I got this article from a lady I was corresponding with on villas before I decided to go another route. It addresses the safety issue - I know my family had questions but the violence is along the border, not in PV - just needed to communicate that to them.
Title - Puerto Vallarta Safe and Waiting for You!
Whenever traveling, it is natural to worry about one's safety. Rather than relying on media hype from news stories, which leave us with misconceptions that are simply different from what is reality, a more trustworthy source is from visitors like myself and residents of an area. For that reason, I share with you my own experience as it relates to safety in Banderas Bay.
Despite rapid growth and development in Puerto Vallarta and its surroundings, the region remains one of the safest areas in the country. A big part of this is the fact that it is still a small pueblo where neighbors know one another and watch out for each other. One doesn't walk down the street at any time of day without encountering a friendly smile or even a "hola." Dining out at night at any of the best gourmet restaurants in Mexico or the local taco stand, the ambience is friendly and comfortable. You'll feel secure in the pursuit of any activity you enjoy.
I have been here for a month now. My family joined me for a vacation along Bucerias beaches that were delightful and uncrowded. In the last two weeks I have been spending my days visiting owners and their villas. I travel solo and fetch taxis to my destinations—the cabbies are as friendly and accommodating as ever. In the evenings, I walk the Malecón where locals and tourists stroll in harmony. Sculptures artfully installed at intervals encourage you to dally awhile. Music in the Zocalo prompts you to listen while catching the aroma of roasting corn on the arms of the balmy evening air. I park myself on a convenient bench to try the kernels with salt, chile and lime. The Mariegalante heads for shore as I await her fireworks to illuminate the night sky. It is dark when I arrive home a pie . This has been my routine on many of my visits and this time it was not different in any way. Puerto Vallarta is a happy place I cannot wait to return to and I invite you to experience.
Wherever we wander, our best protection is projecting a smile, exuding self-confidence and remaining alert to what is happening around us. Harmony fosters peace.
Sincerely,
Helga