law regarding opening hours of establishments, the City Council strongly recommends to all the nightlife industry to respect the regulations set forth by the Generalitat (Autonomous Government of Catalonia) in Order 358/2011 governing opening and closing hours. Such a regulation stipulates that all businesses must abide closing times, so that everyone can enjoy the festivity.

From the City Council, we ask not to park any vehicle outside properly marked spaces, to avoid obstructing the course of the Debauchery and Extermination parades. In accordance with regulations related to illegal parking, the City Council will not be liable for any material damage that may occur as a result of Carnival events.

We also recommend that all residents living on the streets following the course of parades (both children and the evening parades), must avoid taking out the garbage Sunday and Tuesday, in order to facilitate the movement of floats. The garbage can also be deposited in waste containers, most of which will be remain open. A recommendation that we extend to all restaurants: they should refrain from removing glass during Sunday and Tuesday of Carnival.

I would like to exhort to all participants to celebrate a civil and respectful Carnival. This year, the Carnival arrives manned by a brand new Commission headed by Isaac Bielsa. I want to thank him and all the people that have helped him in this difficult task. I would like to thank them for all their efforts and dedication dealing with the organization of a festivity, an event that has also suffered the frail economic situation and that will also experience some changes in order to enhance their development.

And I also want to express my gratitude to Sociedad Recreativa El Retiro, Casino Prado Suburense, Grup dels Independents del Carnaval, and to the groups of Poble Sec, Cases Noves and Club Natació for their altruistic efforts that they develop every year just for their love of tradition. I want to thank them for their expertise and for their efforts to maintain and expand a festivity that goes beyond our frontiers.

This year, the main characters of our Carnival, His Majesty Carnival and Her Majesty the Queen of the Carnival, will arrive accompanied by the groups XisPun! and Carnivàlia, and the Queen of the Children will be escorted by the group Fantastik Show. I want to express my deepest thanks to all three.

But the Carnival would not be what it is today without each of the volunteers that help to contribute to make the Carnival one of our main hallmarks, maintaining the uniqueness and quality that has always been a trademark for our Carnival.
Finally, I just want to wish you a happy Carnival, and I also want to encourage all residents and visitors who will gather in Sitges to enjoy all the activities prepared by the Commission. Happy Carnival to all!

The example of volunteers

The Department of Traditions and Festivals of the city of Sitges has created a team of volunteers to collaborate in the organization and development of our festivals. Monday of next week, the Department has convened an open meeting in the Miramar Building to give shape to the joint operation of volunteers for the Carnival. This first group of volunteers will articulate the project, which aims to have its own presence in all the festivals of Sitges.

The proposal takes as its starting point the recent experience of the Three Kings Parade, where volunteers were fundamental to propagate the spirit of celebration among children and adults. Days later, the Half Marathon brought together over 200 people as volunteers. The vitality, energy and human wealth provided by all those inhabitants of Sitges, are now materialized among all those with a strong link with the Cavalcade and the Half Marathon and has left a markedly positive imprint. It is also the case of the Film Festival, which, for years, has volunteers for various departments: projections, public relations, press…

The initiative promoted by the Councillor Magi Almirall has a threefold purpose. First, provide the main festivals of the village with their own human structure vital for its own development. Each Festival is different, both in its magnitude and in the human resources required for their development. But beyond the respective specificities, each event has some common needs in their own support teams, either for their preparation or during implementation. The current economic situation and budget constraints often prevent the replacement of such needs by contracts or resorting to any extra expense. 

Second, volunteers allow and ensure the survival of Festivals despite the crisis, and they also bring a renewed hope that, no doubt, will benefit programs, objectives and implementation in which they collaborate.

Finally, the team of volunteers will strengthen the implementation of social events. Often, some of our most famous and significant festivities base their executive organization on a commission, which also works with the voluntary commitment of its members. This is the case of the Sitges’ Main Festival or the Carnival. It is true that groups or societies involved in festivals have their own structures, composed by a large number of inhabitants of Sitges, which also constitute indirect organizers of the festival, but by broadening the base of support teams of committees, we will approach the genesis and the inside of the festival to a wider range of inhabitants of Sitges.

Catalonia, and our town is a clear example, has a solid tradition in voluntarism. The Olympic Games of 1992 were a clear example of our voluntarism, but different organizations, NGOs or grassroots movements of the Church also have a long history of volunteer work that responds to the commitment and spirit that distinguishes an active and engaged civil society.

AN ABUSIVE TOLL The Municipal Plenary Meeting held yesterday passed a motion approved unanimously by all groups of the municipal council, whose goal is to ask the Government to review the price of the highway toll of Garraf. The construction of the tunnels of Garraf, twenty years ago, was a key factor for the economic development of the region, but the cost involved can not penalize citizens, in this case the inhabitants of Sitges. Every time we make use of the fast highway to Barcelona, we must pay the excessive amount of 6.05 Euros. I can assure you that we will be very firm with our demand, and that we will demand to whoever it may concern a change in this abuse.