Edition 38 - July 2010

www.bajagoodlifeclub.com – No. 38 July / julio 2010

The Baja Peninsula's Guide to the Good Life

A Sea of Change in Loreto A community shares the beauty of the sea

p.14

Plus‌ New Immigration System Making it easier to work and play in Baja

p.12

Spiders of Baja

Which spiders are bad and tips to avoid encountering them p.11

How to get Mexican Social Security How can you benefit from Mexican Social Security and why p.13

R E B M ME S ON W NT E L N COU 32 L A IS G P D

Tijuana

Tecate

2D

Rosarito Beach El Descanso (1767)

Los Algodones

Mexicali

CONSTITUTION OF 1857 NATIONAL PARK

53 mi les

La Mision

BAJA NORTE

Yuma

San Miguel (1797)

Guadalupe (1834)

Valle de Guadalupe

Ensenada Ojes Negros

Bahia Todos Santos La Bufadora

Maneadero 29 M

1791

Santo Tomas 1780

San Vicente

sta

lH

Santo Domingo (1775)

8

wy

Puerto Penasco

National Astronomic Observatory

M 18 M

PACIFIC OCEAN

Co a

SAN PEDRO MARTIR NATIONAL PARK

23

Bahia Colonet

Ne w

Valle la Trinidad

Colonet

Lukeville, AZ Sonoyta

Gulfo de Santa Clara

Heroes de la Independencia

(Rocky Point)

San Felipe

Colonia Vicente Guerrero

Punta Estrella Valle de los Gigantes

San Quintin

Laguna Percebu Puertecitos

35 M

Carborca

!

get gas if southbound

El Rosario

Isla Miramar Isla Lobos Isla Encantada Isla San Luis

San Fernando (1772)

1774

77

Bahia Rosario

M

Calamajue 64 M Santa Maria (1767)

Bahia LA turnoff

Bahia de Los Angeles

San Borja (1762)

33 M

Punta Prieta

Isla Angel de la Guarda

40 M

Bahia Maria

ia

rn fo

Bahia Blanco

ora

li Ca

Chapala

LEGEND:

Son

Bahia San Luis Gonzaga

ja

Ba

Cataviña

Isla Tiburon

Santa Rosalillita

- Page of city map & directory

Bahia Santa Rosalillita

Rosarito

Isla San Lorenzo Isla San Esteban

- Pemex Gas and/or Diesel - Airport - Highway Sign - Marina - Mission Site - Jesuit (17) (1683–1767) (1768–1773)

- Mission Site - Dominican (1) 2

July 2010 – Baja California GUIDE

Lighthouse

PUNTA FALSA

Guerrero Negro

Laguna Ojo de LiebreCALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1 Vizcaino

Santa Gertrudis (1752)

OF

91 M

PUNTA EUGENIA BAHIA TORTUGAS Bahia Tortugas

Villa Jesus Maria

LF

(1774–1834)

Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino

Bahia San Rafael

GU

- Mission Site - Franciscan (9)

Puerto de Santo Domingo

get gas if northbound

7)

Laguna Ojo de Liebre

Vizcaino

Guaymas

LIF CA

Isla Tortuga

46 M

San Ignacio

Santa Rosalia

1705 1728

PUNTA ABREOJOS

Mulegé

El Coyote

Bahia de Concepcion Bahia San Nicolas

of

rni

86 M

z) rte Co

Bahia San Basilio

San Juanico

aS

Bahia de Ballenas

a (Se

Bahia de Ballenas

NIA

o alif aC

Bahia Santa Ines

OR

46 M

Baj

Isla San Marcos

Guadalupe (1720)

PACIFIC OCEAN

San Carlos

OF

BAHIA ASUNCION Bahia Asuncion PUNTA PRIETA Bahia San Hipolito LA BOCANA

BAJA SUR

LF

Santa Gertrudis (1752)

91 M

PUNTA EUGENIA BAHIA TORTUGAS Bahia Tortugas

1720

ur

La Purisma

1699

1697

San Javier

Loreto Isla del Carmen

A

San Juan Malibat (1705)

Isla Danzante Isla Monserrat

80 M

AN DA

JU

NA

TI 144 232

76 123

187 301

119 191

43 69

SA

223 359

155 249

79 127

36 58

Ciudad Insurgentes

O

CIUDAD CONSTITUCION

RO SA

112 180

76 122

364 586

296 476

220 354

177 285

141 227

65 105

444 714

376 605

300 483

257 414

221 356

145 234

80 129

532 556

464 747

388 624

345 555

309 497

233 376

168 271

88 142

577 928

509 819

433 697

390 628

354 570

278 449

213 344

133 215

45 72

615 990

547 880

471 758

428 689

392 631

316 510

251 405

171 276

83 134

38 61

699 1125

631 1015

555 893

512 824

476 766

400 646

335 541

255 412

167 270

122 197

84 136

788 1068

720 1158

644 1036

600 667

565 909

489 789

424 684

344 555

256 413

211 430

173 279

89 143

922 854 1083 1374

778 1152

735 1183

699 1125

623 1005

558 900

478 771

390 629

345 556

307 495

223 359

1059 991 915 872 836 760 1704 1594 1472 1403 1345 1226

695 1121

615 992

527 850

482 777

444 716

360 580

Bahia Almejas

Bahia de la Paz Isla Espiritu Santo

Isla Santa Margarita

La Paz Isla Cerralvo 1720

Bahia la Ventana Bahia Muertos

TO C CO IUD NS AD LA TI TU PA CI Z ON CA BO SA N LU CA S

155 249

Isla San Francisco Santa Rita

70 M

LO RE

231 372

BA

CA TA V

299 481

Isla San Jose Delores (1721)

133 M

A AN HI GE A D GU LE E L ER S O JC S RE SA T. R O N NE IG NA SA GR NT CI O O A M R OS UL AL EG IA E

Bahia Santa Maria Bahia Magdalena

IN

EL

Isla Santa Cruz San Luis Gonzaga (1737)

Puerto San Carlos

RI

N

QU

IN

TI

12 M

N

LO NE

T

68 109

CO

SE

Isla Santa Catalina

EN

an (1)

Guerrero Negro

PUNTA FALSA

Lighthouse

GU

an (9)

Villa Jesus Maria

Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino

271 437

137* 221*

Todos Santos

Santa Rosa (1730)

Pescadero

48 M

134 216

SIERRA DE LA LAGUNA NATIONAL PARK

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

Los Barriles

Santiago 9 M 4 (1721)

1730

* Mexico Highway 19 is only 96 miles/154 km.

MEXICO HIGHWAY 1 DISTANCE CHART

Bahia las Palmas

Cabo San Lucas BAJA GOOD LIFE CLUB – July 2010

San Jose del Cabo www.bajagoodlifeclub.com M 19

3

Welcome to Baja Certified Certified Certified Master Master Master Groomer Dog Groomer Dog Grooming Estética Canina DogGrooming Grooming-- Estética - EstéticaCanina Canina Groomer

Located just south of PEMEX AM-PM across from Tacos Jr. Located just south of of PEMEX AM-PM across from Tacos Jr.Jr. Located just south PEMEX AM-PM across from Tacos Libre Km 28.5, Popotla Blvd.

Rosarito, Appts: Tues, Weds and Thurs Libre Km 28.5, Popotla Blvd.

Rosarito, Appts: Tues, Weds and Thurs Libre Km 28.5, Popotla Blvd.

Rosarito, Appts: Tues, Weds and Thurs

661-100-6218 661-100-6218• •125*317*7317 125*317*7317

Awaken your inner beach bum

News, opinion, & chatter about Puerto Penasco

The Mexican states of Baja California and Baja California Sur make up Baja California as covered by our guide. The region features an enormous diversity of landscapes like no place on earth—a land of quiet, colorful deserts, endless beaches, majestic mountains, forests, unexplained rock formations, brilliant clear skies, an average temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit and some of the most welcoming people in the world.

Baja California is the destination of choice for retirees, investors, entrepreneurs, travelers and vacationers alike.

The U.S. State Department says that more Americans retire in Mexico than any other place on the globe; 51 percent of all U.S. retirees who live outside of the U.S. live in Mexico.

Mexico is economical; the dollar goes further here than it does in Europe, Canada and the most popular destinations of Asia. The people of Mexico are accustomed to Americans and vice versa. Mexico welcomes American retirees and tourists and is increasingly prepared to offer the foods, goods and services that Americans like and expect.

Whether you’re looking to retire, invest, vacation or operate a business, Baja California is the place.

We hope our guide helps you to enjoy Baja California to the fullest. Explore!

rptides.blogspot.com

Silver and Bone-carved Jewelry Creations

(686) 122-2668

613-116-5374

www.bajacaballobooks.com Loreto BCS Mexico

El Caballo Blanco

4

July 2010 – Baja California GUIDE

WHAT DO I NEED? Passport. On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government implemented the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The new rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. Additional information can be found at: http://travel.state.gov/passport.

Declaration Lane ($75–$1,000) If you are bringing more than US$75 worth of merchandise per person, but not more than US$1,000, you may declare it by driving into the customs facility through the declaration lane (carril de declaración). There you will be able to fill out the proper documents and pay any duty.

Duty can be between 15 percent and 25 percent of the value of the merchandise.

What can I bring into Mexico?

As you approach the border, there are generally multiple lanes labeled “Nothing to Declare - Nada que Declarar” and “Declaration Lane - Carril de Declaración.”

IMPORTANT NOTES: • Guns are illegal in Mexico. Do not attempt to cross the border with a gun and/or ammunition. You will be put in jail even if you were not aware of the Mexican law.

• If you have more than $10,000 in U.S. currency or equivalent, or other monetary instruments, you must declare this with Mexican customs, otherwise it is a crime.

• You must declare if you are bringing any animals, agricultural products or medicines for other than personal use.

• Amounts over US$1,000 require the use of a Mexican customs broker.

Nothing to Declare Lane This lane is used when you are bringing, as a tourist (FMT) $75 or less. Your personal luggage and other merchandise up to the allowed exemption US$75 per person. The amount is cumulative per number of people in the vehicle. For example two people would have a $150 exemption. You must have receipts and invoices to qualify for the exemption.

Personal Items Allowed: • New or used such as clothes, shoes and toiletries in quantities that would be considered not for resale.

• Two photographic or video cameras and charger.

• Two cellular phones or walkie-talkies.

• Laptop, notebook, etc.

• Two sports equipment items.

• Portable radio recorder and/or player, speakers and accessories.

• Five laser discs, 10 DVDs, 30 CDs or cassette tapes.

Five storage devices or memory cards.

• Books and magazines in quantities that would be considered not for resale.

• Five toys, video game console and video games.

• Medicine for personal use, one blood pressure instrument, one glucose testing device. In the case of psychotropic drugs, make sure you bring the prescription. Note: Be careful not to bring a large quantity of your prescription medication.

• One set of binoculars, one telescope.

• Two cartons of cigarettes, 25 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco if you are of age (if bringing more than allowed, you must declare it and pay duties).

• Up to three liters of liquor and six liters of wine (if bringing more than allowed, you must declare it and pay duties).

• Strollers and baby walkers.

• Two musical instruments and accessories.

• Tent and equipment for camping.

• Crutches, canes, walkers and wheelchairs for personal use.

• Tool sets including hand drills, wire cutters, wrenches, screwdrivers, cables, etc.

• Bedding sets including one sheet set, one towel set, a set of table linens.

• Two dogs or cats and pet items.

• Up to $10,000 in U.S. currency or equivalent in other currencies, foreign or national checks, and/or other monetary instruments.

WHAT CAN I TAKE HOME? You can take home US$800 of duty-free merchandise per person, per month, including one liter of alcohol.

Mexican arts and crafts, including handcrafted furniture, are duty-free and do not count toward the $800 limit.

DIALING INSTRUCTIONS Mexico City: (011) 52-55, plus the 8-digit telephone number.

Guadalajara: (011) 52-33, plus the 8-digit telephone number.

Tijuana: (011) 52-664, plus the 7-digit telephone number.

USA to MX Cell Phone: 011+52+1+Area Code+(Tel #) USA to MX Landline: 011+52+Area Code+(Tel #) MX to USA: 001+Area Code+(Tel #) MX Landline to MX Cell Phone: 045 or 044+Area Code+(Tel #) MX Cell Phone to MX Landline: Area Code+(Tel #) DIALING 800 NUMBER: Some charges may apply when call 800 numbers internationally, please check with the telephone carrier.

800 DIALING to the USA From MX (dial 001+)

TOURIST VISA and VEHICLE PERMIT Tourists staying 72 hours or less within “the border zone” do not need a visa. Those traveling beyond the border zone or entering Mexico by air must pay a fee to obtain a tourist card, also known as an FMT, available from Mexican consulates, Mexican border crossing points, Mexican tourism offices, airports within the border zone and most airlines serving Mexico. The fee is generally included in the price of a plane ticket for travelers arriving by air. Please note that travelers not in possession of their FMT card at the point of exit from Mexico may face a fine from Mexican Immigration.

A vehicle permit is NOT required to travel the Baja Peninsula; however, you must obtain a vehicle permit if you travel to Mexico’s mainland.

To Dial USA 800.................... dial 880

MILITARY CHECKPOINTS There are military checkpoints along the way to all the northwest border cities. These checkpoints serve the same purpose as the California and Arizona highway inspection stops you’ll encounter on the return north. The soldiers will be carrying weapons, but there is nothing to be concerned about, the soldiers are looking for drugs and guns. You’ll find them to be polite and friendly. They may ask to look inside your or RV. Checkpoints on both sides of the border were established based on an agreement between the United States and Mexico to fight the war on drugs.

Fire dept...................................... 068

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

visitmexico.com

To Dial USA 866.................... dial 883 To Dial USA 877.................... dial 882 To Dial USA 888.................... dial 881 IMPORTANT NUMBERS: Emergency dial 132 free from any phone and Mexican cell phone carriers Red Cross................................... 066 Police Dept................................. 060 Electricity (emergency and nonemergency)................................ 071 Legal Assistance......................... 061 Tourist Assistance....................... 078 Tourism Department.................... 078 Secretary of Tourism - BC Arturo Martínez Esquer (Facilitation and Tourist Assistance Sub Direction) amartineze@baja.gob.mx Secretary of Tourism - BCS.....612-24-0100

R’S O IT LE D E NG A

7

p.

NewS

Change is inevitable— growth is optional.

8–9

p.

Calendar

10

p.

People & Voices

Everyone encounters change only be available through your Baja Good Life Club memalmost on a daily basis—be it rou- bership. tine, minute, or a major, life-altering change. In fact, the first changHow is this good for you? es in our journey through life begin • You no longer have to go out and find a copy of the moment we are born. First we “Your Guide to the Good Life.” Mexico Living’s leave the comfort and safety of the Baja California Guide will be delivered to your Mexwomb, take our first breath and there’s even a change in ico, Canada or United States address. how we obtain our nourishment.

• As a member of Baja Good Life Club, you’ll have Walt Disney is attributed with saying, “Change is inevitaaccess to exclusive club ble—growth is optional.” rates on Mexican Auto “It is not the strongest of the Changes in life are ineviInsurance, with annual litable—just like the baby ability policies as low as species that survives, nor the most out of the womb; however, $77.07 and full coverage it takes courage to make as low as $140.84. intelligent that survives, but rather voluntary changes that • Receive excluwill allow for long-term sive discounts on products the one most adaptable to change.” growth. And, yes, someand services from our times pain accompanies growing list of participat—Charles Darwin change; but when the bening Baja merchants—food, efits are realized, the pain lodging, printing, real esof change is quickly forgotten. tate, shopping, doctors, pharmacies, building and Although many people say they don’t like change, construction, professional services . . . about anychange is constantly occurring inside and outside our lives thing you can imagine. . . . people change, things change . . . and Mexico Living is changing again—a good change for all!

• Membership is only $35 per year.

Knowing that our readers want to live the “Baja Good Changes in life are inevitable, the growth part is optional.

Life,” we are taking a leap of faith, and dealing with the growing pains, to experience long-term growth for not only So, join today . . . come grow with us! ourselves but for you, our loyal readers, as well.

Mexico Living’s Baja California Guide is currently in the process of becoming a members-only benefit of Baja Good Life Club. Baja Good Life Club is a life and travel discount P.S. As always, I’m interested in hearing from you, what club for visitors and residents of the Baja peninsula. During you think of Mexico Living and any ideas or comments you the transition, you will still find “free” copies of the guide may have to improve YOUR GUIDE TO THE GOOD LIFE. So, at your local establishments, in limited quantities. No later send your suggestions and comments to editor@mexicothan August 1, 2010, “Your Guide to the Good Life” will living.info.

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p.

Natural Wonders

12

p.

Business & Money

13–15

p.

Health & BeaUty Guide

16–17

p.

COOKING & Dining

18

p.

Lodging p.

19

ART

24

p.

Fishing p.

20–22

Home &

Real estate

24

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Destinations p.

24–29

City DirectorY

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SPANISH

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GET YOUR BAJA REPORT!

p.

Baja Good Life

877-LUVMEX1

34

Get the News! Get the Events Info! Get it Weekly Your Baja Good Life Member Go to www.bajareport.com and subscribe today! Hotline.

MEXICO LIVING Guide to Pacific BajaBenjamin & The SeaPack of Cortez Published

by John

U.S. Toll-free: (800) 395-9019 Ex.3 San Diego, CA: (619) 550-2730 San Felipe, BC: (686) 230-9933

Publisher/Editor John Pack john@mexicoliving.info Publisher Rachel Pack rachel@mexicoliving.info

Mexico City, DF: (558) 421-4027 Website: www.mexicolivingguide.com Email: info@mexicoliving.info

p.

Classifieds Mexico Living is a guide committed to promoting Northwest Mexico to the limits of our abilities and to provide a valuable resource to visitors and residents, while showing that Northwest Mexico is a great place not only to visit and play, but also to live and work—a place to call home.

Editor Brenda Judy, editor@mexicoliving.info

Regional Sales Associates – Baja California Sur Rachel Pack, Publisher, rachel@mexicoliving.info

Mexico Mailing Address Mexico Living / Yet Mail, Etc. Ave. Mar de Cortez #1049, San Felipe, BC 21850

Regional Sales Manager Lisa Shannon, lisa@mexicoliving.info

Distribution Regional, Carlos Durán San Felipe, Bill Maine, San Felipe

USA Mailing Address PO Box 9019, PMB#460, Calexico, CA 92232

Regional Sales Associates – Baja California Norte Bill Maine, Associate Publisher, bill@mexicoliving.info

Production Layout, Carolyn Sheltraw, info@csheltraw.com

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. All contributors and advertisers assume responsibility and liability for the accuracy of their statements and claims. All readers assume responsibility for actions or decisions they might make as a result of reading this publication. We reserve the right to refuse any advertising.

BAJA GOOD LIFE CLUB – July 2010

www.bajagoodlifeclub.com

5

Contributors Mexico Living is only possible through the continued contributions from all these knowledgeable and talented people. If you would like to become a contributor, email mexicoliving@gmail.com.

Steve Dryden, Benjamin Eugene, Steven Forman, Tom Gatch, Lynn Hamman, Stockton Hill, La Huerita, Lucy E. Jackson, Graham Mackintosh, David Mandich, Dann Manz, Alexa Verdugo Morgan, Karri Moser, Penny Nask, Greg Niemann, John Pack, Rachel Pack, Lynn Russ, Lisa Shannon, June Snow, Cai Tierra and Robin Waters. .............

