Am I not understanding the situation?

Ok. Am I missing something???? Yes it is sad that a women was killed...but this happens many ,many times all over the world and even in Canada and the USA. Driving while black? Movie theatres, schools, gay night clubs come on WTF!?
What's with all the political B.S on Rob's sight. Over react much??? Yes the drug cartel is bad,,but unfortunately drug gangs exist in Canada and the USA , so does terrorism, hate and racism. You can't live in a bubble. Sure you don't want to deliberately put your family at risk, I get that but...Who thought going to a gay club in Florida would result in so many innocent deaths, or a night out at the movies or going to school. The world can be a scary place.
Long timer visitors to Zihua like myself cancelling their holidays....seriously? Am I missing something?.i posted on this site looking for some clarity and I am saddened to find political rhetoric and hysteria.
Rant Over.

People on vacation are seeking peace and relaxation. There have been people shot and killed every few days here in Zihuatanejo, for the past month or so. When these were bad guys killing other bad guys, people did not pay too much attention. But when innocent women were caught in the crossfire, in the middle of the day, on a busy street that many of us frequent daily, it is a different story. Machine gun fire is pretty upsetting no matter where or when it happens. But when it is two blocks away and you hear it from your house, or when it happens while you are walking down the street, you do take notice. The woman who was killed was a 60-year old professor. She was originally from Mexico City and had lived in Zihua for 16 years. Taken to the hospital were her two companions -- another woman and a girl. This happened in the middle of the afternoon in a busy area of a beach resort. I don't blame people for being upset and outraged.

I know the world can be a scary place....no mater where you choose to live and play. Shit happens
http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2016-08-12/germany-france-and-new-zealand-issue-warnings-about-travel-to-us?mbid=nl_081416_Daily&CNDID=115449...
We all take a chance when we go to a bar, school, restaurant or movie theatre or just stay in the privacy of our own homes. I guess we just need to decide what risks we are willing to take. Take Care, B.C girl.

Exactly. We all decide what risks we are willing to take. Unless we lack the ability to leave the place where these things are happening.

Thanks for the common sense response Katherine. I have visited Z 2/3 times each year for the past 13 years and have never felt for my safety despite all the arguments pro and con. I am not hysterical or interested in political or philosophical arguments, but from my talks with Mexican friends, hotel people and those on this board, this time feels quite different. So I am thoughtfully evaluating my decision to visit Z this December. These new developments in Z are so sad since this is one of the world's beautiful places. Good solid info, not rumor or innuendo, will help me decide what to do, so, please, people of this board, keep the info flowing particularly from you, Rob, and others who live in Z. I think that I am one of many who share this perspective.

I am here in Zihua now, and while the recent incidents were upsetting, I am back to feeling relaxed and content. Just as I normally do here in Zihua.

Thank you Katherine. I'm glad that you feel more back to normal. This is exactly the kind of on-site feedback I'm interested in. I hope the violence doesn't evolve into anything long-term.

The thing that scares me most when I visit Zihua these days is the sound of a mosquito.

This all reminds me of my first trip to Z years back. Just before I left BC, all over the news was a "massacer", 7 beheaded, heads on their laps, lined up @ the main bus station! For days, shootings in Petatlan,, Acapulco Morelia etc. My family & friends were beside themselves with worry. I arrived to the charm & beauty of Z & have always felt @ home. At that time in BC were numerous gang wars, shootings with many innocents being killed or injured in the cross fire...all because of the war on drugs(don't even get me going)!! We have been there 5-51/2 every year since & will continue to love & support our other home & the wonderful friends, we call family, there. Here, with all the terrible drivers in Hongcouver, you could get killed in a crosswalk crossing the street!! K, my rant too is over! Oct 28 can't come soon enough!

or the deafening sound of an empty bottle of tequila.

or the deafening sound of an empty bottle of tequila.

Now that is the definition of disaster !!!!!! ....JB

Well, I think you would change your mind if you were walking down the street and machine gun fire started.

Karen and Dick, please don't misunderstand me I am not saying that I wouldn't be scared sh$&less at the sound of Ak 47 shots fired in my neighbourhood. My point remains it can and does happen in the USA as well. Welcome to Milwaukee
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/14/us/violent-crowd-confronts-police-in-milwaukee-after-fatal-shooting.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&...

I have been around random gunfire and I stand by my statement. Nearly everyone I know in Zihua has had either Dengue or Chickagunya in the past couple of years and I know at least 3 people who have come down with Zika in the last few weeks. A very real and present danger. Will it stop me from visiting? No way. Am I fearful of it? Yes

We have a lot of bug repellant but can't find bullet repellant anywhere