Editor’s Note: Mark Alvarez is well known in Salt Lake City. He and his wife Lorena have been living in Mexico for five months and he shares observations about some changes in Mexico City that impart important lessons for our own downtown planners.

On the first and second of November, Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead. Mexicans debate how much of the tradition is pre-Hispanic or Hispanic, but they coincide in the importance of protecting the Day of the Dead from the incursion of Halloween. One exhibit stressed, “No es Halloween, es Día de los Muertos.” (”It is not Halloween. It is the Day of the Dead.”) Two skeletons fought, bone against bone. Imagine a Tim Burton movie.

Ah. the gulf between tradition and practice. On our way to the exhibit Friday night, Lorena and I asked directions to the main square in Coyoacan. A Mexican couple told us, “go three blocks to the Starbucks, turn left, and go three more blocks.” The directions worked well, but the striking cafe was the place selling organic coffee from Chiapas, not the ubiquitous franchise. A nod to the standard setter in Salt Lake City: Caffe d’bolla.

Mexico City has changed dramatically over the last month. Since October 12, the local government has implemented a strict policy with respect to street vendors. Vendors can no longer occupy downtown streets and sidewalks. The vending areas that used to go up in the morning and come down in the evening have disappeared.

The city provided the vendors with some downtown space, but some vendors have resisted the change in policy. These vendors defy the large police presence, Operation Downtown Historic District, with new practices. No longer fixed to stands, the vendors have become mobile. They carry their products in dark garbage bags or on displays that are easily and quickly moved. They have adapted their systems.

Behind the Templo Mayor on the street Rep. de Argentina, a man in an Argentine soccer jersey, instructed, “back inside, back inside,” as three police officers approached the intersection. After they passed, the man shouted, “back on the street, back on the street.” Displays on rollers disappeared into shops then rolled back out on command.

The removal of vendors from the streets has been widely praised. Architecture formerly hidden by vendor stands and displays now draws attention. Indeed, to borrow Rocky’s words, bold mayoral action polished Mexico City’s downtown district and revealed it as a gem.

Considering gems and Salt Lake City, Tony Caputo and others who took a chance on Pioneer Park deserve praise for their dedication and foresight. Mayor Rocky Anderson has highlighted the potential of Pioneer Park and the downtown area. Mayor Ralph Becker and his administration would do well to polish and reveal these gems.