Featured Contributor: Lucy E. Jackson

Mailbag Big Thanks Coming back from the States in the evening, just past the checkpoint, on Mex 5 on the way back to San Felipe, we got a flat.

To our surprize, with all the road construction detours, our spare had a nail in it and was flat, too. The first plan was to leave me in the car with the dog, then my husband would hitch to Pete’s Camp (San Felipe) for an air compressor and come back—ugh! Second plan was to stop someone to use their cell phone (yes, we have no cell).

The first car to come by stopped when my husband put up his arm. Lo and behold, guess who it was? Yes, John and Rachel Pack! Boy, do they practice what they preach.

We used their phone and they had a small air compressor. They stayed with us awhile and

Send Us Feedback

even left their compressor with us. Boy, what good neighbors!

We got home okay and can’t thank them enough. Come to find out my husband, Mike, had even worked on Rachel’s dad’s dune buggy—small world. Only in Baja! Many gratis.

—Mike and Penny Haly, San Felipe Mike and Penny, thank you for sharing. Yes, John and Rachel do, in fact, practice what they preach—always prepared . . . always willing to help out a neighbor.

Spanish 101 I have to tell you that when you started putting “Spanish 101” in your magazine, I thought it was crazy. I told my husband that no one is going to learn Spanish with the little bit of information provided each month.

Well . . . I’m ashamed to admit it, but it’s

working. At first, I felt embarrassed to even attempt saying something in Spanish to a real Mexican. But, at the market a couple of weeks ago I decided to give it a shot. The only problem was that the nice young gentleman answered back in Spanish! It turned out that he speaks English and we ended up laughing.

He even taught me how to pronounce all the words correctly. I’ve been in the market twice since then and confidently greet everyone with “Buenos dias,” and I’m not afraid to ask, “¿Puede traducirme esto, por favor?”

Mucho gracias Mexico Living!

Just sign me . . .

—Happier in La Paz Dear Happier . . . Contento de estar de servicio.

As always, we’re interested in your HONEST feedback. So, send your opinions and comments to editor@mexicoliving.info. Letters may be edited for length and content. Make sure to visit us online or pick up a copy of next month’s edition to find out what others REALLY THINK!

Guide on the Go New Zealand can be a great place to visit, when you’re not in Baja, however if you do go, take along your current edition of “Baja California” to show the Kiwi’s as Maria S. did with the May fishing edition.

Northern Lies You’ve done such a great job of illustrating the number of Americans and Canadians living, working and loving Baja, so unless all these people are completely out of their minds, Baja must have something special to offer.

The US media need to sensationalize everything to achieve their objective; keeping the people and money north of the border. But the reality is those same crimes, and worse, happen daily in their own cities and neighborhoods and in much higher numbers.

Baja is a low cost, low stress, and low crime place to live. I have personally lived in Baja seven years and have many gringo friends and in seven years, not one of them has every had an incident, or thought enough of it, to tell anyone.

I just want to encourage people to come back to Baja and "Live the Good Life." Keep up the good TELL US YOUR STORY We’d like to hear your story—how you came to make the dework and help bring back tourism and commerce cision to move to Baja—the steps you took, Mail Center to my home - Baja. the hurdles you overcame, how it improved

Sunrunner your life, helped you achieve a goal or

New owners: • Internet Born and raised in the hills of West Virginia, Have a humorous or creative picture of you and learn something that matters in life.

Email Jason Timberlan your guide to the good life?

Email your photo to Ron & Susie Stephens Lucy E. Jackson takes pride in the fact that your story to editor@mexicoliving.info.

• Copy La Paz, BCS editor@mexicoliving.info and show the world! she pretty much lived “the good life” in the Same Great Service • Fax United States. Residing in a small town—no Same Great Price hustle and bustle of a big city—Lucy played in US Mailing Address • Shipping the mountains, swam in the river, and enjoyed good “down-home” country cooking and • Forwarding KM 178.5, quality time with friends and family.

• Stamps Plaza Paraiso, At 18, Lucy decided she wanted to see the e r Mail Center world. Being from what some would call a San Felipe • Envelopes “poor” family, she had little money to accomers: New owners: • Free Wifi plish this goal. So . . . she packed her bags MENS and enlisted in the U.S. Army.

During her tour T-Shirts ens • Copy & Fax Ron & Susie Stephens in the military, Lucy not only saw many coun• Shipping Tanks ice Same Great Service tries of the world, she had the opportunity as • Forwarding an Army journalist to write about them. ice Same Great Price • Stamps Retiring from the Army with over 25 years LADIES ess US Mailing of service, Lucy is now a freelance writer and T-Shirts Address Choose Internet Café & Business Center • Envelopes editor. She enjoys spending time with her husTanks from several Copies • Internet • Email • Greeting Cards band, children and grandchildren. Today, she 3/4 Sleeve Snail mail • Coffee • Muffins colors • US Mail Service 5, KM 178.5, takes pride in calling Baja California, Mexico, Soda • Snacks A v aParaiso, i l a bKM l e 178.5, a t S uPlaza n r u nParaiso ner her home and telling others about living “the so, Plaza 01(661)614-0513 good life” south of the border.

San Felipe, Baja pe www.bajasclick-on.com San Felipe

r Sunrunner

Get a U.S. Mailing Address

• Internet • Copy • Fax • Shipping • Forwarding • Stamps 6• 8Envelopes 6 - 5 7 6 - 0 3 76 806 - 1 4 7 - 6 7 5 2

6

July 2010 – Baja California GUIDE

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

MENS

T-Shirts

{editoRial & news}

Sierra de la Laguna is safe for now, thanks to you.

A letter from Elena Moreno of Agua Vale más que Oro

Aereocalafia Considering Flights to San Felipe The first meeting was held between the Committee of Tourism and Conventions Mexicali (COTUCO) and Aéreocalafia in order to present the interest in creating a route from Tijuana to San Felipe as part of an exclusive service to the northwest market.

Since the time and distance of the Tijuana-San Felipe road is sometimes a determining factor for the tourist to travel to other destinations, the objective of this effort is to attract tourists from the coastal area of the state to the warm

waters and climate of San Felipe, putting the San Felipe port on the map as a choice of leisure and recreation.

Aéreocalafia is an airline that operates flights to the ports of Guaymas Sonora, Puerto Peñasco Sonora and Los Cabos Baja California Sur, and the airline wants to be the connection between the cities of the northwest states of Baja.

For this reason, the general manager of Aéreocalafia, Ricardo Anaya, is taking into account their experience in connecting Northwest Baja to the country. He said that the proposal made by the director of the Tourism Committee, David Rojas, is quite viable as a way to increase the flow of visitors to the port of San Felipe.

Mass Slaughter of Sea Lions Being Considered in Baja Sur

by Frontera NorteSur

This past February, SEMARNAT (La Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales) rejected the petition for the change of zoning that was requested by the Paredones Amarillos Mining Company. Without this permit, the company is not able to remove vegetation from the site and thus is not able to proceed to construct the open pit gold mine at Paredones Amarillas. Upon learning this news, certainly we all felt that we had achieved a milestone in the protection of our beloved Sierra de la Laguna.

To achieve this, thousands of you sent letters to representatives in Congress and other public functionaries, signed petitions protesting the mine, put anti-mining stickers on your cars, participated in marches and concerts, wrote articles for the media, attended seminars, and talked to your friends and neighbors. Added to our voices were the voices of both the local and federal congressmen and congresswomen, municipal presidents, politicians, senators and even our governor. We are convinced that this pressure from the citizens was fundamental in encouraging the environmental authorities to make the correct decision.

Nevertheless, the danger persists. As with any company, Mineria Paredones Amarillos has the right to resubmit their application for a change of zoning, and we know that they will continue to look for a way to establish the mine within the biosphere reserve. It is important that we continue to be vigilant and that we do not let down our guard in this very important battle.

In Todos Santos, the members of Aqua Vale Mas Que Oro continue working with organizations such as CEMDA (Centro Mexicano de Derecho

Ambiental) and Niparaja, as well as with citizens throughout the state and in other states who know and support our efforts. We are working to find mechanisms that will assure us of a Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve free of open pit mining. We are also working with other organizations throughout the country to modify the Mexican mining laws in order to change the rules of the game and create conditions that will insist on sustainable mining in Mexico.

Baja California Sur (BCS) is a state where our economy and the quality of life of our citizens depend on the respect and preservation of our natural environment. It is fundamental that we work together to create a “GREEN” culture and a “GREEN” consciousness within the citizens of our state, our business leaders, our schools and our elected officials. The future development of BCS depends on our state’s majestic natural beauty and the abundant, pristine treasures found in deserts, mountains and coastlines. Simply put, it is good governance and good business for BCS to be “GREEN” and sustainable.

In the coming weeks and months, we will be in communication with all of you directly by email or through our web page so you can continue to follow our activities. www.paredonesamarillosno.com www.defiendelasierra.org In the meantime, we send you our warm salutations and our thanks for your strong support.

Elena Moreno Agua Vale más que Oro

Arguably, it hasn’t been the easiest time for sea lions on the Pacific Coast of the United States and Mexico. In Washington state’s Puget Sound, several animals have been shot to death in recent months. Last winter, the large sea lion population that usually dazzles tourists at San Francisco’s famed Pier 39 suddenly high-tailed it out the bay, only to gradually return in reduced numbers months later. On the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, fishermen are proposing a mass slaughter of the creatures because of competition over fish resources.

However, a Mexican environmental official contended the current sea lion population does not justify a slaughter. Benito Bermudez Almada, director of the Baja California Sur office of the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas, said sea lion numbers have actually dropped in Baja California Sur from 70,000 animals in 1978 to 30,000 in 2010.

“A huge massacre does not resolve the problem because the big sea lion colonies have diminished, such as in the case of Margarita Island where there were 4,000 animals and now there are 1,200,” Bermudez added.

Nonetheless, fishermen are lobbying Baja California Sur’s state legislature to take action against sea lions. State lawmaker Natividad Osuna Aguilar said a study is being prepared to examine the legal and socio-economic aspects of the sea lion situation.

Although the sea lion is a protected species in Mexico, a “harvest” could be approved if it is determined that the marine mammals are detrimental to the local fishing industry, said Marco Antonio Gonzalez Vizcarra, director of the federal Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources in Baja California Sur.

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In recent years, controversies over sea lion populations have erupted at different places along the Baja California peninsula. As in the United States, numerous illegal shootings of sea lions have been reported.

An important part of the food chain, sea lions are a source of food for the great white shark, whose worldwide numbers are facing serious reductions.

—————————— Sources: La Jornada, June 5, 2010. Article by Raymundo Leon. San Francisco Chronicle, May 22, 2010. Article by Carolyn Jones. KOMO News (Seattle), March 10, 2010. Article by Denise Whitaker and staff. Guardian (UK), February 19, 2010. Article by Ian Sample.

—————————— Frontera NorteSur (FNS) Center for Latin American and Border Studies New Mexico State University

BAJA GOOD LIFE CLUB – July 2010

www.bajagoodlifeclub.com

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{Calendar}

Joe Bacal Captures Another Top Finish at the Baja 500

Send your calendar events to calendar@mexicoliving.info.

Please tell them you found their event in Mexico Living.

Finishing Streak Remains Unbroken Despite Rough Conditions

IMPORTANT DATES Jul. 1: Canada Day (Canada)

Jul. 4: Independence Day (U.S.)

Aug 2: Civic Holiday (Canada)

LOCAL WEEKLY EVENTS See the Community Calendar on www.mexicolivingguide.com for a weekly schedule of events for each city.

ROSARITO

Jul. 2–3: Rosarito Beach Furniture Expo. www.afamaro.com or 661-613-1532 Jul. 3: 2nd Annual International Food Festival. www.caniracrosarito.com or 661-612-0700 July 3: La Bufadora Art Show Noon-5pm Contact Jan Burg cell 646-160-5521 Jul. 22–23: Mexicali en la Playa Beach Fest.

661-612-2525 Jul. 30–Aug. 1: Papas & Beer Anniversary Party! 661-612.0444.

Aug. 1: XXII Festival del Pescado - a contest between the top chefs of the region in four categories. More info call +52-661-612.0700 Aug. 1: Wine dinners held the first Saturday at 7:30 in Chabert’s Restaurant. (800) 343-8582.

Aug. 2: XX International Seafood Festival.

Rosarito Beach Hotel, 1 p.m. 661-612-0700.

Aug. 7: Rosarito Beach Pro-AM Surf Competition. (800) 962-2252 or jesus@rosarito. org Aug. 16 and Sep. 13: “22 Caliber Tournament.”

Rosarito Shooting Club Range, 661-612-1028.

Edition and being called “The Fair of South America.” Contact Mónica Ramos: monica@ eventsinbaja.com, (661) 613-1532

ENSENADA

Jul. 3: La Bufadora Art Show. Jan Burg, 646160-5521 Jul. 4: 2nd Annual Whale’s Tail July 4th Extravaganza at Bajamar.

A U.S. Independence Day celebration starting at noon. Enjoy arts & crafts exhibits, live music, folkloric dancing, foods, wine tasting, an Apple Pie Bake-off At the Whale’s Tail Bar & Grill at Bajamar Ocean Front Golf Resort. More info at www. whalestailbajamar.com or call (646)155-0186, U.S. tel. (858) 227-9170.

Jul. 17: Valle Sunset Concert. 646-175-2363 Jul. 18: Guided Ecological Walk on the Beach Free registration. Haciendo Lo Necesario, 646177-8267.

Jul. 22-23: Mexicali en la Playa Beach Fest 25 Anniversary. The largest beach festival of the region is celebrating its 25th anniversary. More info call +52-661-612.2525 Aug. 5–22: Fiestas de la Vendimia. Visit www. mexicolivingguide.com look for Baja Resources, click Baja Events, & then Baja Calendar for full details. More info call 646-178-3038.

Aug. 8: Taurovinomaquia–Bullfighting Festival. Held at Los Dolores, festivities start at

8

July 2010 – Baja California GUIDE

Photos Courtesy of Shai Harary: www.head1stdesign.com

Aug 2: Alberta Heritage Day (Canada)

For the sixth time in six races, Joe Bacal and his Cancer Treatment Centers of America Lexus LX 570 completed their off-road racing mission, this time taking a hard-earned second place in the Stock Full class on a weather and earthquake-ravaged course in the 42nd Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 500 in Ensenada last month. .

“The course was extremely rough— worse than the (Baja) 1000,” said Bacal after driving more than 20 hours without relief. “A lot of racers got stuck on the course in front of us and it really slowed us down for a while.”

The stranded vehicles created a bottleneck on parts of the course with only one way through, creating an unusual situation for Bacal and co-driver Bob Ditner. “We freed at least five rigs on the course with our tow strap,” recalled Bacal. “We really had no choice. It was faster to pull them out than wait for them to dig themselves out, but we still lost a lot of time in the process.”

The combination of a rough course and the continually-increasing pace of Bacal and his LX 570 also created something neither had experienced in any race since starting in 2009: flat tires.

San Felipe Salsa Fest, July 3rd Spicy food, hot music, hot weather and cold cervesa are on the menu for the 1st Annual San Felipe Salsa Festival, July 3, 2010 in San Felipe, Baja California. Playa de Oro Rumors Bar & Grill is the place for a one-day celebration of salsa. Salsa music, salsa tasting. Also a horseshoe tournament during the event. Join the fun between 10AM 4PM.

3rd Annual Baja Good Life EXPO The Baja Good Life EXPO is an event designed for anyone considering playing, living, or investing in Baja. The Baja Good Life EXPO will inspire, answer questions, inform, educate and provide countless ideas on Living the «Baja Good Life.»

The event is Saturday October 30th, 2010 at La Ventana del Mar Resort in San Felipe. For more info visit www. mexicolivinghomeshow.com.

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

“I have been pushing my truck harder every race to see where my limits are,” noted Bacal. “The BF Goodrich Baja TA tires had been perfect all this time, but we finally met our match. These are not purpose-built race tires like other racers use, yet they’ve been amazing considering the beating they’ve taken.”

Once again, the Long Beach Racers provided quick and effective race support.

Early in the event, Bacal realized that the unexpectedly rough conditions demanded a different shock absorber set up and the support crew made adjustments at a couple of pit locations along the route. “The King Racing shocks were awesome and never faded—just a little tied down,” said Bacal.

“Relaxing the settings a bit made for a quicker and much more drivable truck. Then we could really fly.”

In addition to extending his finishing record, the second place result expands Bacal’s lead in the SCORE Stock Full-class championship to 100 points, a lead firmly established by winning the first two races of 2010 at Laughlin, Nevada and San Felipe, Mexico. Bacal also continues do drive every mile of every race, giving him an advantage toward the SCORE Toyota Milestone Awards.

Bacal and his JTGrey team see their next racing action at the SCORE Terrible’s Las Vegas Primm 300 on September 10-12.

{Calendar}

Rosarito Harley Charity Run is Back!

September 18th, 2010

Due to the overwhelming demand, the Rosarito Harley Charity Run is back this year! This year’s theme is “Fill-a-Back-Pack” with school supplies, shoes, toys, etc!

As the title implies, our destination is Rosarito Beach, Baja California, but the children of

Ensenada and Tijuana also benefit greatly from this charity event. There have been many changes made to enhance your experience, but to make this year’s event the best ever! Promoters Martin & Sonia Resendez have been making regular trips to Baja and the enhancements are pretty obvious;

the police for example have a new perspective on how to better protect and serve the community, as well as going above and beyond to cater to tourists. The level of courtesy shown to visitors is astounding. Since Rosarito’s main source of revenue is tourism, the hotels, bars, and restaurants are literally going out of their way to make your stay as memorable as possible.

Expect to be treated like royalty during this fun event.

Many riders use the Otay Border (Not Tijuana Border) and ride to Rosarito Beach on the new toll free highway that has great scenery.

Most people that attended the past Rosarito Runs are expect to join us again, and they look forward to seeing a lot of new faces who have heard from others what an amazing experience this event has been. Not only do the police escort the riders with literally hundreds and hundreds of Harleys in one mile long pack, but the off-thehook party at Papa’s and Beer lasts into the early morning hours! Arrangements have been made with Mexican Federal Police to escort the riders back to the border, so it’s just as safe and fun returning home.

“Saturday Night Pig Roast” in Mulege accommodate weary travelers.

The “Saturday Night Pig Roast” includes folkloric dancers, Mariachis, and of course, the all-you-can-eat pig roast which includes one margarita for only US $16.00 per person.

For information about the pig roast or Hotel Serenidad, call (from US) 01152 (615) 1530530 or email the hotel at hotelserenidad@ prodigy.net.mx or saralaurajohnson@hotmail. com.

noon. 646-178-3038.

Aug. 14: First Annual 2009 Vendimia Golf Open. U.S. 1 (888) 311-6076; MX (800) 0254075.

Aug. 16: VII Festival del Taco y la Cerveza.

Contact Olivia Herrera, 646-177-0732.

SAN FELIPE

Jul. 3: San Felipe Salsa Festival at Playa de Oro. One-day celebration of everything salsa, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Spicy food, hot music, hot weather and cold cervesa are on the menu for the 1st Annual San Felipe Salsa Festival. Meet a Playa de Oro - Rumors Bar & Grill! You can taste it, you can dance it, and you can even take it home! www. sanfelipesalsa.com Jul. 9: III Vive San Felipe. Contact COTUCO, 686-577-1104 Aug 22: 3nd Annual Bikini Contest. www. sanfelipeinfo.com

MULEGÉ

July 3: Hotel Serenidad Pig Roast. Every Saturday. Only US$16 per person. (615) 1530530

LORETO

July 15–18: Fishin’ For The Mission. jaimekathyg@hotmail.com or www. fishingforthemission.com Aug. 1: Fiesta Mexicana - Every Saturday night at Hacienda Suites.

