EL OJO DEL LAGO—Happy 30th Birthday!

EL OJO DEL LAGO—Happy 30th Birthday!

We are greatly pleased to announce that with our September issue, our magazine turned its 30th birthday. It was way back in 1983 that Richard Tingen, along with June and Cody Summers, established an in-house publication for Chapala Realty that only showcased real estate ads. Later, the Ojo would provide the small ex-pat community here at Lakeside with news about upcoming events, local personalities, a smattering of history and an occasional piece of helpful advice.

In the beginning, the publication ran eight pages, was in black and white (though later, it would live dangerously by going to sepia). The “staff” numbered only three people: Richard, the publisher, June, the editor, while Cody handled everything else. Luckily, June was a fine writer, and a prolific one, as well. The fledgling publication was also fortunate that Cody was chosen as an unofficial Lakeside representative for the American Consulate in Guadalajara. Moreover, as a former U.S. military serviceman, Cody had many helpful contacts within the local branch of the American Legion.

In time, June would receive recognition as one of the best chroniclers of our area’s history, (much of it contained in her fine book, Villages in the Sun) while Cody injected humor and helpful advice into the publication with his column “The Taller Mechanic,” taller in Spanish meaning an auto repair shop.

Later, June would be followed as the Ojo’s editor by Dale Palfrey, Tod Jonson/Joyce Vath, Rosamaria Casas and Alejandro Grattan, who has been with us for the past 18 years. With thanks to them all, as well as to the hundreds of other people who helped build what is today Lakeside’s premier magazine, we happily congratulate the Ojo on having reached its 30^th birthday!