Oscar Arias A Shoe In, Poll Reveals; Next President To Fill the Potholes
For the last two weeks candidates to the February elections had to remain quiet as the Tibunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE) prohibits political propaganda during the holiday season. However, and with less that 5 weeks to go, the 2006 election campaigns have resumed.

Gas Price Hikes For 2006
Welcome to 2006. And get ready to open your wallet to higher gasoline prices as the Autoridad Reguladora de Servicios Públicos (ARESEP) welcomes the year with two requests for increases that could see gasoline prices jump ¢60 colones for super, ¢57 colones for regular and ¢47 colones for diesel.

CAFTA Misses Jan. 1 Deadline
Central American and U.S. officials had hoped the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) would take effect on Sunday.

Stress Cause of Many Traffic Accidents, Authorities Say
Tránsito authorities are blaming stress. But the truth is that bad drivers are all over us and driving in Costa Rica has become more dangerous each year. Of the 924 violent deaths registered during 2005, 36% or 332 due to traffic accidents.

Trio a Force at Finding Fugitives
When Walworth County fugitive James A. Colwell was selling real estate in Costa Rica, he probably didn't realize there was a task force of deputies looking for him.

Third Date of Costa Rica Surf Competition to Kick-Off Contetst Within a Contest
Antonio Pilurzu, head of Costa Rica’s Federacion de Surf (FS) , announced today that the third date of the 2005-06 Circuito Nacional de Surf (CNS) will take place this weekend, January 7 and 8 at Playa Hermosa (Puntarenas province).

Fines and Confiscation For Drivers Who Have Not Paid the 2006 Marchamo
Haven't paid your 2006 Marchamo? Well, you are one of the 120.000 who may have their licenses plates confiscated by Tránsito police as their two day grace period ends.