LA PAZ

Jul. TBA: Expo Comondu Fair Ciudad Consititucion. www.explorebajasur.com/aboutcity-comondu.html.

Jul. TBA: San Juanico’s Scorpion Bay Surf Tournament and Car Race.

Aug. 2–Sep. 7: Live Aboard Diving In the Sea of Cortez. Hosted by Baja Expeditions. From Aug. 2 at 4 p.m. until Sep. 7 at 11 a.m.

Sep. 9–12: 2010 La Paz Gold Cup Fishing Tournament. http://lapazgoldcup.com

LOS BARRILES

Jan. 2011: Rotary Club in Los Barriles is hosting a Kiteboarding/Windsurfing Competition

Mulegé’s historic Hotel Serenidad fly-in resort has hosted their famous “Saturday Night Pig Roast” for the past forty seven years, and the event has grown to the status of legendary.

Cooking a whole pig yourself is not for everyone; it takes a lot of work, time, money and planning. However, nowhere in Baja will you find it done better nor with more experience. The glazed, golden skin is beautiful and delicious. The sight of a whole pig roasting over a fire pit is unforgettable and creates an air of celebration and good times. This is truly a feast for all your senses! Make the “Saturday Night Pig Roast” an amazing summer celebration you will remember for years.

The historic Hotel Serenidad is located in Mulegé, Baja California Sur, Mexico, approximately 620 miles south of the border at San Diego. The resort offers 50 traditional Mexican-styled rooms, cottages and their newest villas. Adjacent to the hotel, they offer an RV Trailer park which is open all year for either permanent residence or to temporarily

LOS CABOS

July TBA: Surf ‘n Panga Roosterfish Classic.

This fishing event is held in Cabo San Lucas in early July. (866) LOS-CABOS July TBA: Bike Race route action runs from San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas. (866) LOS-CABOS July TBA: East Cape Big Game Blowout.

Sponsored by Hotel Buenavista Beach Resort and Western Outdoor News, the annual Big Game Blowout has $20,000 in prizes. (800) 752-3555 Aug. 2–6: Bisbee’s East Cape Sportfishing Tournament. Anglers compete for Black or Blue Marlin, Dorado and Tuna. www.bisbees.com Aug. 15: Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Processions begin around 10 a.m. with musical bands and floats.

Aug. 17–25: 3rd Annual Los Cabos Summer Dive Fiesta. (877) 479-3483.

TODOS SANTOS

Send us your Calendar of Events to bajareport@gmail.com; include CALENDAR in the Subject line please

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

BAJA GOOD LIFE CLUB – July 2010

www.bajagoodlifeclub.com

9

{People & Voices voices}

La Huerita on . . .

Everything!

Centavo’s Two Cents

by Penny Nask

IN MY NEIGHBOR’S GARDEN There is something to be said for fond memories. I can remember being in my grandfather’s garden selecting fresh tomatoes and taking bites out of ripe red ones before we got back to the house.

I begged my father to let me cut our grass with a huge gas lawn mower because I loved the accomplishment, the clean neatly trimmed areas, and especially the smell.

We were New York suburbanites but our family histories included acres of soil to be tilled, seeded, and finally harvested into crops that were life supporting.

Everything that I heard about living in the desert usually maintained the fact that it was dry, desolate and short of water supply. I have since understood the floral magic of a spring in Baja, coupled with the fact that our water source is plentiful.

Ted and Audrey are my neighbors at El Dorado Ranch. We live in a community in San Felipe that treasures growing plants, fresh vegetables, and a vivid, lush, green golf course.

To my surprise, Audrey had other plans besides the best fried chicken our neighborhood had ever sampled! I have watched her yard transformation with awe and envy. In truth, I never believed that plants could bloom and be sustained here. But Ted and Audrey proved that I could duplicate a garden with minimal effort in the Baja Desert.

I admit that my neighbor’s gardening enthusiasm can never be matched . . . and it is fine with me to wander around their yard somewhat stunned by the color and beauty of their plant choices without having to water them.

After three years of retirement in San Felipe I have learned many subtle answers to obtaining and continuing a blissful life. What I had feared most was the fact that all the things that made me comfortable in the

Summertime, and the Livin’ is Easy

by La Huerita

Centavo aka Pamela Esther Nask (“Penny”) Co-owner of Simpatico Arts, she is a writer and an art historian, whose luck in these fields has given her an early retirement. She attributes “laughter” as the best possible stimulus for life. pennynask@yahoo.com

States would no longer be available to me in Baja.

My neighbor’s garden was an epiphany. It gave me clarification. It pacified my apprehensions. It glorified my future here.

Eight trees planted around my yard are now beginning to provide real shade! Reddish pink Bougainvillea peeks over my short fence to greet those driving by. Huge stalked sunflowers dance defiantly in the wind. Ice plant has multiplied in yellow and red blankets that fill my yard. (Does anyone need some?)

Petunias have overtaken any planter that has been purchased. Various cacti claim their right to be in my yard. Daisies come back yearly in places where I never planted. Yellow Cannas soft velvet petals beg to be touched!

The desert rose plants are festooned with flowers. Purple desert sage greets my guests at the gate.

Flowers and plants, whose names I can’t remember, make me smile as I read outside in my lounge chair, listening to the bees and watching the birds seek out insects to scarf down. I am surrounded by color, oxygen, sunlight and heightened childhood memories.

Recently a tomato plant was given to me as a birthday gift by two wonderful neighbors. It already had a tomato! I took that as a good sign..

It’s July. Summer is here, the snowbirds are long gone, the expats who live year-round in Mexico have settled in for the duration like their Mexican counterparts. The days are hot, salty and sluggish. Everything slows down.

Adaptations are made to compensate for the heat, with everyone adjusting their days around the temperatures. Grocery shopping and other chores are taken care of in the early morning hours, and that’s also the best time for a leisurely stroll along the beach. The evenings are for wandering the Malecon as the cool breezes rise, or listening to music, and flirting and gossiping on the local zocalo (town square), or informal cookouts with friends who are willing to fire up the grill and share their favorite recipes. And, of course, the local bars do a good business in ice cold beers.

In drive-to locations like San Felipe, Baja and Puerto Peñasco, across the Sea in Sonora, many gringo-oriented bars and restaurants close their doors four days a week, opening only for the weekend travelers.

“Siesta” takes on a whole new meaning in the summertime, when the only urgency of the day is a good meal with the family and the hunt for a hammock in the cool shade of a palapa—or better yet, a nice air-conditioned bedroom with the shades drawn against the blazing afternoon sun.

Ennui takes hold even of the Mexican dogs, who can barely get up the energy to chase a car.

But there is a special magnificence to the summer months in the deserts surrounding the Sea of Cortez, something that is missed by the cool weather visitors. The sunrises and sunsets are more exuberant (often downright raucous); the night sky seems even more saturated with stars; the yipping of coyotes is a perfect accompaniment to a late

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10

July 2010 – Baja California GUIDE

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

La Huerita An artist and writer, La Huerita and her husband operated an online travel magazine for nearly a decade— until they noticed they were doing more writing than traveling. Her philosophy: When it stops being fun, stop doing it. La Huerita now operates the blog Rocky Point Tides, and she’s having fun! lahuerita2@gmail.com

meal outside on the patio; the beaches are less crowded; there is time to chat with the Mexican families out on the beach with their kids. The water is warm, perfect for swimming or just splashing around. No hurry, no worry, there’s plenty of time . . .

Maybe that general lassitude is actually the best thing about summertime in this part of the world. Even while grumbling about the heat and the lack of revenue, everyone seems to smile more readily and casual conversations with shopkeepers take on a whole new depth. The Mexican philosophy that today, right now, this moment, is paramount becomes reasonable to the inveterate clock watchers from north of the border. There is something more to life, after all, than making it to that appointment on time or stressing yourself out with the endless counting of minutes and hours.

Some of my friends think I’m crazy to spend summers in Mexico. Maybe so. But then again, maybe I’ve just found the perfect excuse for long siestas and days doing nothing at all that I don’t want to do. I can’t even remember when I last wore a watch. You all just don’t know what you’re missing!

{Natural wonders Wonders}

Spiders of Baja

by Karri Moser

With such a unique landscape, Baja is naturally home to many creepy and crawly critters. Spiders are undoubtedly a common sight indoors and out. Between the beaches, sand dunes, plains, mountains and desert landscape, you are bound to stumble across

a number of varieties.

A common type of spider called habronattus, or jumping spider, is plentiful. In fact, there are 18 different jumping spiders in Baja.

Crab spiders are also unique spiders that can be seen around this part of the world. The

Baja recluse, which is venomous to humans, is also native to Baja.

It is important to be able to identify certain spiders and to do your best to not get bitten by them. Typically, spiders will not even bother to bite unless they feel cornered, threatened or are injured. It is also important to know that regardless of toxicity, each person reacts differently to being bitten. However, the majority of spider bites are not very painful. A bee sting can be more painful for some people.

The Baja recluse is a good spider with which to familiarize yourself, as they are venomous and you should seek medical attention if you believe you have been bitten by one. The Baja recluse is a six-eyed spider, and you can usually spot a distinctive violin shape on its back. They have a uniformlycolored abdomen with fine hair and uniformly-colored legs. There are no spines on the legs of a Baja recluse. They are typically less than half an inch long.

The average reaction to a non-poisonous bite is reddening, swelling, itching, soreness and slight pain around the site of the bite. If you think you have bitten by a non-poisonous spider, treatment is simple. All you need to do is clean the area with soap and water and apply either calamine lotion or a paste of baking

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

soda and water. You can also apply a hydrocortisone ointment to the area.

If you believe you have been bitten by a poisonous spider, you should seek medical attention as soon as you can. If you can easily and safely capture the spider, it is recommended that you bring it with you to the hospital so a definite identification can be made.

You should wash the bite area and apply ice or a cold cloth. You can take pain medication if necessary. You should also try to elevate the site.

The bite of a Baja recluse may be more serious for some. Blistering can occur, and the blisters may turn purple or black in color.

This can become a very slow-healing lesion.

In a very small percentage of people, the bite can cause chills, fever, nausea, muscle pain and flu-like symptoms. The effects of a poison bite may go so far as to cause abnormal blood clotting and convulsions.

Due to the fact that you can never tell how you will react to a bite from a venomous spider, be it a Baja recluse or others species, you should be aware of the most severe symptoms and get medical help as soon as you can. Tourists and locals should take the time to learn the characteristics of the spiders around them and be cautious when you come across spiders of any kind.

BAJA GOOD LIFE CLUB – July 2010

www.bajagoodlifeclub.com

11

{Business & Money}

DRIVER LICENSE INSURANCE MERCHANT

Baja Good Life PARTNER

Call or e-mail TODAY! Mail - YETMAIL 277 segurosalanis@prodigy.net.mx

686-577-2464 • FAX 686-577-2916

The New Immigration System

by Lic. Jacques-Edouard Beaulne, LL.B.

Previously, anyone that wanted to enter Mexico, either as a tourist or for any other reason, had to fill out an FMT known as a tourist card. The maximum time one could be legally in Mexico was 180 days, but this FM3 Booklet maximum period was at the discretion of the immigration officer at point of entry. This document is no longer available, and the discriminatory factor has been removed by the new law.

The new system provides established time periods in Mexico of up to 180 days depending on the activity an individual will be doing while in Mexico. In the event that a person wishes to be in Mexico for a period of 180 days or less, he or she only has to acquire an FMM, fill it out indicating the reason for entering the country and present it to the immigration officer at the point of entry of Mexico. If entering via land, individuals can acquire this document at any Mexican Embassy or Consulate. If coming via air or sea, individuals can acquire the FMM from the transporter.

The cost of the FMM is included in the ticket, otherwise payment is due at time of issue at the

Greens Fees from $30usd

12

July 2010 – Baja California GUIDE

bank. The new system permits lucrative and nonlucrative activities anywhere in Mexico without the need to have an FM-2 or FM-3. This being said, individuals must still remember that the law does not permit a foreigner to displace a national in a working place. In other words, a person can not come to Mexico and do work when there is a Mexican who can do the work. Also, for some permitted activities under an FMM, the time allowed is reduced, and at the end of the permitted time, the person must exit the country.

Finally, and very importantly, the new system does not permit a child of a person holding an FM-2 or FM-3 to be able to stay in the country after the time has terminated.

When an individual wants to enter Mexico to establish a permanent or temporary residence, he or she must first request a Visa at any Mexican Embassy or Consulate; once holding the Visa they must obtain an FMM from any travel agency, air or sea transporter or at any point of entry in Mexico. The FMM will be valid for 30 days in which time, a request for either an FM-2 or an FM-3 will need to be made. At the end of the 30 days, if the individual is still in Mexico without having requested the change, he or she will be considered illegal in the country and sanctions will be applied. This being said, the law also indicates that anyone who is considered illegal

Rental Homes & Resales

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could be legally admitted into Mexico under certain considerations.

Individuals may apply for Mexican visas directly, in person, or may hire a representative to do the paperwork and administration on their behalf. If coming to work or run a business, additional files for that business must be presented. The immigration documents are good for five years and must be renewed within 30 days from the expiry date. The person must be present to sign, present pictures, and provide fingerprints. In other words, individuals must be in Mexico when renewing, since the new form is an ID card.

Contrary to what you may have been told, FM2s can be acquired at the time of entering Mexico for the first time if individuals can prove that they are immigrating permanently.

With fewer requirements, the new system is more liberal than the previous one, and it removes some of the discretionary powers the immigration officers once had. Hopefully, it will be more efficient and save everyone time and money.

About the Author: Lic. Jacques-Edouard Beaulne, LL.B. Lawyer in Mexico, CAN-AM-MEX Firma Juridica / Law Firm. Can-am-mex-law-firm@hotmail.com

{Health & Beauty}

How to Get Mexican Social Security and Why You Should

by Lynn Russ

Currently, there are roughly one million expatriates living in Mexico. It is estimated by the year 2025 that number could rise to over five million. With that many new residents and retirees making the move across the border, plus many more vacationers, it only makes sense to receive standard or even specialized health care in Mexico rather than travel across the border for every appointment.

Getting enrolled in the Mexican Social Security system for health care is not a difficult process.

There is no age limit to qualify, and the annual fee ranges from $100 to $300. The affordability compared to the cost of a plan in the U.S. plus travel expenses incurred if you had to cross the border for every appointment makes the Mexican system all the more appealing. Many foreigners

and travelers buy into the plan just for the coverage in case of an emergency.

The process of getting Mexican Social Security starts by filling out a questionnaire and answering health questions, along with giving a health history. When you apply, you will need two photocopies of your passport and immigration documents. You can also present your FM-T, FM-2 and FM-3. A copy of your marriage license and copies of any utility bills or rental agreement are accepted forms of paperwork also. You have to apply during specific times throughout the year. January, July, August and February are the months open for application into the system. Once you are accepted, you will receive an Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) card. This card means you are accepted for life as long as you pay the annual fee. Once you receive a card, you must go to an IMSS clinic where you will be assigned a doctor and also be told the time of day in which you may come in for appointments.

The coverage is quite broad and certainly covers the needs of most. The system covers primary doctor exams, preventative care, consultations, diagnostic tests, hospitalization, surgical costs, prescription medications and dental plus optical coverage at certain places.

While most basic and emergency needs are met, there are pre-existing conditions that are not covered. There are also conditions that are not covered immediately. Benign breast tumors

are not covered during the first six months of enrollment. The birth of a child is also not covered during the first ten months. Some preexisting conditions that will not fall under your Mexican Social Security coverage include: cancer, malignant tumors, chronic diseases, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, lung disease, stroke, neurological disorders, drug or alcohol dependency, psychiatric illness, HIV/ AIDS and particular traumatic or muscle injuries that still require long term treatment or care.

While the lists of exclusions may seem long, it is recommended that the average traveler invest in the plan to cover unforeseen costs during vacations. Anyone staying in the country longer than one month will want to sign up. Also, most of the clinics are very limited in their understanding of English. Therefore, if you do have to go to one of the clinics for care, you should either be very comfortable with your level of Spanish or take a translator with you. When you consider the low costs and the level of care the plan can cover, it is easy to see why so many find it better to be safe than sorry when it comes to buying into the Mexican Social Security plan.

Beautiful You!

Your Personal Beauty Expert in San Felipe Cell: 686-210-4458 E-mail: kjprepp@msn.com

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OPTICAL SERVICES

Licensed Optometrist Efrain Castellanos, OD, FCOVD Complete Eye Exams Vision Problem Evals Frames and Lenses Contacts

BAJA GOOD LIFE CLUB – July 2010

YOUR VISION SOLUTION

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13

A Sea of Change in Loreto

By Paula Brook

Kimberly and Jorge enjoying their first trip to the islands of Loreto. Photo by Rick Jackson It hasn’t been easy explaining to my friends back home why I love living in Baja despite all the bad news flowing north from here. I go breathless defending my second home, describing the wild beauty of the desert, the astounding sea life, the easy pace, the simple pleasures – until I see their eyes glaze over and I know what they are thinking: that I can have it, they’ll stay home.

But now I have this photograph and a story that says it all. In the photo, my new friend Sujey is smiling broadly, her arms around her two young children, Kimberly and Jorge. They’re on a white sand beach on the tiny, perfect island of Coronado half an hour by fishing skiff from the southern Baja town of Loreto. It is where they live and where my husband and I have built our retirement home on the edge of the Sea of Cortez.

It’s not the picture’s setting that is exceptional, though. There are plenty of white sand beaches in Mexico, though arguably few as pristine as this one. Coronado is one of five uninhabited islas protected by the Bay of Loreto National Marine Park. Many gringo tourists are drawn to Loreto for precisely this – the rare chance to cruise unspoiled waters past coral reefs and sea lion colonies and view cliffs dotted with blue-footed boobies and topped with osprey nests. The sea here 14

July 2010 – Baja California GUIDE

is a giant jack-in-the-box where clownish dolphins pop up by the hundreds to dive and race alongside your boat, manta rays leap and sailfish perform their defiant dance on cue, “catch me if you can!”

Not to mention the whales – humpback, blue, grey, fin, sperm, sometimes it’s actually too much to take in. It can’t possibly be for real. But it is a treasure chest open to those of us lucky enough to have a boat or the money to charter one. Riches for the rich. Same old story.

But here’s where the story takes a turn.

Sujey and her family, like the majority of Loreto’s nearly 11,000 residents, live by the sea but are landlocked by their poverty.

A recent survey taken by the US-based conservation group, Rare, found that more than half the population of Loreto is not even aware there is a marine park here, nor that the view from their noisy little malecon is of a UNESCO (United National Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site – something to be proud of and to protect.

And this is the challenge faced by organizations like Rare. It is hard to share the conservation message with people whose feet have never touched the white sand where the tiny fragile tortugitas hatch each fall; people whose parents cooked sea

turtles for supper.

It is harder still to convince local fishermen to count and measure their dorado and turn home to their hungry families in mid-morning if they’ve already caught their limit.

Which is why the local staff of CONANP (Comision Nacional de Areas Naturales Protegidas), the federal parks department, applied to Rare for the resources they would need to undertake a two-year “Rare Pride” awareness campaign in Loreto. The program was approved, resources were allocated and a local organizer named Perla Lozana Angulo was hired to launch the program 18 months ago.

Today, as the Rare Pride campaign winds down, real pride appears to be winding up.

You can hardly toss a clamshell in Loreto without hitting a poster announcing “Yo digo si a la pesca responsable” (I say yes to responsible fishing) or “Loretanos por un mar lleno de vida!” (Loretanos for a sea full of life!) Cars sport the slogans on their bumpers; school kids wear them on blue rubber wristbands; murals at the soccer and baseball parks announce that points are being scored “for sustainable fishing!”

But for Sujey, pride was just a catchy slogan until last month when she boarded

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a boat for the first time in her life. With my husband Shaw at the wheel, me on lifejacket duty and seven others on board, including little Jorge and Kimberly, we headed out to sea.

Ours was one of 23 boats recruited for a day of free rides offered to Loretanos who had never been to the islands. Among the captains were local fishing guides, park officials and extranjeros like us who were keen to offer our Mexican neighbors a glimpse of the magic that is their birthright.

Free sailing and kayaking were also on offer all day at the municipal beach. On the malecon, Perla Angulo was overseeing a giant clam cook-off along with puppet shows and information kiosks. But the longest lineups were for the island tours, organized by Loreto’s Rare director Cynthia Mayoral who could have used 20 more boats to accommodate the crowd. As we set off toward Isla Coronado, we looked back to see people queuing patiently for second and third sailings.

It was to be a very full day for us volunteers, but muy lleno de vida – and I don’t just mean sea life.

“The idea of the boat rides was to create an opportunity for people to have an emotional connection to the park,” Mayoral told me later.

“We got more than 250 people out there, and the reaction was amazing.”

What pleased her most was the pride expressed by the park staff – “guys who do this important work everyday and don’t get much recognition or credit. Out on the water that day, sharing the park with their community, it was a real breakthrough experience for them.” As it was for us, sharing our passengers’ thrill at discovering the paradise in their own backyard.

For Sujey, the best was the exhilaration of flying across the waves at 40 knots- like a ride at the fair, she told me, “pero mucho mejor!” Her boss at a health spa gave her the day off for this adventure, and she threw herself into it, bringing swimming gear, toys and snacks for the kids – their first island picnic. So many firsts.

Little Jorge, who loves looking at pictures of sea animals and trying to identify them, went into near shock as we neared el punto de lobos where a dozen-odd sea lions lazed in the sun, some with sleeping infants draped across their great sloping backs.

When some of the stinky beasts reared up and barked at our approaching boat, Jorge’s mouth fell open. He dived to Sujey’s feet and cowered there for several minutes, taking cautious peeks over the railing while his

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Kimberly and Jorge enjoying their first trip to the islands of Loreto. Photo by Rick Jackson mom and three-year-old sister shrieked with laughter.

We must have taken more time than most groups, laughing at the lobos and scanning for boobies, because by the time we swung around the island to the white-sand picnic spot, it was uncharacteristically crammed with beached pangas. Shaw and I have been here dozens of times and have rarely encountered more than one or two groups of island-hopping tourists or divers exploring the reef. Today we had to carefully anglepark our boat between two others before inviting our passengers to jump over the bow into the warm shallows.

On the beach, Sujey quickly changed the children into swim suits and, with the most cursory look back at me looking at her, turned seaward and walked straight out into the water in sweatpants and t-shirt.

Straight, as though mesmerized, drawn by an urge stronger than motherhood – some kind of primal tug out into the clear bay, never glancing back, walking until the water reached her chin, pulling the elastic out of her ponytail, shaking her head and diving down, then resurfacing so far out I found myself holding my breath.

Ten, twenty minutes later, and a cool wind had come up. The children paid no notice

– sandcastles demanded building and rebuilding – but we adults pulled on sweaters and pulled down our hats. I kept my gaze moving from the shore to the sea where Sujey was now a tiny splashing speck in the distance, rounding the reef with strong strokes.

Surely cold and tired by now, I thought. Weighed down by wet clothing, no life jacket, no one nearby to hear a call for help. But just as I was about to cry for her, she waved – a Sujey, Kimberly and Jorge have a great day on the beach. tiny, but patently strong and Photo by Rick Jackson happy signal from afar, and a for the 30-minute ride back to town and shout, almost as shrill as the lobos’ bark: didn’t budge until after we had docked in the “estupendo!” marina.

“Basta!” I shouted back to the waving “Estamos aquí,” I said to Sujey, and it was arm. like I had woken her from a dream. She pulled “Ya voy!” it returned, breathless but clear. her wet hair back into a tight ponytail and Sujey hardly spoke as we motored back to handed the children up to my husband on Loreto. She sat straight up into the bracing the dock – their little arms and legs dangling wind in her wet clothes, tightly hugging like wet noodles, so tired they could barely her children who shivered and squirmed walk back to the malecon. But not so was on her lap, laughing through booby-blue their mom who glowed with energy. lips even though they’d been dried and “Asi que es eso,” she said quietly as we dressed and bundled up in their matching embraced. tiger-eared towels. They stayed that way “Indeed, eso es.”

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guide} {Dining Guide

Black Bean Chili Great Meal for under $10

Basic ingredients:

Onion: 99 cents Garlic (for the entire head): 75 cents Bell pepper: $1.64 15.5-ounce can low-sodium black beans: $1.09 14.5-ounce can chicken broth: $1.09 14.5-ounce can stewed tomatoes: $1.49 Ground beef (1/2 pound): $2.40 Total: $9.45 Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add first 3 ingredients and turkey; cook for 6 minutes or until turkey is done, stirring frequently to crumble. Rinse and drain the canned beans. Stir in beans, tomatoes, and half of the can of chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes.

The Pavilion Restaurant The Pavilion Restaurant

20% OFF 20% OFF

Any lunch breakfast, lunch or dinner Any breakfast, or dinner expires 28-Feb-2010

expires 28-Feb-2010

Excluding shrimp or scallops dishes.

Excluding shrimp or scallops dishes.

Not valid with any other special. Items Not valid with any other special.

Items onlyoff discounted off regular price. only discounted regular price.

cesar.quirarte@doradoranch.com.mx cesar.quirarte@doradoranch.com.mx San Felipe BC Mexico San Felipe BC Mexico

Best of

2008

16

MEXICO LIVING

PIZZA

PIZZA

MEXICO LIVING

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2009

July 2010 – Baja California GUIDE

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guide} {Dining Guide

International Cuisine at Pavilion Restaurant

Become a Baja Good Life Merchant Member

by Stockton Hill

• • • • •

Provide discounts to members Receive web advertising Receive print adverting Receive email advertising Receive your membership card

www.bajagoodlifeclub.com

The Pavilion dining room with high ceilings and view of the golf course and Sea of Cortez.

The Pavilion Restaurant at the Las Caras de Mexico Golf Course at La Ventana del Mar Resort offers some of San Felipe’s best international cuisine with a wide variety of fare.

So much has been written about the golf course that little attention has been given to the restaurant. The Pavilion Restaurant opened five years ago and has gone through few changes. With it’s current manager, Cesar Quirarte, they have been providing a new level of cuisine not found elsewhere in the San Felipe area.

Cesar Quirarte has been in the restaurant business for 14 years and started at The Estero Beach Hotel Resort in Ensenada.

Today he is an active part of the restaurant and is present daily to greet his guests and to ensure the food and service is exceptional.

«The atmosphere, service, and the fact we treat everybody like family is what make us special,» says Cesar. The restaurant has a warm, lodge feeling with its high ceilings, and it boasts one of the best dining room views available as it looks out out across the golf course to the Sea of Cortez.

The Pavilion currently serves a number of purposes. These include providing the main

venue for golf course-related services, as well as serving as the temporary clubhouse for the new Las Caras de Mexico golf course.

Cesar says his favorite dish is their Eggs Benedict, and he further believes the restaurant has the best pizzas, tower salad, Veracruzana fish, rack of lamb, scallops & shrimp, baby back ribs and quail.

The Pavilion is normally open for breakfast and lunch in addition to the dinner hours, providing additional tasty options to the ever-expanding menu. However, for the summer the Pavilion will be closed starting June 15th, and will only open for business Saturday (7 am to 12 pm) and Sunday (7 am to 3 pm). The Pavilion will also be open for special dinners, charity events, weddings and Saturday swapmeet.

Make the trip to the Pavilion Restaurant and sample the exceptionally fine cuisine now being offered.

As a Baja Good Life Member you will receive a FREE APPETIZER with your meal during the summer schedule.

Own a restaurant? Join the Baja Good Life Club.

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Receive print exposure and business listing Receive website listing with social networking Receive discounts on many professional business services.

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{Lodging Guide}

Award Winning Mexican Beach Resort Offers Summer Special Beach-side Vacation condo or house rentals

www.stayinloreto.com C ontaCt L ynn H amman 011-52-613-135-0791

lynnhamman@yahoo.com

Cabo Azul Resort, located at the tip of Baja California, is a four-diamond resort catering to every vacation whim. The resort’s summer special is now making luxury affordable.

A fabulous Mexican vacation is now very affordable with Cabo Azul Resort’s (http:// www.caboazulresort.com) summer travel special. The beachfront luxury resort looks

out upon the Sea of Cortez at the tip of Baja California and has been awarded a fourdiamond rating of excellence from AAA. Cabo Azul Resort’s spectacular summer special includes: • • • •

Rates starting at $219 per night for a luxurious, spacious one-bedroom villa Daily breakfast for two Fourth night free Guaranteed Ocean View Villa

All of the villas at Cabo Azul Resort are at least 1,200 square feet -- more than twice the living space of a standard hotel room. Each unit is fully equipped with a full sized kitchen, dining area, living area, and separate bedroom.

Each master bedroom has a Jacuzzi tub. The villas are all artfully decorated with accents

created by Mexican artisans. Each unit also has a full size patio to sit, relax and hear the pounding surf. There are also two and three bedroom villas available, and several units as grand as the resort’s Presidential Penthouse.

Cabo Azul Resort is located in the rustic town of San Jose del Cabo at the tip of Baja California and is a full service property that has complete concierge service to help plan every aspect of a guest’s vacation. Some of the activities the resort’s concierge can arrange for guests and non-guests alike include golf reservations, sport fishing charters, swimming with the dolphins at the local aquarium and many more activities on and offsite. Likewise, Cabo Azul Resort has an award winning spa, Paz, which provides the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation services. Highly recommended is the Paz Signature Massage. The resort also has three choices for dining: the Market Deli for quick snacks, Flor de Noche for a relaxing lunch, and for the finest in authentic Mexican cuisine, Javiers. Also, Flor de Noche serves the swimup bar to the tri-level infinity pool. Vacationers say the true way to beat the summer heat is to step into the soothing pool and order the house specialty, margarita on the rocks.

With direct flights from many major U.S. Cities (Los Angeles, Seattle, Phoenix, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas), a sultry and sunny Mexican vacation is as close as a twohour flight (and much closer than flying to Hawaii or the Caribbean). Even lower fares are available out of Tijuana, BC, Mexico via Volaris Airline.

Book now by calling toll free (866) 6539108 or book online at CaboAzulResort.com.

Call early for the best availability.

Vacation Rentals & Property Management 613-135-2505

www.rentalsloreto.com

Walking distances to North Beach for all you Wind & Kite Surfers

www.fisheastcape.com Los Barriles BCS Mexico

18

July 2010 – Baja California GUIDE

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{Arts}

La Bufadora Art Show on July 3 Article and photo by Connie Ellig

On Saturday, July 3, 2010, Restaurant La Bufadora will host its annual art show from noon-5 p.m. The event will be held on the ocean view patio and grounds of the restaurant, which is located near the famous blowhole near the tip of the Punta Banda peninsula, 21 miles south of Ensenada. Admission is free.

The La Bufadora Art Show will feature a wide variety of art forms including acrylic and watercolor paintings, photography, sculptures, pottery, woven baskets, string art, jewelry,

fabric purses, quilts and more. It is an exceptional opportunity to meet and buy directly from local professional, up-and-coming and student artists.

Among the many participating artists and groups are: -- Huichol Indians with amazing, vibrantly-colored string art and intricate beadwork.

-- Adalberto Pérez Meillón, owner of Ensenada’s Galería Pérez Meillón (www.potterymasters.com), with PaiPai pottery, Kumiai baskets and his own original serigraphs and acrylic paintings on handmade amate tree bark paper.

-- Robert Pace Kidd (www.robertpacekidd. com) who specializes in bas-relief sculpture in leather with a western cowboy motif.

-- Enrique Avilez, creator of the proposed “Manos Bicentenarias (Bicentennial Hands)” sculpture (www.youtube.com/avilezenrique) that

will welcome visitors as they enter Ensenada, with his paintings and adobe sculptures.

-- “A Mano”, an artist Co-op in Ensenada, with copper jewelry, hand-painted gourds, glass sculpture and other handcrafted items.

-- Painter/muralist Scott Kennedy (www. scottkennedyfineart.com) with watercolors, limited edition prints and note cards.

-- Intuitive artist Laura Jean Thompson (www. artdesignzz.com) with unique sculptures.

-- Students from the Casa de la Cultura in Maneadero with original art.

-- Samma with watercolor, pastel and acrylic paintings.

-Marie-Pierre (http://sewandsowhat. blogspot.com) with one-of-a-kind fabric purses, hats, quilts and doggie suits handmade from (mostly) recycled materials.

-- Pat Haley with homemade chocolate works of art.

Restaurant La Bufadora is located on the Carretera a la Bufadora inside the hairpin curve before the entrance to the blowhole shopping mall. For additional information about the art show or vendor booths, contact Jan Burg at (646)160-5521 or e-mail: jan.burg@gmail.com.

The BEST OF BAJA

Cover CONTEST

$500 in cash and priZes Mexico Living’s Baja California magazine needs your help to determine the cover of our January 2011 - BEST OF BAJA EDITION. We have been decided to let the readers choose our cover from all the Baja artists and creative folks that wish to submit their interpretation of Baja’s Best. Top 3 winning covers will be award at the Mexico Living Home Show October 30, 2010.

2011 Mexico Living’s Baja California BEST OF BAJA COVER CONTEST We’re looking for that painting, photograph, sculpture, sketch or other art format that represents the best of Baja. This is a readers choice contest. Mexico Living staff will not participate in selecting the winners.

Contest Rules: 1. Submissions can be any medium. 2. All submissions must illustrate the BEST OF BAJA. 3. All submissions must be as a photo in JPEG format. 4. All submissions must be made via email to bajaartcontest@gmail.com. 5. All submissions must be owner submitted and owned.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MONDAY, AUGUST 2, 2010.

“Big Surf”

30” x 40” oil on canvas $2700

by JILL LOGAN

January 2011

?

BEST OF BAJA 2010

All submissions will be anonymously published online and voting will begin Monday, August 9, 2010, and will continue until Monday, September 6, 2010. On October 1, 2010, the TOP 10 readers choice picks will be published with full profile articles online and in the OCTOBER edition of Mexico Living’s Baja California magazine. The TOP 3 readers choice winners will be announced and awarded at the 2010 Mexico Living Home Show on October 30, 2010, at the Pavilion, at La Ventana del Mar Resort. El Dorado Ranch, San Felipe, Baja California.

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{Home & Real estate Estate}

SWEITZER CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COMPANY BJ Sweitzer Consultant Carlos Mora Contractor

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{Home & Real estate Estate}

Sale of Primary Residence in Mexico - US and Mexican Tax Rules

Construction Pé“Best rezinCBaja” onstruction PC Pérez * e*st*in* B * a ja ” “B El Dorado Ranch * *5*Star * * Contractor El Dorado Ranch 5 Star Contractor

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Lupe Pérez, General Contractor Lupe Pérez, General Contractor 011.521.686.170.3979 011.521.686.170.3979

Jane Allen, Contract Manager Jane Allen, Contract Manager US: 480.600.2114 or MX: US: 480.600.2114 or MX: 011.521.686.236.4927 011.521.686.236.4927 www.sanfelipehomesbyperez.com

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Computer & Satellite Installation Satellite Internet

Also Computers, Cell Phones, and DVD Rentals

Av. Mar de Cortez, Plaza San Felipe Visit us Online: www.csibaja.com

For US tax purposes, if your home in Mexico is your primary residence (subject to documentary proof on audit) for two out of the past five years (from date of sale), up to $500,000 in gain is not subject to taxes if you file a joint return, and $250,000 is tax-free if you file as single. Any gain above those amounts is subject to taxes at capital gains rates. You can claim a credit for any Mexican capital gain taxes you paid on the sale against any US taxes you pay as a result of the sale.

For Mexican taxes, to claim the unlimited exemption from taxes on the sale of your personal residence, you first must be a Mexican citizen or hold an FM-2 visa and have lived in Mexico as your primary residence for five years prior to the date of sale. You cannot get the exclusion from Mexican taxes if you only hold an FM-3 even if you have lived in your home full-time for the five years.

You must also have documentary proof that the property was your primary residence for that period of time. Such proof would include phone and utility bills, passports showing entry and exit dates from Mexico, etc. You cannot have two primary residences for both Mexican or US tax purposes. You must convince the Mexican Notary that you really did live in the property being sold as your primary residence for at least five years. The Notary makes the final decision whether to exempt you from taxes or not.

You should consult with a Mexican accountant, contadore (CPA) or tax abagado (attorney) if you wish to take advantage of the personal residence tax exemption and to learn the steps required to qualify. Do not wait until the last minute when it is too late!

Therefore, it is possible to qualify for the gain exclusion on your US tax return though you may not qualify for Mexican tax purposes.

686-577-2928 shane@csibaja.com

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Home Builders in San Felipe

Providing Quality, Integrity and Professionalism since 2005

Tel: 011-52-686-576-0664 Cell: (686)573-0526 English

San Felipe (686) 577-3176 San Diego (619) 920-2292

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Open House US$560,000 OPEN HOUSE PHOTO ADS Publish your real estate photo ad for ONLY $50. Simply email your copy and photo to sales@ mexicoliving.info and Mexico Living will contact you. If you have questions, please call 686-230-9933 in Mexico or 877-LUVMEX1 from the US.

Paradise in Pete's Camp A dream home on the Sea of Cortez located less then two hours from the U.S. border, in Pete’s Camp (next door to El Dorodo Ranch), San Felipe. This house has over 4,000 sq. ft. of living space and over 4,000 sq. ft. of tiled terrace with a 900 sq. ft. covered kitchen patio. Five large bedrooms, six full baths, one half bath, pool and jacuzzi, large garage and much more.

The house was finished in 2009.

It has five large bedrooms, each with its own full bathroom and built-in closet. The master (one of the five) has a fireplace, large jacuzzi tub, extra-large walk-in shower and authentic hardwood floors.

The main living room has a large fireplace and a large bar with custom copper sink. There is an additional half bath off the foyer.

The dining room and kitchen are large and can comfortably seat 26 for a meal. The kitchen has all LG appliances and has an extra-large custom copper sink. All faucets and shower valves are Americanmade bronze Delta fixtures.

San Felipe, Baja California One can truly appreciate the beauty and peace of Baja in this gorgeous, 2,100 sq. ft. home. It comes completely furnished, has a separate two-bedroom casita, and the amenities are too extensive to list them all; upgraded furniture and appliances, ceiling fans, entertainment center, 109-inch Projection DLP Home Theatre and many, many more. The outdoor living area is over 9,000 sq. ft., including pool, spa, shower, kitchen, and lots of privacy. This million dollar property is PRICED TO SELL at only US$479,000! Owner Motivated! To start living your dream, contact Bill Maine at (686) 231-4921; from the US (619) 203-5129; email: billmaine@gmail.com.

LIST YOUR PROPERTY

All interior and exterior doors and windows have arches. The inside of the house has breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez from every angle.

There are two stairways leading to the 4,500 sq. ft. tiled rooftop, which boosts a 900 sq. ft. covered patio with a Cal Flame 42inch BBQ w/rotisserie, side burner, LG full-size stove and oven, dishwasher, kegerator (beer keg frig), three compartment refrigerator drawers, full-size sink, built-in stainless steel cooler and built-in cutting board.

The house has a 15 x 30 ft. garage with LG washer and dryer. The house also has a beautiful heated pool, jacuzzi and outside full bath.

All the tile in the house is porcelain from Italy and purchased from Arizona tile.

The house has two 5-ton central A.C. heat pumps, which can cool or heat the house to any temperature in 15 minutes. The house also has central vacuum, central audio system and central monitored alarm system, in addition to two on-demand tankless LP

Publish your real estate photo ad.

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water heaters and 4,000 gallon in ground water storage.

All windows and sliders are dual pained vinyl. The house is built to U.S. Standards and codes, using only the highest quality materials. Over $800,000, love and hard work went into this amazing home over seven years. The seller is extremely motivated and would even consider trading for a home in Temecula or San Diego county. The house is a steal at US$560,000.

For more information or to tour the home, call Vince Tarantino at (951) 795-1045 or (858) 618-1794, email him at vincearantino@aol.com, or visit www.sanfelipebajaresorthome4sale.com.

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July 2010 – Baja California GUIDE

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Los Barriles, Baja California Sur Ensenada de Palmas, Buenos Aires, Los Barriles, has lots, in a new community, nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Beautiful Sea of Cortez with views to the north and the south.

Lots range from 800 M2 to 1,500 M2, so you can build your dream home. Lots are near the town of Los Barriles. Prices from US$40,000 to $100,000. Lots are also available in other communities. Cell: (624) 355-5782, Nextel 72*698805*3, ask for Jorge Ortiz, or email jorgeortiz_medrano@hotmail.com.

San Felipe, Baja California This beautiful 2 Master Suite home is located in the gated community of El Dorado Ranch in San Felipe, Baja California. Front and back tiled patios offer sea and mountain views. The rooftop deck is perfect for stargazing and relaxing.

Includes great room, garage and billiard table.

Home is fully furnished, ready to move in TODAY! Reduced to US$180,000. Contact Bill Maine at (686) 231-4921; from the US (619) 203-5129; email: billmaine@gmail.com.

La Paz, Baja California Sur This stylish home must be seen to be appreciated! Located in El Comitan roughly 15 Km north of La Paz. Has a large, bright living/ dining area and an open kitchen with state-ofthe art appliances. Master bed and bath are located on the main floor with a covered patio to the pool area. A separate stairwell takes you to the terrace with a guest bedroom, bath and outstanding views. Approximately 1,700 sq. ft., fully furnished, professionally landscaped with an automatic irrigation system. PRICED TO SELL at US$340,900. Contact Alexander at 011 52 (613) 104-3625 or alexander@loretorealty.com.

Forktail Fever If I had to name a particular species of gamefish that can be successfully targeted at sometime during the year in almost every region of Baja California, it would have to be the yellowtail. And, over the years, perhaps no place has drawn more anglers to the peninsula to pursue yellowtail than has Ensenada on the Pacific Coast of Baja Norte.

Known as “jurel” to Baja’s pangeros and commercial fishermen, this hard fighting cousin of the amberjack gave Ensenada its reputation during the 1940s and ‘50’s of being “the yellowtail capital of the world.” Even though they may no longer be present in their previous numbers, this spirited and tenacious jack (Seriola dorsalls) still offers an extremely valuable contribution to the area’s fishery.

Over the following decades, however, commercial development and a rapidly increasing population took their toll. But perhaps the most deleterious practice to negatively impact Ensenada’s yellowtail fishery was the mass, over-harvesting of baitfish stocks for the purpose of making fishmeal. Without the proliferation of forage fish, the once large schools of yellowtail that originally made the region famous gradually faded into memory.

Although not as voracious as the commercial harvesters a half century ago, the large tuna farms that are presently operating off of Baja Norte’s Pacific Coast continue to net massive quantities of baitfish such as sardines and anchovies. In the process, they impose a negative impact upon the very same bait resources that normally draw migrating yellowtail and other pelagic species into our area as the season progresses. But in spite of this fact, Bahia de Todos Santos still remains a productive venue for pursuing this popular gamester.

Nonetheless, yellowtail fishing off of Ensenada remains good in the spring and early summer, and often reaches its peak during late summer and early fall. The fish are generally found in areas ranging up to 60 miles from shore, and can be also be located near offshore banks or islands either electronically or by using more traditional methods, which include looking for surface

{fishign Fishing}

by Tom Gatch

disturbances as well as flocks of circling, diving birds.

While most anglers end up fishing for the migratory school-sized yellowtail that invade our waters between spring and fall, the real diehards fish for them practically year round by targeting the big, resident “homeguard” fish that can be taken between the southern tip of Islas Todos Santos, and the rocky promontories and pinnacles that thrust above the water’s surface just off the end of the Punta Banda peninsula.

Many of these bruisers “forktails” can weigh over 30 pounds. Actually hooking and landing one of these bad boys can be a hit or miss proposition during the off season, but if you are lucky enough to do so, you are in for a fight of a lifetime.

Homeguard “mossbacks,” which are often even targeted during winter months, can be particularly frustrating because of their incredible strength and stamina. Once hooked, they will usually begin a powerful, long run toward any type of structure, and have an unnerving ability to wrap your line around whatever is available.

When this occurs, it almost always results in a lost fish.

It is essential that your tackle be in top condition and, ideally, you should have a separate rod set up for each specifically different situation; one for live bait, one for iron and one for trolling. Large, mackerel-patterned Rapala-style hard baits work well on the troll, while light surface iron is most effective for casting to boiling fish.

Hungry homeguard yellowtail are rarely able to resist a well-presented live sardine or small mackerel that is dropped right in front of their nose. Baits can sometimes be cajoled to swim to greater depths by simply hooking them through the flesh near the anal fin. When yellowtail are observed crashing schools of baitfish, one of the most effective artificial baits is a surface iron jig in chrome, pewter or a blue/white combination.

Cast directly at the activity, let the lure sink for a few seconds, then retrieve at a moderate speed and prepare yourself for a jarring strike.

But, when yellowtail are holding deeper in the water column, heavier bottom iron can be deadly when allowed to fully descend to the bottom, and is then cranked up rapidly. Needless to say, fresh line is always a must when targeting homeguard yellowtail, as are premium hooks that will not bend or break under the pressure. In recent years, the advent of high-quality fluorocarbon leaders

Veteran Baja Angler, Jay Johnson (left), and Capt. Beto Zamora display proof that Baja’s quality grade yellowtail are still available just off the coast of Ensenada.

that are virtually invisible have made fishing for these sometimes line-shy fish a bit easier.

As table fare, unless it is properly handled and prepared, yellowtail can tend to have a somewhat gamey flavor. That is why it is important to bleed and chill the ones you intend to keep to maintain optimum quality, and then carefully remove all of the dark reddish meat during the filleting process. If that is done, you will then be able to treat friends and family to world-class hamachi sashimi as well as thick, tasty fillets of grilled yellowtail cooked over mesquite. And smoked yellowtail is considered a gourmet delicacy.

Now that the season has finally arrived, it will

probably be just a matter of time before schools of yellowtail begin showing up around the Baja coast. And, hopefully, with careful stewardship and responsible commercial and recreational harvesting practices now and in the future, the yellowtail will remain one of Baja’s most valuable native resources for many years to come.

Tom Gatch is the author of Hooked on Baja and has built a solid reputation as one of the foremost authors and photographers focusing on outdoor and recreational topics in Southern California and the Baja California peninusula.

Fishin for the Mission in Loreto

2010 Tournament July 15 -18, 2010 www.fishingforthemission.com

If you have always thought of traveling to Loreto for some outstanding dorado fishing, July 15–18 is the right weekend to do it. The 17th Annual Fishin’ for the Mission dorado tournament will be in full swing.

Fishin’ for the Mission Tournament was founded by Jim Duggins of Duggins Construction in 1993 and until 2002 had been a private wordof-mouth contest with about 12 boats and 60 participants. The tournament is for charity, with

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

all proceeds going to the Mission of Loreto. In 2002 it was opened up to the public and had 21 boats and 105 participants, it was a huge success in our first public tournament and last year we had 72 boats registered and over 300 anglers. Since the beginning of the tournament participants have generated over US$120,000.

Every cent of it has gone to the Mission of Loreto and the local community. More info go to www. fishingforthemission.com.

BAJA GOOD LIFE CLUB – July 2010

www.bajagoodlifeclub.com

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D E S T I N A T I O N S Rosarito Beach, Baja California Photo by Enrique Monky

32º21’ N ~ 117º03’ W

Rosarito Beach has grown to become a major tourist’s draw for good reason. The area basically offers up all of the best Baja has to offer, all within a half hour drive south of San Diego. It was just a quiet budding haven for weary travelers and those looking for seclusions, until the main highway was built in the 1920’s. Ever since the highway made Rosarito Beach so easy to get to, it has grown in culture, luxury and fun for families, couples and groups of day travelers.

Shopping in Rosarito Beach is a must.

You can find plenty of Mexican goods such as leather, silver pieces and pottery around every corner in town. Between Highway 1 and the beach, Boulevard Jaurez is four miles of shops and galleries. There are over 500 stores offering everything from religious artifacts, hand crafted furniture, folk art and many unusual gifts. American stores also pepper Rosarito Beach. You can find all the American necessities you may have forgotten at Walmart, Home Depot or Office Depot. For

a taste of American food, Applebees and other American fast food establishments can also be found easily.

The accommodations available in Rosarito Beach range from the highly sophisticated resorts to beach cottages and RV parks. Luxury and sophistication has been a part of the Rosarito landscape for decades. Long before many of the shops cropped up, Hollywood starts would quietly whisk away across the border and vacationed in Rosarito. Stars like Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy all spent time enjoying the shores and seclusion of Rosarito Beach over the busyness and popularity of Tijuana. Orson Wells even spent time here enjoying legendary hunting trips.

The aura of movie magic and stars of a bygone era still exist in Rosarito Beach. James Cameron filmed part of the epic “Titantic” here.

Now the Fox Studios used for the movie house an attraction of sorts for the public. XPloration is a movie park where visitors can take part

in movie making while touring the studio. You can see film set props, exhibits and costumes from Titanic and other movies. Since the studio opened, eight other movies have been filmed in the area. Pearl Harbor, Deep Blue Sea and The Far Side of The World were all filmed in part in Rosarito Beach.

Some of the more popular outdoor activities to enjoy while the sun shines down on the beach include hang gliding, surfing, fishing and horseback riding along the beach. Twice a year, the beach hosts the third largest bike ride and there is no shortage of charter fishing trips for visitors.

As for nightlife, Rosarito Beach has many options whether you are looking to enjoy margaritas and dance all night or a quiet romantic drink away from the club scene. You can learn to ride a mechanical bull at a Rosarito bar or play beach volleyball all night long also.

Rosarito Beach and the outer village of Puerto Nuevo attract culinary enthusiasts from all over the world. Puerto Nuevo is especially known for having what some consider as the world’s best lobster. Along with seafood, Rosarito has a massive selection of international restaurants to satisfy any appetite.

Whether you are looking to stay a while or are taking a day trip chartered from San Diego, Rosarito Beach never disappoints. The mixture of old and new, along with perhaps the friendliest and most inviting residents, makes it comfortable, serene, and exciting all at the same time.

Municipal/Municipal

Airport “Abelardo L Rodriguez International Airport”..................................... 664-607-8200 Immigration.................................................. 661-612-7262

DINING

American Food .............................................. 661-100-2560 La Bamba

LODGING

RV Park/Parque de RV Popotla RV Park............................................ 661-612-1501

BUSINESS DIRECTORY A-Z

DENTIST Consultorio Dental......................................... 661-612-4204 DOG GROOMERS D’ Groomer Dog Grooming .................................... 661-100-6218 Elevators/Elevadores Baja Lifts to To The To .................................... 661-614-1434 FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company......................................686-576-0653 JEWELRY Baja Pearls Jewelry........................................646-178-8734 MAILING SERVICES Click On........................................................ 661-614-0513 Medical/Médico Baja Medix ................................................... 661-612-5850 REAL ESTATE SERVICES Baja Closing & Escrow Services.................... 760-494-7053 Satellite TV Installation Cisco-Sat...................................................... 661-616-0779 STORAGE SERVICES Baja Public Storage....................................... 619-616-0779 utilities/empresas de servicios públicos CFE .................................. 612-143 0064 or 612-142 0237 TELMEX ....................................................... 612-142 0001 CALIGAS....................................................... 612-142 0122

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July 2010 – Baja California GUIDE

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{DESTINATION DIRECTORY} BAJA CALIFORNIA

San Felipe, BAJA CALIFORNIA Ensenada, BAJA CALIFORNIA Ensenada is the third-largest city in the state of Baja California. About 70 miles south of the San Diego/Tijuana border, located in the Bahía de Todos Santos—an inlet of the Pacific Ocean—Ensenada is an important commercial and fishing port as well as a cruise ship stop.

The city is backed by small mountain ranges, and due to its location on the Pacific Ocean and Mediterranean latitude, the weather tends to be mild year round.

Most of the shopping is at sea level, making it a great city for getting around on your own

DINING

energy. Ensenada is easy to navigate with all numbered streets running north and south, and celebrity-named streets running east and west.

Ensenada has the accommodations to meet any level of comfort or amenities. Prices can range depending on the time of year from $30 to $250 plus. The best hotels are located to the north and south of town, along the beach, and are not within walking distance from downtown shopping and attractions; but taxi and shuttles are available in most locations.

Municipal/Municipal

ISSSTE .........................................................646-176-2230 IMSS ............................................................646-120-7771 Centro de Salud.............................................646-152-1371

Mexican Magana’s...................................................... 646-155-0586 Steak & Seafood El Rey Sol .................................................... 646-178-1601

MUSIC/MUSICA Pharmacy Regia & House of Music................646-174-0557

LODGING

Professional Services PSN Mexico Professional Services.................646-178-8280 Legal/Immigration Assist FM3/FM2/FMT Import documentation www.psnmexico.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY A-Z

Aeropuerto/Airport Aeropuerto ....................................................646-273-1984

POLICE/POLICÍA Policia Ministerial...........................................646-176-3636 Policia Federal Caminos................................ 646-683-8040 Policia Federal Preventiva ..............................646-176-2579 Prefectura Naval.......................................... 469-0376/2948

Art Gallery Garery Art & Stuff..........................................646-175-8859

public transportation/el transporte público Terminal de Buses..........................................646-224-1041

ARTIST Alfonso Arambulua.........................................646-149-3866

REAL ESTATE AGENTS/AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES Nicolas Santos (Rosarito)...............................619-917-5695

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE FRACCIONAMIENTOS Baja Mar Country Club .....................................1-800-434-2252

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Baja Closing & Escrow Services.....................760-494-7053

Hotel Posada El Rel Sol...........................................646-178-1601 Posada Don Diego.........................................616-166-2181

FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company ......................................686-576-0653

RENTALS Popotla Rv Village............................................ 661-612-1501

HEALTH SPA La Fonda........................................................646-155-0394

utilities/empresas de servicios públicos CFE ...................................612-143 0064 or 612-142 0237 TELMEX ........................................................ 612-142 0001 CALIGAS........................................................ 612-142 0122

JEWELRY Baja Pearls Jewelry (See ad on page 34)........646-178-8734

Winery Baja Wine Tours ............................................646-118-9801

MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS

San Felipe is a small fishing village, situated on the Sea of Cortez, 118 miles south of the U.S. border, which was historically dependent upon fishing; however, today tourism and real estate provide the economic base. Even as it grows into the next century with four-lane highways, it will remain a small fishing village in its heart and soul.

Today, San Felipe is maturing into a sophisticated resort community with resorts, luxury condos, fine restaurants, sport fishing and worldclass off-road adventures.

The beaches extend north and south with over 50 miles of shoreline to explore, including 23-

foot tides, exposing a kilometer or more of ocean floor—one of the largest tidal bores in the world.

And directly behind San Felipe is Sierra San Pedro Martír, the tallest mountains in Baja.

The desert terrain is vast and offers incredible trails and exploration for ATVs, dirt bikes and off-road vehicles. Just south of San Felipe are extensive sand dunes ideal for buggies and rails.

The Valley of the Giants, the natural reserve of the thousand-year-old Cardon Cactus, has become a major attraction. In addition, San Felipe offers great bargain shopping for souvenirs, arts and much more.

Civil Protection Unit....................................... 686-577-1433 Chamber of Commerce................................. 686-577-1104 Fire Dept/Ambulance..................................... 686-577-1182 Federal Preventive Police............................... 686-577-1045 Immigration Office......................................... 686-577-1083 Port Captain.................................................. 686-577-1577 State Judicial Police...................................... 686-577-1203 Tourism Department...................................... 686-577-1155

Kiki's RV Park on the Beach .......................... 686-577-2021 Rentals VIP Earth Events........................................... 686-231-4921 Redwagon Property Services........................ 686-576-0081 Sandollar Condotels...................................... 686-123-7688 Su Casa Elegante.......................................... 686-577-0745 Motels/Hotels La Hacienda de la Langosta Roja .................. 686-577-0483 Olympia Motel (Los Algodones)..................... 658-517-7347

DINING

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)

American Los Arcos - Happy Jackass .......................... 686-577-2585 Blowin’ Smoke BBQ.......................................686-576-0710 Rumors Bar & Grill.........................................686-577-3144 Catering Baja Jimmy’s Catering........................................ 686-139-7373 Fine Dining Pavilion Restaurant........................................ 686-577-0022 Juanitos (El Colorado)................................... 686-133-6500 International Cuisine Rumors Bar & Grill........................................ 686-577-3144 Mexican Rosita Restaurant ......................................... 686-577-1903 Pizza Fatboy’s........................................................ 686-577-4092 Los Arcos - Happy Jackass .......................... 686-577-2585 Rabbit Pizza Delivery..................................... 686-577-0987 Sand Rail Pizza............................................. 686-576-0441 Steak & Seafood Baja Mar & Taco Factory....................................... 686-577-2648 Los Arcos..................................................... 686-577-2585

LODGING

RV Park/Parque de RV Club de Pesca............................................... 686-577-1180

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

ACCOUNTING/CONTABILIDAD CP E&A Accounting ........................................... 686-577-0836 ADULT CARE/ATENCION DE ADULTOS San Felipe Adult Living Facility....................... 686-576-0661 ARCHITECT/ARQUITECTO Rosa Lina Ramos Lazcano............................ 686-184-6172 ARTIST/ARTISTA Andrena Joyce................E-mail: andrenajoyce@yahoo.com Robin Waters................................................ 686-115-0526 ART GALLERIES SF Gift & Crafters Guild.........................................686-175-5420 Attorneys/Abogados J. Lucio Sosa S. (Mexicali)............................ 686-905-0420 Auto Rental CA Baja Rent-A-Car....................................... 619-470-7368 BAKERY/PANADERÍA Panaderia Especial........................................ 686-577-1902

BAJA GOOD LIFE CLUB – July 2010

www.bajagoodlifeclub.com

25

{DESTINATION DIRECTORY} BANDS/BANDAS Agave Blues.................................................. 686-184-9237 BARS/CLUBS Fandangos.................................................... 686-477-0060 The Green Door Bar (Los Algodones) ........... 658-517-7347 Los Arcos - Happy Jackass ......................... 686-577-2585 BEAUTY SALONS/SALONES DE BELLEZA Lilly Ana’s Day Spot...................................... 686-577-6253 Hair By Nancy.............................................. .686-113-3682 BUILDING MATERIALS/MATERIALES DE CONTRUCCIÓN Maderas de San Felipe........................................ 686-577-1515 CATERING The Sweet Spot............................................. 686-209-6369 Baja Jimmy’s Catering........................................ 686-139-7373 church Mission San Felipe........................................ 686-577-0877 CITY SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE LA CIUDAD District Attorney’s......................................... 686-577-1110 Mayors Office............................................... 686-577-1021 COMPUTER SERVICES CSI–Computer & Satellite Installation ............ 686-577-2928 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE CONSTRUCCIÓN Sweitzer Construction Management ............. 686-577-0195 Perez Construction........................................ 686-576-0650 COUNSELING-THERAPY/CONSULTA TERAPÉUTICA Inner Connection........................................... 686-172-8851 DELI SunDance Deli.............................................. 686-576-0369 DENTIST/DENTISTA California Dental Spa.......................................686-577-0708 Consultorio Dental Y de Ortodoncia ................686-577-6212 DEVELOPMENTS/FRACCIONAMIENTOS El Dorado Ranch........................................... 686-577-0015 Oasis de Cortez............................................ 760-208-1700 Playa de Oro................................................. 686-576-0223 Playa del Paraiso................................. 888-647-5292 x 704 San Rafael.................................................... 686-576-0223 DOCTORS/DOCTORES Dr. Victor Abasolo............. 686-577-1706 or 686-573-0174 ENTERTAINMENT/ENTRETENIMIENTO Name That Tune - Denny Flannigan................ 686-576-1683 The Singout Sisters & Chuey (Karaoke)......... 686-576-0047 EVENT SERVICES/servicios acontecimiento Produciones Baja.......................................... 686-576-1683 FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company........... ......................686-576-0653 FILM DEVELOPMENT/IMPRESION DE FOTOS Fotografia Alvarez.......................................... 686-577-1144 FISHING Pablo's Sport Fishing (English Spoken).......... 686-117-6974 Azteca Sport Fishing and Tours .................... 686-577-0741

BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

MASSAGE/MASAJE

Optometrists/Opthamologists California Optical........................................... 686-577-0708 PEST CONTROL Luis LaGarde................................................ 686-216-2281 PHARMACY/FARMACIA Botica “Sagrado Corazon”................................... 686-577-1294 Medicorama Farmacia................................... 686-577-6261 Santa Fe Pharmacy ....................................... 686-576-0546 POLICE/POLICÍA Federal Preventive Police .............................. 686-577-1045 Police .......................................................... 686-577-1134 POSTAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS POSTALES Yet Mail............................................................. 686-577-1255 SunRunner Mail Center...................................... 686-147-6752 PRINTERS/IMPRESORAS Papeleria Copicentro..................................... 686-577-1402 The Print Supplier.......................................... 686-230-9933 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE PROPIEDADES Custom Vacation Homes............................... 928-277-6863 ............ 928-277-7559 & visit www.sanfelipevacations.com Redwagon Property Services........................ 686-576-0081 PUBLICATIONS/PUBLICACIONES Gringo Gazette.............................................. 686-111-3692 Mexico Living Magazine................................ 686-577-1377 REAL ESTATE AGENTS/AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES Bill Maine...................................................... 686-231-4921 REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES Baja 24/7 Construction & Real Estate ........... 686-577-6196 REAL ESTATE SERVICES/servicios DE BIENES RAÍCES Baja Closing & Escrow Services ................... 686-576-0653 RECREATION/RECREACIÓN Aerodynamic - Ultralight flights ..................... 686-116-2933 SATELLITE TELEVISION & INTERNET/ TELEVISION SATELITALES Y INTERNET CSI - Computer & Satellite Installation .......... 686-577-2928 SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS/ ORGANIZACIONES DE SERVICIO Club Las Amigas........................................... 686-202-0455 San Felipe Lions Club........................................686-212-3599 San Felipe Rotary..............................................686-576-0112 Solar BC Solar Cooking.......................................... 686-106-9693 SPECIALTY STORES San Felipe Salt Co......................................... 686-209-0074

Graphic Design/Diseño Gráfico GreetScape................................................... 686-188-2393

STORAGE/ALMACÉN San Felipe Moving & Storage.......................................686-576-0432

HATS/sombreros Band It.......................................................... 686-123-5147

TATTOOING/TATUAJES Baja Ink Spot Tattoo & Body Piercing............. 686-577-0746

HOME BUILDERS/CONTRATISTAS Oscar Parra................................................... 686-120-6506 Perez Construction........................................ 686-236-4927 San Felipe Home Builders ............................. 686-577-3176

TRANSPORTATION/TRANSPORTACIÓN Airport.......................................................... 686-577-1368 Taxi Service.................................................. 686-577-1293 Bus Station .................................................. 686-577-1516

Home Improvements Baja Home Improvement............................... 686-222-4507

utilities/empresas de servicios públicos Electric (CFE).................... 686-577-1060 or 686-577-5602 Estrella Azul (Water Dispensery).................... 686-577-1314 Propane Gas................................................. 686-577-2373 State Com. of Services Public....................... 686-556-1383 Telnor Phone Co............................................ 686-577-1000 Water Company............................................ 686-577-1022

Insurance Alani’s Mexican Insurance....................................686-577-2464 INTERIOR DESIGN/DISEÑO INTERIOR San Felipe Interior Design........................................686-577-3176 LANDSCAPING/JARDINERÍA Versoleil........................................................ 686-576-0664

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July 2010 – Baja California GUIDE

BCS Photo

MOVING Services San Felipe Moving & Storage ........................ 686-576-0432

GOLF/GOLF Las Caras de Mexico..................................... 686-576-0517

IMPORT SERVICES/SE RVICIOS DE IMPORTACIÓN San Felipe Moving & Storage......................... 686-576-0432

San Ignacio

MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS Ambulance................................................... 686-577-0500 Health Center............................................... 686-577-1521 Red Cross..................................................... 686-577-1544 Dr. Victor Abasolo............. 686-577-1706 or 686-573-0174

VETERINARY/VETERINARIO ZAPP Animal Center...................................... 686-111-1143

Mulegé, BAJA CALIFORNIA Sur Mulegé is situated at the mouth of the Río Santa Rosalía (26°53´17˝N 111°58´53˝W), in the state of Baja California Sur, 38 miles south of Santa Rosalia, at the mouth of Bahía de Concepción. In 2005, the reported population was 3,317.

Nestled between two hills in a lush tropic palm oasis divided by a shaded river that runs towards an estuary that flows to the sea, Mulegé is rich in history with lots of great sites to see, including the Misión Santa Rosalía de Mulegé, founded in 1705; the old state penitentiary, finished in 1907; and the Sierra de Guadalupe cave paintings.

Outdoor activities abound, from mountain biking, scuba diving and kayaking to deep

sea fishing. The cold northern current and the warm southern current come together to create an environment great for catching some of the 100 different species of fish in the Mulegé waters.

By land, Mulegé is 650 miles south of the San Diego/Tijuana border crossing on Mexican Highway 1, and in 2010, via Highway 5 through San Felipe.

By Air, Mulegé is served by three airstrips: Hotel Serenidad Airstrip (El Gallito), the Mulegé Municipal and Punta San Pedro. Regional flights are available at the Palo Verde Airport, and international flights are available at the Loreto Airport.

Municipal/Municipal

Villa Maria Isabel RV Park...............................615-153-0246 Cuesta Real Hotel/RV & Camping...................615-153-0321 Full hookup spaces off Hwy 1 - South of town Hotel Hotel Serenidad..............................................615-153-0530 Mulegé Hotel..................................................615-153-0090

Health Center / Issste.................................... 615-153-0298 Judicial Police............................................... 615-153-0049 Mexican Red Cross.......................... 615-153-0280 / 30110 Municipal Delegation....................................615-15-3-0049 State Tourism................................................ 615-124-0199 Taxi Service.................................................. 615-153-0420 Traffic Department........................................ 615-153-0049

LODGING RV Oasis Rio Baja...............................................615-153-0425

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) REAL ESTATE Pelican Reef Real Estate Center............... Cell 615-161-5499

{DESTINATION DIRECTORY}

Loreto, BAJA CALIFORNIA Sur Loreto, founded in 1697 by Jesuit missionaries, was the first Spanish settlement on the east coast of the Baja California peninsula. Loreto, situated on the Sea of Cortez, 26º00’46” N 111º20’36” W, served as the capital of the province of Las Californias from its founding until the capital was moved to Monterey on February 3, 1777.

The 2005 census reported a population of 10,283. Today Loreto is a tourist resort, catering mostly to U.S. travelers, with daily flights from California arriving at Loreto International Airport. Many of the American tourists enjoy

fishing in “pangas” for “dorado” (Mahi-mahi or Dolphin Fish). Local restaurants will even prepare the daily catch of the tourists. Loreto has an excellent museum alongside the historic, but still active, parish. The Spanish Fathers found a steady spring of fresh water on this site.

Loreto’s climate is hot and humid, with abundant sunshine (desert with some rainfalls in summer). The medium temperature is 76 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperatures are hot from June through October. These summer days have highs around 93 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity.

When in need of an ambulance, please call the Police number first (they will dispatch the call) and then the Fire Department number. Police number is 135-0035 or 135-0036. By following this procedure, you can be assured of being assisted.

Municipal/Municipal

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)

Fire Department............................................ 613-135-1566 Immigration.................................................. 613-135-1266

AIRPORT Loreto International Airport............................ 613-135-0565

DINING

Banks / Banco Bancomer..................................................... 613-135-0739

Breakfast Cafe Sagitario................................................613-135-0718 Mexican 1697............................................................. 613-135-2538 Seafood Augie’s Bar & Bait Shop................................ 613-135-1224 NEW Loreto Islas.......................................... 613-135-2341

LODGING RV Park/Parque de RV Rivera del Mar............................................... 613-135-0718 Hotel Hotel Santa Fe... 800 SANTAFE - MX or 877 SANTAFE - USA/CAN El Tiburon Casitas.. (805) 748-4566US or 613-135-2536MX La Damiana Inn..............................................613-135-0356 Las Cabanas de Loreto...................................613-135-1105 Rentals Coco-cabanas...............................................613-135-1729 El Tiburon Casitas..................................US (805) 748-4566 Hamman’s Vacaciones...................................613-135-0791 Stay in Loreto............................................... 613-135-0791

BOOKSTORES El Cadallo Blanco.......................................... 613-116-5374

BUS Loreto Bus Terminal...................................... 613-135-0767 Deli Dalí, Gourmet Store........................................613-135-2477 Stock up your boat or house with the best products; meats, dairies all types of groceries and fresh baguettes. Benito Juarez s/n, Col. Centro, Loreto BCS dali_loreto@prodigy.net.mx Medical Ambulance................................................... 613-135-1566 Hospital........................................................ 613-135-0039 ISSTE........................................................... 613-135-0730 Red Cross..................................................... 613-135-1111 REAL ESTATE Alexander Real Estate....................................... 613-135-0212 TOURISM Loreto Tourism Office.....................................613-135-0411

LA PAZ DOWNTOWN La Paz, BAJA CALIFORNIA Sur La Paz (“The Peace”) is the capital city of Baja California Sur located at 24.1405°N 110.3123°Wand is an important commercial center. Its surrounding municipality, which is the fourth-largest municipality in Mexico in geographical size, in 2005 reported a population of 219,596 living on 7,828.2 square miles of land.

La Paz is typically dry and warm with averages of 75–77 degrees Fahrenheit, and 300 days or better of sunshine annually. Summer months are often in the 90’s and can be humid.

The winter months can drop below 60, but stays mostly in the mid-60’s. During the summer the cooling Coromuel winds, a weather phenom-

Municipal/Municipal

Fire Department.............................................612-122-0054 La Paz Tourism Office.....................................612-124-0278 Museum of Anthropology...............................612-122-0162 Port Captain...................................................612-122-0243

DINING

Cafe Capri......................................................624-123-3737 Gorilla’s Grill1................................................612-128-8095

LODGING

Hotels La Concha Beach Resort ...............................612-121-6344 Los Arcos .....................................................612-122-2744 Marina Hotel .................................................612-121-6254 Mediterrane ...................................................612-125-1195 Seven Crown Hotel ........................................612-128-7787

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)

FERRY SERVICE Baja Ferries....................................................612-125-7443

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

enon unique to the La Paz area, blow from Bahia de La Paz keeping the temperature mild.

By Air, La Paz is served by Manuel Márquez de León International Airport with flights to the U.S., Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Two ferry services operate from Pichilingue outside the city, connecting the Baja California peninsula to the mainland at Mazatlán and Topolobampo.

By Road, La Paz is served mainly by two highways, Highway 1 that links the south of the state from Cabo San Lucas to the north of the peninsula until Tijuana, and Highway 19, which connects La Paz with the population of the South Pacific towns like Todo Santos and El Pescadero.

GOVERNMENT SEMATUR......................................................612-125-8899 Baja California Sur State Government.............612-124-0199 La Paz Post Office Home Decor Ricky Ricardo’s Home Furnishings.................612-145-0379 Police City Police......................................................612-122-4692 Green Angels.................................................612-125-9677 Fed. Judicial Police.........................................612-125-2665 Highway Patrol....................612-12203-69 & 612-122-5735 State Jud. Police.................612-122-6610 & 612-122-1399 Medical Cruz Roja 065 or............................................612-122-1222 ISSSTE Hospital.............................................612-122-2789 IMSS Hospital................................................612-122-7377 Salvatierra Hospital..............612-122-1496 & 612-1221596 Real Estate services Omni Services...............................................612-123-4888

BAJA GOOD LIFE CLUB – July 2010

www.bajagoodlifeclub.com

27

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Todos Santos, BAJA CALIFORNIA Sur Named “Pueblo Mágico” in 2006, Todos Santos is a small coastal town at the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, on the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula, about an hour’s drive north of Cabo San Lucas and an hour south from La Paz. Located at 23°26´56˝N 110°13´32˝W, Todos Santos is very near the Tropic of Cancer in the municipality of La Paz. The population was 4,078 at the census of 2005.

During the 19th century Todos Santos thrived as the Baja sugarcane capital. Now the rich farmlands have been reworked and the town prospers from an abundance of avocado, vegetable and chili farming, papaya and mango orchards, fishing and ranching.

The mission Nuestra Señora del Pilar de La Paz was founded by father Jaime Bravo in 1723. This mission contains the statue of the Virgin of Pilar, which is the focus of the town’s main festival in October.

More recently, there has been an increase in tourist activity and a boom in real estate development. Handicraft shops, art galleries, upscale restaurants, boutique hotels and restored colonial buildings have contributed to the gentrification and redevelopment of the town.

There are many beautiful beaches within a 30-minute drive. Playa Las Palmas and Playa Los Cerritos are great beaches for swimming and shell collecting, and Los Cerritos attracts surfers from around the world.

Todos Santos

Municipal/Municipal

Hospital........................................................ 612-145-0095 Mayor........................................................... 612-145-0365 Post Office.................................................... 612-145-0330 State Police................................................... 612-145-0198

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)

Art Galleries Contemporary Mexican Art.............................612-145-0215 Charles Stewart Gallery/Studio.......................612-145-0265 Colores de Mexico.........................................612-145-0106 Ezra Katz Gallery............................................612-137-3473 Galeria Arturo................................................612-145-0773 Galeria de Kathleen Gambogi..........................612-145-0460 Galeria La Poza..............................................612-145-0400 Galeria N. E. Hayles........................................612-145-0183 Galeria On-ce Photography.............................612-145-0550 Galeria Wall....................................................612-145-0527 Jill Logan Galerîa............................................612-145-0151 La Polilla...................................................01-331-255-7965 Michael Cope.................................................612-145-0500 Wendy Faith, artist in glass.............................612-145-0255

28

July 2010 – Baja California GUIDE

Home Decor Ricky Ricardo’s Home Furnishings.................612-145-0379 Shopping Cactus Arte Mexicano....................................612-145-0771 Casa Juanita..................................................612-140-0069 La Canada del Diablo Muebles Rusticos.........612-140-0069 Curios Tony....................................................612-145-0356 El Perico Azul.................................................612-145-0538 Fenix de Todos Santos....................................612-145-0808 Galeria Santa Fe.............................................612-145-0301 Mangos.........................................................612-145-0451 Manos Mexicanas..........................................612-145-0538 Regalos Diana-Dos Glorias.............................612-145-0324 Uguet Tiles and Marble...................................612-127-2776 Hotel California Emporium..............................612-145-0525

LOS Barriles, BAJA CALIFORNIA Sur Los Barriles is a quaint little town 45 minutes north of the San Jose Del Cabo Airport and 65 miles south of the La Paz Airport, and only a 90-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of Cabo San Lucas.

The consistent winds and beautiful, white sandy beaches make Los Barriles a hot spot for water and wind enthusiasts from late November until early March. One of the top Wind Surfing and Kite Boarding destinations

in the world, Los Barriles offers postcardperfect beaches and a couple of small, well maintained hotels ready to serve the needs of Baja travelers.

In addition to wind and water sports, Los Barriles is considered the Bill Fishing capital of the world. During the summer months the area offers exceptional fishing for Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado, Tuna and Wahoo.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)

Vacation Concierge Service Wolf Property Management........................... www.wolf-pm.com Home Maintenance, Vacation Rentals, Ground Transportation

FISHING Hotel Los Pescadores.......................................... 624-121-8786 Hotel Hotel Los Pescadores.......................................... 624-121-8786 Jewelry Copper River Designs .....................................624-159-4780

Real Estate King Y Asociados...........................................624-151-5840 Amerimex......................................................612-145-0050 Maya Roca....................................................612-145-0464 Milagro Real Estate........................................612-145-0219 Moniely Real Estate........................................612-145-0540 Pescadero Properties.....................................612-145-0756 Ricardo Amigo Real Estate ............................612-145-0551

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

RV Park Paraiso del Mar RV Park................................. 624-355-5782 Salon Naty Salon .....................................................624-141-0346

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of Cortez San Jose delSea Cabo, BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

San José del Cabo is located in Baja California Sur and is the seat of the municipality of Los Cabos at the south end of the Baja California peninsula. In the 2005 census it had a population of 48,518. Together with neighboring Cabo San Lucas it forms a major tourist destination for travelers, particularly from North America. The two cities are served

by Los Cabos International Airport.

San José del Cabo offers you tranquility and old world charm, wonderful gift shops showcasing the art of Mexico, fabulous

Municipal/Municipal

Fire Department............................................ 624-143-9000 United States Consular Agency Emergency 24hrs.............. 619-692-2154 or 624-143-3566

DINING American Applebee’s.....................................................624-172-6472 Asian Baan Thai Pan Asian Restaurant and Bar........624-142-3344 Burgers & More Baja Brewing Company..................................624-146-9995 Cactus Jack's Bar and Grill.............................624-142-5601 Die Trying Cafe..............................................624-142-5657 Coffee & Baked Correcaminos Cafe........................................624-142-3510 International Local Eight Restaurant...................................624-142-6655 Havana Supper Club.......................................624-142-2603 Italian & Pizza Buon Appetito................................................624-142 4040 La Dolce Italian Restaurant.............................624-142-6621 Mexican Don Emiliano Restaurant................................624-142-0266 Casianos Restaurant...................................... 624 142 5928 Brisa Beach Club and Restaurant......................624-142-244 Habanero's Restaurant...................................624-142-2626 Jazmin Restaurant..........................................624-142-1760 Seafood La Panga Antigua Restaurant and Bar.............624-142-4041 Steak La Bodega Steak and Wine House..................624-142-6619

restaurants, fishing, golf, surfing and all the nighttime entertainment you seek. Or you can just relax on one of our many pristine white sand beaches.

For nature lovers, a beautiful protected estuary with a variety of fish, turtles, dolphins, exotic marine animals and over 100 species of birds is located on the southeast edge of the city. And the historic artist colony of Todos Santos is an easy one-hour drive to the north, along the scenic Pacific Ocean.

Local residents take pride in restoring the town’s 18th century architecture and preserving its quiet, laid-back ambiance.

Cabo San Lucas (aka Los Cabos or San José del Cabo in Mexico, and Cabo in the U.S.) is at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula at 22.88°N 109.90°W, in the state of Baja California Sur. As of the 2005 census, the population was 56,811. It is the largest community in Los Cabos, and the secondlargest in Baja California Sur. The warmth of the waters, the beauty of its beaches, the abundance of fish, the raucous party atmosphere, a resort studded Tourist Corrider that stretcuhes between the twin towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo in miles of pristine white beaches, and other qualities is quickly making Cabo San Lucas a highend vacation destination.

Municipal/Municipal

LODGING

Hotel Baja Vacations.............................................. 877-462-2226 Barcelo Hotels and Resort...........................(624) 146-7500 Cabo Surf Hote............................................. 624-142-2666 Desire Resort & Spa..................................... 624-142-9300 Hotel Las Pescadores.................................... 624-121-8786 Posada Chabela............................................ 624-172-6495 Posada Real Best Western........................... 624-142 - 0155 Suites Las Palmas......................................... 624-142-2131

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)

DENTISTS Cabo Cosmetic DentaL...................................624-143-0520 Medical Red Cross......................................................624-143-3300 Emergencies..................................................624-144-3434 Hospital.........................................................624-143-7777 Cape Air and Land First Response Ambulance.... 624-143-5900 Centro Medico Cabo San Lucas.....................624-143-9727 Nursey Jungle Cactus (See ad on page 4)................ 624-122-0324 Police Police Cabo San Lucas...................................624-143-0057 Treament & Recovery Rehab in Mexico................................... +52 818-331-0911

Ambulance........................ 066-624-142-0316 (Red Cross) Consumer Affairs (Profeco) La Paz 01........... 612-122-8088 Fire Dept............................................ 068 or 624-142-2466 Taxis......624-142-0580 or 624-142-0105 or 624-142-0401

DINING Mexican Panchos........................................................624-143-2891 Ay... Chihuahua..............................................624-143-3280 Baja Cantina...................................................624-143-0225 Margaritaville.................................................624-143-7401 Mi Casa.........................................................624-143-1933 Restaurant Pancho’s & Tequila Bar.................624-143-2891 Seafood La Golondrina................................................624-143-0542 Lorenzillo’s....................................................624-105-0212 The Blue Turtle...............................................624-143-1118 Villa Serena....................................................624-145-8244 International Peacocks.......................................................624-143-1858

LODGING

Hotel Bahia Hotel.......................................... .........624-143-1888 Best Western Cabo Las Flores Hotel............ 624-143-6199 Casa Pablito......................................... .........624-143-1971 Hotel and Plaza Los Arcos ............................ 624-143-0702 Hotel Mar de Cortez............ 831-663-5803 / 800-347-8821 Mar de Cortez Hotel............................. .........624-143-0032 Siesta Suites Hotel............................... .........624-143-2773

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

Cabo San Lucas has the largest Marlin tournament in the world. In the winter, pods of whales can be observed in the ocean bearing their calves in the warm waters.

Served by the Los Cabos International Airport for general aviation flights and air taxi service, the town is also a popular port of call for many cruise ships.

Exclusive hotels and gated residential communities attract the rich and famous in this wondrous region known as “The Corridor.”

Considered some of Latin America’s top resorts, many of these properties have become havens to Hollywood stars, Fortune 500 CEOs and even the U.S. president during the 2002 Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC).

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) City Chamber of Commerce..................................624-143-0437 Family Protection...........................................624-143-0586 Gas Leaks......................................................624-143-1292 FISHING Charter Solmar V .......................................................866-591-4906 Marine Harbor Master................................................624-143-4771 Medical Alcoholics Anonymous...................................624-147-5516 Ambulances...................................................624-143-4020 Social Security Hospital..................................624-143-1548 Health Center.................................................624-143-0102 Red Cross......................................................624-143-3300 Police Federal Highway Police..................................624-146-0573 Municipal Police.............................................624-142-0361 Police San Jose del Cabo...............................624-142-0361 Traffic Police..................................................624-142-3748 State Police....................................................624-143-0296 Highway Patrol...............................................624-143-3977 Federal Police.................................................624-143-1210 Real Estate Cabo Riviera - Margaret Hedges ....................624-191-9303 Treament & Recovery Rehab in Mexico................................ MX 01-800-724-0911

BAJA GOOD LIFE CLUB – July 2010

www.bajagoodlifeclub.com

29

1 0 1 h s i n a p S

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not that easy to learn Spanish just by living in Mexico. If you want to communicate with locals and enhance your language skills, you have to make an effort.

The easiest way to learn is to start with little chunks at a time. To assist you, each month we will provide just a few nouns, verbs, conjunctions, phrases, road signs, etc. In addition, the Pronunciation

rr - with a pronounced trill ü - like ny in canyon v - same as b x - like English x; in words derived from Native American languages, sometimes pronounced like h in hit (Mexico) y - standing alone, like Spanish i; otherwise like Spanish ll z - in Latin America, like s in sit

PRONUNCIATION

Vowels a - like a in father e - like e in ten i - like ee in see o - like o in rose u - like oo in shoot; silent following q or g, except when written with an umlaut (ü) ai, ay - like y in try au - like ow in cow ei, ey - like ay in day ie - like ye in yellow oi, oy - like oy in boy Consonants b - b and v are the same; at the beginning of a word or after m or n, like an English b without a strong puff of breath; otherwise intermediate between an English b and an English v. c - before a, o, u, and any consonant but h, like k in kitten; before e or i, like s in sit. cc - like cc in accept d - at the beginning of a word or after n or l, like English d without strong puff of breath; otherwise, like a softer th in this. g - when followed by e or i, like h in hit; otherwise like g in gold. h - silent j - like h in hot; ll - like y in yes q - like k in kite, followed by ue or ui (u is silent) r - at the beginning of a word or before a pause at the end of a word, like rr; otherwise like dd in ladder.

ADJECTIVES

mucho - much, many, a lot nuestro - our nuevo - new otro - other, another poco - little, few; a little bit (adv.)

ADVERBS

Guide for vowels and consonants will be available in each issue.

As well as practicing the words and phrases every day, be sure to get out and talk to locals. Talking with natives . . . in Spanish! . . . will assist you with proper pronunciation and tone, and enhance your listening and speaking skills. If you practice the information given in each edition every day, you’ll see a dramatic improvement in your Spanish skills in no time. ¡Hasta luego!

persona - personpara - for, to, in order to

VERBS

Regular verb conjugations: Present (when it is happening now)

PERSON Hablar - to talk “AR” I - (+o) hablo - I talk; I am talking yo you (friend/child) - (+s) hablas tú he, she, you - (+ ) habla él, ella, usted we - (+mos) hablamos nosotros, nosotras they, you all - (+n) hablan ellos, ellas, ustedes

hablar - to speak, talk hacer - to do, make ir - to go (leave) estar - to be estudiar - to study haber - to have

luego - later, afterward muy - very, really no - no nunca - never, ever sí - yes

COMMON PHRASES

PREPOSITIONS

ROAD SIGNS

The bathroom el baño I’d like to pay. ¿Me trae la cuenta por favor?

It is all together, please. Todo junto, por favor.

según - according to sin - without sobre - on top of, over, about tras - after, behind

PRONOUNS

nadie - nobody, anybody nos - us nosotros - we qué - what? which? how (+ adj.)! quién - who?, whom?

NOUNS

momento - moment, time mujer - woman, wife mundo - world país - country

PARA VUELTA IZQUIERDA ESPERE SU LUZ - Turn Left on Light PAVEMENTO DERRAPANTE AL ESTAR HUMEDO - Pavement Slick When Wet PERMITA REBASAR UNTILICE SU EXTREMA DERECHA - Allow Passing Use Extreme Right PLAZA DE COBRO - Toll Both POBLADO PROXIMO - Town Near POR TU SEGURIDAD RESPETE LAS SEÑALES - For your Safety Respect The Signs PELIGROSO - Dangerous PRECUACION CRUCE DE PEATONES Caution Pedestrian Crossing PRECAUCION ZONA ESCOLAR - Caution School Zone

JOIN THE CLUB AND SAVE BIG ON BAJA’S BEST

30

July 2010 – Baja California GUIDE

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

comer - to eat vivir - to live “ER” “IR” como vivo comes

vives

come

vive

comemos

vivimos

comen

viven

We’d like to pay separately. Queremos pagar separado.

Is service included? ¿Está incluido el sevicio?

I think there is a mistake in this bill. Creo que hay un error en esta cuenta.

PRECAUCION ZONA DE GUANDO - Caution Livestock Zone PRECAUCION ZONA DE TOLVANERAS Precaution Wind Zone PRINCIPIA TRAMO EN REPARACION - Main Highway Under Repair PRINCIPIA ZONA DE DERRUMBES - Begin Rockslide Area PRINCIPIA ZONA DE VADOS - Begin Area of Dips PROHIBIDO ESTACIONARSE - No Parking PROHIBIDO TIRAR BASURA - Throwing Thrash Prohibited PROHIBIDO TIRAR BASURA MULTA O CARCEL - Throwing Trash Prohibited by Fine or Jail PUENTE ANGOSTO - Narrow Bridge

www.bajagoodlifeclub.com

THE BAJA LIFE & TRAVEL DISCOUNT CLUB 1-877-LUVMEX1

877luvmex1@gmail.com

The “Baja Good Life Club” is a life and travel discount club for visitors and residents of the Baja peninsula. Membership includes access to Club Rate Mexican Auto Insurance at rates as low as $77.07 per year, a subscription to Mexico Living’s Baja California Guide and discounts on products and services throughout Baja from participating Baja Good Life Merchant Members.

Club Rate Insurance:

Business Printing:

Member Magazine:

LOWEST PRICE, HIGHEST QUALITY FASTEST TURNAROUND

ide.com – No. 33

www.mexicolivinggu

Plus:

Just ■ Foul Play or. . . a Runaway

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An absolute just wonder of the world— of Ensenada 20 miles south

Condor ■ Return of theon, North

No. 34

March /

marzo 2010

20

Baja’s Bstival— e Blues F

Close to extincti flying bird America’s largest returns to Mexico

2010

l Carnigageva st10 olivingguid

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Disappearance The Mysterious of Karen Wright

February / febrero

rough

ng Tony Reyes ging Lives Th ■ Rememberi Chan of a Baja The passing fishing legend

Fashion San ■ Baja Tijuana to Cabods the From transcen Lucas, Baja l market iona internat

o Island o’s Socorr spots on ■ Mexic best diving

Music

& Art

4th Anniversary Edition

Saltwater ■ Baja’s Scorpion fish offers mous This veno t delicacy a gourme

e? Mexico You Saf that ■ Are repo rts reveal the U.S. than New or safer is as safe

se o Paradi den Intiles prof me & Gar en business Your Ho ■ Turn Home and Gard

One of the Earth!

Baja Good Life members now have access to club rates Mexican Auto Insurance. Member can get an Annual Liability Policies as LOW AS $77.07 and Annual Full Coverage Policies as LOW AS $140.84. Your policy is backed

by Baja Bound Insurance Services, Inc., a company you can depend on. Rates are available exclusively to our members.

The Print Supplier is a commercial printing company in Southern California offering the highest quality, lowest price, fastest turnaround—and they guarantee it. www. theprintsupplier.com

Club Rate Insurance:

Exclusive Member Deals:

The Print Supplier offers club members 10% OFF ALL FULL COLOR BUSINESS PRINTING, over and above their already low prices and discounts.

As part of your membership to the Baja Good Life Club, you will receive Our Magazine, delivered to your Canadian, United States or Mexico address. Baja California Guide informs and entertains our members through indepth feature articles, comprehensive guides and more.

Your monthly “Guide to the Good Life.”

4 Day / 3 Nights in Cabo San Lucas ONLY $120 FOR MEMBERS ONLY

Hotel Mar de Cortez

SkyMed provides the peace of mind that if you or your loved ones are ever hurt while traveling we will provide emergency transportation to your local hospital and medical care providers. SkyMed TAKES YOU HOME is a complete package that meets the recommendations of the US and Canadian Consulates.

Spend 4 days/3 nights at Hotel Mar de Cortez in their Garden View rooms. Tax/service not included.

Ea add night is $54 + tax/serv.

The Garden View Rooms all have a queen bed & a double bed, an extra large recently remodeled in ‘04 & ‘05 shower and bath area with either a private patio or balcony overlooking the garden and pool.

These large rooms are always in demand and can accommodate up to three persons comfortably.

The Hotel Mar de Cortez was among the first three hotels in Cabo San Lucas. The architecture of it’s rooms and suites reflect the charming Mexican flavor of southern Baja and each year the hotel upgrades various aspects of the facilities.

Are you a Merchant Member with a great deal? Contact us at 877luvmex1@gmail.com and have your deal featured.

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

BAJA GOOD LIFE CLUB – July 2010

www.bajagoodlifeclub.com

31

www.bajagoodlifeclub.com Merchant Discounts: MEMBER DISCOUNTS FOR JULY - As a member of the Baja Good Life Club, you are entitled to exclusive discounts from our growing list of participating Baja Merchants. Business information and contacts for all our merchants are available on the club website. If you’re a Baja Merchant that would like to participate in our Baja Good Life Merchant Membership and offer your products and services to our members, please contact via our club website.

www.bajagoodlifeclub.com

——— LODGING & ACCOMMODATIONS ——— ­­ ENSENADA / SAN QUINTIN, BC Posada Don Diego R.V. Park-MotelRestaurant-Bar 10% DISCOUNT ON RV SPACES AND MOTEL ROOMS. The R.V. park and restaurant have been serving tourist and locals since 1970. It is a popular stop for R.V. caravans.

CABO SAN LUCAS, BCS Hotel Mar de Cortez FREE Room Upgrade. In addition, during July and August you can get the SUMMER DISCOUNT. The Hotel Mar de Cortez ...

SAN FELIPE, BC VIP Earth Events 10% off nightly rate with minimum 3-day stay.

Their mission is to make your trip to San Felipe an enjoyable one. Pick from any of their San Felipe Vacation ...

—————— REAL ESTATE —————— SAN FELIPE, BC Amor Property 10% off all Fideicomisos and Bank Trusts. Amor Property is a full-service Mexican Real Estate company.

———— BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION ———— SAN FELIPE, BC Sweitzer Construction Management 5% Off Cost of all Building Projects, Small or Large; Coupon for ZERO COST Architectural Plans for use in event Bid is accepted for projects in excess of $150K USD ...

ROSARITO BEACH To The Top Elevator 5% discount on a wheelchair lift or a residential elevator.

———— PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ———— SAN FELIPE, BCS San Felipe Storage Company $20 off First Month Storage.

The San Felipe Storage Company has grown and evolved into not only a storage facility. Spaces range from 3’x5’ to 10’x15’.

San Felipe Disposal 15% off on all new accounts.

San Felipe Disposal – for all your disposal needs. They offer permanent and temporary waste disposal, construction waste removal, commercial and residential waste removal, portable toilets

—————— HEALTH & BEAUTY —————— SAN FELIPE, BC Consultorio Dental – Dr Jason Arias Corpus 30% off Dental Cleaning.

Dr Jason Arias Corpus offers complete dental and orthodontic services. General dentistry, metal and aesthetic braces and easy payment options. (686) 577-6212.

California Optical Buy One Pair of Glasses at Regular Price, Get a Pair of Single-vision Glasses at 10% Off. More than just contacts and glasses. A complete examination of all optical ...

Botica Sagrado Corazon 15% Off all Medications.

The drug store is family owned and operated by Tavo Garcia and has been in operation at this location since 1952. They offer a wide variety ...

Santa Fe Pharmacy 10% off All Generic Medications. A full-service pharmacy in northern San Felipe offering brand and generic medications. English is Spoken.

—————— DINING & RESTAURANTS ———— —— SAN FELIPE, BC The Pavilion Restaurant FREE appetiser with meal.

The Pavilion at La Ventana del Mar serves a new level of cuisine not found elsewhere in the San Felipe area. The restaurant offers a great ...

LOS BARRILES, BCS Hotel Los Pescadores 12% discount.

Hotel Los Pescadores is a beautiful boutique hotel, near fishing, wind surfing and beautiful beaches.

Alanis Insurance 15% Off New Homeowner Policies.

They are offering 15% off new homeowner policies.

The Sweet Spot One free domestic (house) drink with meal.

The Sweet Spot is now open on the San Felipe Malecon for dinner and drinks. Great atmosphere and eats.

LORETO, BCS El Tiburon Casitas 10% off rentals, 2 days or more.

Proprietors/Managers Liz and Jack look forward to seeing you in Loreto BC Mexico! This is a brand new facility between the Harbor ...

LOS BARRILES Wolf Management Ground Transportation Service 5% off any service, one-way or round trip throughout Baja California Sur.

Fatboy’s Pizza 10% Off any Large Pizza Fatboys Pizza is the 2008 winner of the BEST PIZZA in San Felipe. They have two locations to serve you.

Downtown and north of town.

FEATURED MEMBER BENEFITS As a member of the Baja Good Life Club, you are entitled to exclusive benefits including an annual subscription to the Baja California Guide, deep discounted Mexican Auto Insurance and commercial printing at the lowest rates available in North America. For a list of additional benefits offered to our members, please contact via our club website.

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July 2010 – Baja California GUIDE

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

www.bajagoodlifeclub.com BAJA CALIFORNIA Mexico Living’s Baja California – Guide As a member, Mexico Living’s Baja California Guide will be delivered to your home or business in Canada, United States or Mexico.

Rumors Bar & Grill 20% off second entree of equal or lesser value.

The all new Rumors Bar & Grill at Playa de Oro is now open and offering a full menu and full bar.

—————— HOME & GARDEN —————— SAN FELIPE, BCS Versoleil Landscaping 10% discount on landscaping and building projects.

Versoleil Landscaping provides complete commercial and residential design, landscaping...

—————— SHOPPING —————— SAN FELIPE, BC Baja Ink Spot 10% Discount on Tattoos.

Professional tattoo and piercing studio. Located in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico. Quality work in a friendly and sterile environment.

LORETO, BCS El Caballo Blanco Bookstore 10% discount on your purchase.

Come in and browse the best Baja book selection. Thousands of used books fill the palapa room, with new Baja books, art and maps and more.

LOS BARRILES Copper River Designs 10% off discount off purchase of one item of their amazing custom designed jewerly.

Baja Good Life Club Partners with Baja Bound Mexican Insurance Services, Inc.

ROSARITO BEACH Click On 10% off on 100 copies or more and 5% discount on 6 months or 1 year mailroom service

Baja Bound Mexican Insurance Services, Inc. is excited to partner with the Baja Good Life Club to offer members a discounted Mexican auto insurance policy through HDI Seguros. The policy features all the high-quality coverage expected from HDI Seguros, at an exclusive price not available to the public.

—————— ACTIVITES —————— MULEGE Ecomundo de Eduardo / Ed’s World 10% discount on Ed’s World water activites. They offer fishing, kayaking, island trips and much more.

Join the Club Start Saving Big on Baja

An Annualy Membership Includes all discounts listed in this publication and online, the “Baja California” magazine and discounts on Baja events.

NEW MEMBER INFO:

Yes, I want to be a member:

Name:___________________________________

TYPE: Personal Membership ($35 per year).

Address:__________________________________

Merchant Membership ($12 per month).

City:_____________________________________

PAYMENT:

State:____________________________________

Bill Me (email required)

Zip/Postal Code:____________________________

Check Enclosed

Phone:___________________________________

Charge My Credit Card

Email:____________________________________

IMPORTANT: All checks must be made out to JOHN BENJAMIN PACK. Bill Me option requires an email for electronic invoice.

Become a Member by phone: 1-877-LUVMEX1 / 619-550-2370 Become a Member online: www.bajagoodlifeclub.com

Become a Member by Mail: John Benjamin Pack PO BOX 9019-460 Calexico, CA 92232

ENSENADA Baja Country Club $25 Green Fees for Women and Seniors. A spectacular golf course nestled in the scenic canyon of south Ensenada in a fertile valley.

Become a Member Locally: San Felipe Residents can drop mayment off in box #460 at Yetmail.

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

Why HDI Seguros?

Baja Bound works with HDI Seguros because they continuously exemplify high standards in their day-to-day operations. They offer high-quality Mexican insurance products at competitive rates, have an excellent claims track record, and have a parent company with high financial ratings.

HDI Seguros was recently recognized by Mexico’s own National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Consumers of Financial Services (CONDUSEF) for receiving the highest overall score over other Mexican insurance companies for the quality of service it provides to its clients.

Why Baja Bound?

Serving Mexico travelers for over 15 years, Baja Bound Mexican Insurance Services, Inc. has become a leader in online Mexican insurance. Their easy-to-use website and high level of customer service has won the hearts of their loyal customers. Their dedication to ethics and service has earned them an A+ rating (link) with the San Diego Better Business Bureau. Baja Bound is also active in the community on both sides of the border by sponsoring events, donating to non-profit organizations, and conducting charitable and environmental work in Mexico.

You can rest assured knowing that all of the staff at Baja Bound are full-time, licensed insurance agents, and like you, they love Baja and Mexico. Every staff member spends significant time in Baja and Mexico either working, playing or living. Their staff is here to help you choose the best Mexican insurance coverage that fits your needs, to assist you in case you have a claim, and to answer questions related to traveling to Mexico.

Get to know Baja Bound! Important points to know about your Mexican insurance agency: California corporation, licensed with the CA Department of Insurance (CA Lic. 0D25373) • Staff are full-time, professional insurance agents • Years of experience in selling Mexican insurance • Office located in downtown San Diego close to Petco Park • Website security tested daily • D&B listed company Baja Bound’s business hours are Monday - Friday from 9am 5pm Pacific time or by appointment at their downtown San Diego office. They can be reached by calling 1-888-552-2252 or 1-619702-4292.

BAJA GOOD LIFE CLUB – July 2010

www.bajagoodlifeclub.com

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FREE BAJA CLASSIFIED ADS ANNOUNCEMENTS

203-5129.

ROSARITO BEACH - Free Spay/Neuter Clinic (SCAAT) Km 31.5, 2nd Sunday of each month, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call Karen Patonai (661) 613-0737 or email karenpatonai@yahoo.com ROSARITO BEACH - Rosarito Rotary Club meets Tuesdays at the Rosarito Beach Hotel at 8:30 a.m. This is a bilingual international club.

SAN FELIPE - San Felipe Lions Club are going to Summer hours 3rd Thursday of the month. Starting a 6pm at Los Arco Restaurant More info email: sanfelipebclionsclub@gmail.com SAN FELIPE - ZAPP Center need your Help! Donations of dog and cat food, towels, blankets, newspapers, and money. Contact Steven Forman ZAPP Animal Center Zero Additional Pupulation Project www.sfzapp.com, U.S. (707) 320-4969 or MX (686) 577-2708 LORETO - The Optimist Club of Loreto is looking for new members. Contact Jupiter Jones at (613) 1350143 LOS BARRILES - Recycle Days Calendar for Summer 2010: June 3, July 1, August 5. No recycling in September and October. Will resume November 4, 2010. Bring recycles to East Cape RV Resort (behind Otra Vez Restaurant) btw 9:30am and 11:30am. A $50 peso donation to support the program is not mandatory, but greatly appreciated to continue our program. Questions? Call Charlie at 142-0231 or email: chazblackstrap@yahoo.com

FOR SALE - ITEMS BAJA CALIFORNIA: Unlimited calls to U.S., Canada and more for 29.99 per month. Videophone available so you can see the person. Email jlb@elreysol.com or call (858) 414-4825.

ROSARITO BEACH - La Bamba 1950’s Style American Diner offers:Catering for any event, large or small, Gift certificate, from $5.00 to $50.00, &amp; Advance pie and cake orders at reduced prices. Please contact Susan at 661-100-2560 or e-mail: labambarosarito@ hotmail.com. La Bamba 1950’s Style American Diner Km 29.5 Boulevard Popotla Playas de Rosairto, B.C., Mexico www.labambarosarito.com

SAN FELIPE Estate Sale contact sanfelipepropertyservices@gmail.com or 686-5760081, 686-110-0276, 686-202-0455 SAN FELIPE - Get your solar oven today. Save on energy costs and quit adding heat to your home. Works wonders. Can cook most anything that you can cook in a regular oven. Food will not burn. Place your dinner in the oven, go to the pool, beach, etc. come back and your dinner is ready. Contact Barbara Crocker, cell 686 106 9693. Demos available.

SAN FELIPE - HughesNet Satellite & Modem For Sale - asking $400usd. Contact sanfelipebaja@gmail.com.

MULEGE - 89’ Wrangler Jeep 4x4. 5 speed with power steering and power brakes, CD player, new top, tires, brakes and battery. Always garaged. Runs great and in beautiful condition. $5,500. Located at Posada Concepcion #42. jyjgradisher@yahoo.com, (619) 793-4790 U.S., (646) 155-0408 MX.

FOR SALE - REAL ESTATE ROSARITO BEACH - Home with 180 degree ocean view in a safe community 3 miles South of Rosarito. 3 bedroom, 2 Bath-Spacious, open-room format, artistic touches throughout large kitchen, laundry room with washer & gas dryer, 2 car garage with automatic door, large backyard, RV/Boat storage, MX landline, Vonage phone, DSL, & Direct TV all available Contact Jan Ward US (619) 819-9451 or Mex (661)-613-2090 email: tomjanward@gmail.com Note - please include your phone number in e-mail.

SAN FELIPE - Beachside Solar home for sale in Campo Quintas Las Rosas. Just 4 miles north of San Felipe. This beautiful is just steps from the beach. 2 bedrooms, large bathroom, open kitchen, large living area with fireplace, plus a bonus loft. Solar system is extremely functional and economical. Renewable lease on this oversized lot. A bargain at $65,000.U.S. Must see!! Contact; Jim Moore 686-184-9237 bajajim007@ yahoo.com.

ROSARITO BEACH - 2006 Polares 4x4 quad 500 Sportsman Red Flame edition with very low hours.

Owned by a 70-year-old man - wife says, “you don’t ride it, so sell it.” Like new! $4,300; always garaged. jyjgradisher@yahoo.com, (629) 793-4790 U.S., (646) 155-0408 MX.

SAN FELIPE - SOUTH CAMPOS Beautiful, Large, Beach Front Home with apartment (possible rental income), 25 miles South of San Felipe. 2 bedroom 2 bath, family room, kitchen, Bar overlooking ocean.

28’ dining, ocean front patio with outside kitchen, & beautiful palapa. 2-bedroom Apt. with living & dining area, kitchen, private bath. Annual lease of 100’ x 120’ deep, reasonable rent and excellent, reasonable owner we’ve known for 22 yrs. $225,000. 760-902-9998 or 686-111-0112.

SAN FELIPE - FOR SALE 3 Payne Air Conditioners.

Window/Wall Units. Used, 2-ton units in great operating condition. Units were made in 2000. (208/230V) ONLY $1,500 pesos each! Email or Call Bill: billmaine@ gmail.com, phone MX Cell 686-231-4921 or US 619-

SAN FELIPE – A 2 story condo in La Ventana Del Mar beautifully & tastefully. Private patio, gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, G.E. Low Profile Stainless Steel appliances, oven, cooktop, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, & stacked washer/dryer.

FREE CLASSIFIEDS

All Ads Must be posted by the last Friday of each month. All ads must be specific, no generic ads. All ads must be 25 words or less and contain contact info and price. Any addional words will be $0.25 per word. Baja Good Life Club reserves the right to edit all ads for length, or to refuse any ads. We will not print ads submitted online with ALL CAPS.

Publish Ads Online: www.bajagoodlifeclub.com Publish Ads by Email: (25 word max.) bajareport@gmail.com

Publish Ads by Mail: John Benjamin Pack PO BOX 9019-460 Calexico, CA 92232

IMPORTANT: All checks must be made out to JOHN BENJAMIN PACK. 34

July 2010 – Baja California GUIDE

Located “On” the golf course with panoramic views with a community pool, restaurants, and tennis courts available. “Turnkey”, just bring something to wear $255,000. Price won’t last! Jim Moore 686 184-9237 bajajim007@yahoo.com

gmail.com - www.bajaopenhomes.com.

SAN FELIPE - For Sale Oversize Lot in Campo Ocotillo - 5 miles north of San Felipe. Large, buildable lot with unobstructed mountain and Sandy Beach Sea of Cortez views.This campo is well established with a real community feel. Electricy, city water, renewable lease on the land. #736 Calle del Mar, Campo Ocotillo, San Felipe. $32,000.00. Contact: Jim Moore 686 1849237

LOS BARRILES - Summer Deal “Casa Acantilada” Vacation rentals $1200/week call 624 188 3029/27 or e-mail: info@wolf-pm.com

SAN FELIPE- Campo Quintas Las Rosas - Beachside Solar home for sale. Located 4 miles north of downtown San felipe. This beautiful home is just steps from the beach with an unobstructed view of the Sea of Cortez.

Very rustic and comfortable feel. Two bedrooms, bathroom, open kitchen, large living area, fireplace, plus a bonus loft. Solar system is extremely functional and economical. Renewable lease on this oversized lot.

A bargain at $65,000.U.S. Must see!! Jim Moore 686 184-9237 bajajim007@yahoo.com SAN FELIPE - Ready to build with electric/utilities installed. Located in Vista del Sol, El Dorado Ranch. The property is approximately 75ft. x 100ft. with beautiful ocean and mountain views. Taxes and homeowner fees are current. $18K. Email bajamail@gmx.com for questions/pictures.

LORETO - For Sale by owner $120,000us / 2br Exciting Sports Fishing Casita #B-07/8. In La Mano de Dios the heart of world class big game sports fishing, cruising, sailing, off-roading and all kinds of recreation, security, solitude, serenity and all the comforts of home. Contact Joe at amigojoe2@yahoo.com. Loreto/ Puerto Escondido, BCS, Mexico Tripui Resort www. tripuihotel.com.mx CABO SAN LUCAS - Casa Medano For Sale, $1.4usd million 1 block from Medano Beach, adjacent to Cabo Melia Hotel. 5,000 sq ft construction on 14,000 sq ft Lot. Flex # 10-1100 at http://ampiloscabos.com, Joanne Choo, (624) 129-8683, alice1888@yahoo. com

HELP WANTED BAJA - Have a job you need started or completed?

Email your classified to bajareport@gmail.com. Please included topic, price, info, and contact information.

RENTALS ROSARITO - Las Gaviotas a gated community Choose from two, three and four bedroom homes with ocean front. Prices starting at 150.00 dollars per night.

SPRING SPECIAL, Pay for two nights get third night free. Amminities: Club house, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, tennis court, great surfing, surf fishing,& putting green.

Contact Ramon 619-866-4165 E mail bajaguy05@

LOS BARRILES - Summer Deal “Casa Donna” Vacation rentals $900/week call 624 188 3029/27 or e-mail: info@wolf-pm.com

LOS BARRILES - Summer Deals “Casa Colibrí” Vacation rentals $750/week call 624 188 3029/27 or e-mail: info@wolf-pm.com CABO SAN LUCAS - Master-Room For Rent, usd $400 monthly. Short/ Long-term, Casa Blanca Residencial, 10 minutes drive from Cabo Town. Nonsmokers, No outside shoes inside house. (624) 1298683, alice1888@yahoo.com.

SERVICES ALL OF BAJA - 1000 Business Cards for ONLY $26.00dlls. You only have one chance to make a good first impression! Our premium Business Cards set the industry standard - 1000 16pt full color / full gloss both sides with a 2-3 day turnaround time for only $26.00 dlls. Go to www.theprintsuppier.com or email rachel@ theprintsupplier.com.

BAJA CALIFORNIA: Unlimited calls to U.S., Canada and more for 29.99 per month. Videophone available so you can see the person. Email jlb@elreysol.com or call (858) 414-4825.

BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR - Wolf Management Ground Transportation Service is offering all BAJA GOOD LIFE MEMBERS 5% usd OFF any Transportation Service (one way or roundtrip) through all Baja California Sur. We are professional, punctual, courteous, insured, &amp; full equipped. Once you experience our service you will not want to pay us. Contact Wolf Management info@wolf-pm.com or call (011 52) 624 188 30 27 or 29 More information can be found on www.wolf-pm. com.

SAN FELIPE - Available for house sitting, pet sitting, available year around. Dependable, reasonable, references upon request. Contact Barbara Crocker, cell 686 106 9693.

WANTED SAN FELIPE - ZAPP Center need your Help! Donations of dog and cat food, towels, blankets, newspapers, and money. Contact Steven Forman ZAPP Animal Center Zero Additional Pupulation Project www.sfzapp.com, U.S. (707) 320-4969 or MX (686) 577-2708 SAN FELIPE - Available for house sitting, pet sitting, available year around. Dependable, reasonable, references upon request. Contact Barbara Crocker, cell 686 106 9693.

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CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

“Tequila, EMTs and Me” It has been said that anyone who travels to Mexico enough will eventually have a “tequila story”….

I have observed this phenomenon in others on prior occasions, only to succumb to it myself: Gringos who come to Mexico believing that simply because they have crossed an international border, the laws-of physics, gravity and common sense, in particular, no longer apply.

My girlfriend, Melissa, and I had come to visit San Felipe in northern Baja for a week. We had found our “little slice of paradise” there on the Sea of Cortez and were having a house built. We were also celebrating our birthdays (we share the same day!). Melissa had driven the last leg of the twelve-hour trip from the San Francisco Bay area and was not feeling quite as refreshed as I, the guy who can sleep through anything. Pulling into our place, we unpacked, and I left her there to rest in our casita while I joined some friends for a barbeque at another campo several kilometers away.

A bottle of “Milagros” tequila disappeared while I was enjoying the steak and shrimp. I lost track of my intake after the first few shots, and as I walked over to my truck for something I no longer recall, my sense of balance was put to the test. I never made it back to the party.

{DESTINATION {DIRECTORY BACK PAGE}}

by Greg McKinney

I stumbled, silently, off a cliff in the night! Gravity took over and I was found sometime later, arms and legs stretched out like a starfish on the beach. My friends brought me back up to the top to “sleep it off” in the front seat of their Jeep. I awoke a few hours later, in pain and gasping for breath. I searched for the keys to my truck, fighting for each lungful of air. Confused and wondering what had happened to me, I was determined to get back to Melissa at the casita.

taking me to the emergency room at the St. James Infirmary in San Felipe.

The nurse on duty examined me and found no marks on my body to account for my distress, but he sure became quite animated as he looked at the results of my X-rays.

A broken left shoulder, broken left collar bone, five broken ribs on the left front side with the middle rib puncturing the left lung.

My right lung had also collapsed. The nurse stated that if I did not get flown out of there immediately to the UC San Diego trauma center, I would probably die. A quick call north revealed that it was a busy weekend, and there was no bed space available in San Diego; so I was going to be transported by ground ambulance. The Mexican ambulance crew was both I awoke a few hours later, in gentle and professional on the Code 3 (lights and sirens) run to the El Centro Regional Medical Center. pain and gasping for breath.

Somewhere past La Ventana, I awoke to find both of the EMT technicians standing over me. They had I searched for the keys to been working to resuscitate me! Job well done!

We were detained at the border only long enough my truck, fighting for each to move me to an American ambulance service from Calexico. Eleven hours after my impact with lungful of air. the beach, two chest tubes were inserted into me to re-inflate both lungs. Later that day, I was flown to I made it safely there only to pass UC San Diego to spend the rest of my birthday week in their ICU. out from lack of oxygen.

Here is what I learned from all of this: 1) Tequila, while very When I came to, my moaning and good, is not meant to be consumed in such large amounts, 2) heavy breathing woke her up as I the medical treatment available that night in San Felipe, while dragged myself inside. “What’s wrong ultimately saving my life by stabilizing me for transport north, with you,” she said waking up, clearly was not sufficient to treat my injuries. We need our own trauma annoyed with me. The bedside light center in San Felipe. Until then, I’d advise everyone to look into came on, illuminating my giant head some kind of “Life Flight” insurance like SKYMED because outmagnificently as Melissa attempted of-pocket ambulance costs can be kind of pricey, and 3) it is so to see what all the fuss was about. easy to take the good you have in your life for granted. I could “I, I don’t know,” I honestly squeaked, have easily died that night. The many facets of this story are trying to take in and release enough insignificant to me when compared to the fact that I am still here air to speak. “I think I’m allergic to to tell it. I am now well and forever changed. the shrimp,” was all I could imagine.

Ten months after my accident, my very forgiving love, Melissa, She had known me for seven years married this “Humpty Dumpty”. She and I still travel frequently to and knew that I had no such allergy. visit our beautiful home in our “little slice of heaven” on the Sea Bless her heart; she had the of Cortez-San Felipe. Vaya con cuidado! presence of mind to insist on

San Felipe BC Lions Club Summer Meeting Schedule 3rd Thurdays of the month

6pm - 7pm Los Arcos Restaurant sanfelipebclionsclub@gmail.com

www. sanfelipebclionsclub.org CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

BAJA GOOD LIFE CLUB – July 2010

www.bajagoodlifeclub.com

35

PAYMENT: Bill Me (email required) Check Enclosed

Name:___________________________________ Address:__________________________________ City:_____________________________________ State:____________________________________ Zip/Postal Code:____________________________ Phone:___________________________________ Email:____________________________________

Become a Member online: www.bajagoodlifeclub.com Become a Member by Mail: John Benjamin Pack PO BOX 9019-460 Calexico, CA 92232 Become a Member Locally: San Felipe Residents can drop mayment off in box #460 at Yetmail.

IMPORTANT: All checks must be made out to JOHN BENJAMIN PACK. Bill Me option requires an email for electronic invoice.

36

July 2010 – Baja California GUIDE

CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1

J

TYPE: Personal Membership ($35 per year).

Merchant Membership ($12 per month).

BA

Yes, I want to be a member:

Become a Member by phone: 1-877-LUVMEX1 / 619-550-2370



NEW MEMBER INFO:

GOOD L

An Annualy Membership Includes all discounts listed in this publication and online, the “Baja California” magazine and discounts on Baja events.

A

Start Saving Big on Baja

PO Box 9019-460 Calexico, CA 92232

Join the Club

IF

E