Edition 23 - April 2009

$20 MEX / $3.00 USA No. 23 - www.mexicoliving.info

April / abril 2009

Travel Economics A Guide to Budget Weekends in Northwest Mexico Are You Safe In Mexico?

Testimonials from the other side of the fence

In Search of Hotels

Discovering history and beauty in Mexican hotels PLUS P LUS Border Crossing Master Plan The Mexican Sound of Mariachi Realtors Giving Back to Rosarito El Coyote beach south of Mulegé Baja California Sur by Jesús Eloy Ramos Lara of Mexico City

LIVE • WORK • PLAY • INVEST • RETIRE

WELCOME TO NORTHWEST MEXICO

4 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

WELCOME / BIENNVENIDO

WELCOME TO NORTHWEST MEXICO

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 5

WELCOME TO NORTHWEST MEXICO

Mexico Living Team & Contacts USA: 800-576-0919 Ext. 3 Ensenada: 646-192-6965 San Felipe: 686-2314921 Puerto Peñasco: 638-388-5004 San Carlos: 622-111-2624 Website: www.mexicoliving.info Email: info@mexicoliving.info 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 of Northwest Mexico. We highlight the amazing natural beauty, friendly people, opportunities and lifestyles of one of the most unique places on Earth; and to 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.

Published by John Benjamin Pack

Publisher/Editor, John Pack, john@mexicoliving.info Publisher, Rachel Pack, rachel@mexicoliving.info Managing Editor, Brenda Judy, bjudy@mexicoliving.info Golf Editor, Hal “Paco” Clark, bajapaco@gmail.com Regional Sales Associates Carlos Duran Rosarito Beach carlos@mexicoliving.info Bill Maine San Felipe bill@mexicoliving.info

Russ Black Puerto Peñasco russ@mexicoliving.info

Rachel Pack Ensenada rachel@mexicoliving.info

Lynn Prince San Carlos lynnprinceformlg@gmail.com

Distribution Gene & Darcy Jensen, Regional Carlos Duran, Gold Coast Russ Black, Puerto Penasco Bill Maine, San Felipe Writers Bob Ham, Carlos Durán, Russ Black, Naomi Black, Gretchen Ellinger, Penny Nask, Beverly Arrowood, Linda Shiflett, Carlos & Julia Bono, Lynn Prince, Steven Forman, Lisa Shannon, Steve Dryden, Alfonso Arambula, John Pack, Benjamin Eugene, Rachel Pack, Rita Pizarro, Audery Coffman, Ron Saunders, and Christa Thomas.

Ad Graphics GreetScape adart@mexicoliving.info

Production Layout Carolyn Sheltraw info@csheltraw.com

Mexico Mailing Address: Yetmail Box #460 San Felipe, B.C. Mexico 21850

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

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.

6 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Table of Contents

EACH SECTION IS COLOR CODED ON THE RIGHT MARGIN Welcome: Regional Map ...........................................................4 Letters to the Editor ..................................................7 Contributors .............................................................8 Do You Feel Safe in Mexico.......................................9 Welcome to Northwest Mexico ...............................10 Calendar & Events: Cinco de Mayo Fiesta .............................................12 2nd Annual Trail Ride .............................................13 San Felipe’s Entertainment Venues .........................14 Calendar Dates.......................................................15 The Mexican Sound of Mariachi..............................16 Art & Design: Silvia Chavez Inventor of Colors..............................18 People & Voices: Talking Trash ..........................................................20 The First Clam Bake ...............................................21 An American in Baja: K.C. ......................................22 Animal Advocate Edward Coward ...........................23 Spanish Language Blunders ...................................24 News & Politics: Walmart Bullish on Mexico .....................................26 Newest Changes with the Merida Initiative ..............26 President Calderón Fights Unemployment ...............26 President Calderón Invests in a Healthy Mexico.......27 U.S. Consulate General Calls Meeting in San Carlos ............................................27 Border Crossing Master Plan ................................28 Real Estate & Development: Local Realtors Giving Back .....................................30 Casa Mónica ..........................................................31 Travel & Road Trips: In Search of Hotels .................................................32 Travel Economics ..................................................34 Rosarito Beach: Welcome to Rosarito Beach ...............................36 Public Safety Seminar .......................................38 Ensenada: Welcome to Ensenada .......................................40 New Lodging in Mexico’s Wine Country .............42 Bajamar ...........................................................44 Teens Still Make Mexico Trip ..............................46 San Felipe: Welcome to San Felipe ...........................................48 Entertainers of the San Felipe Music Scene .............50 Playa del Paraiso ..................................................52 Around Town in San Felipe .....................................54 San Felipe News Briefs ...........................................56 Puerto Peñasco: Welcome to Puerto Peñasco ..................................70 Dining Off the Beaten Path ......................................72 The Canoe Theory ..................................................75 Great Places to Stay and Play .................................76 Around Town with Tom and Rita .............................79 San Carlos: Welcome to San Carlos ..........................................82 Garden Restaurant Re-Opens .................................83 Mark Mulligan Honored ..........................................86 Costa Bella Living .................................................88 Brain Games .........................................................92 Classified ...............................................................94

IN BOX - Letters and eMails

SEND US FEEDBACK

Do you have a comment? Email us at mexicoliving@gmail.com

It was a great pleasure to be part of the 2009 Blues & Arts Fiesta. For months now we have been working with the San Felipe BC Lions Club on producing this event John and Rachel Pack and I’m proud to say that we seem to be getting better at it. This could very well become one of the biggest events in our region and the fact that it is all for charity and produced by volunteers is more amazing each year.

Letters to the Editor

The bands were once again on their game, belting out some foot-stomping blues all day and all night!

All of the performers are just as excited as we are about being a part of something so special and put on a show to prove it!

The art was spectacular; crafts, fine art, sculpture, photography and more. These artists came from throughout the entire region including northwest Baja, the USA and Sonora, Mexico. The audience enjoyed a day of exploring all these fine works.

Now it’s time to stop, reflect, and see what we can do better next year. Thank you all so much for being a part of “Changing Lives Through Music and Art.”

SEND US FEEDBACK

Do you have a comment? Email us at mexicoliving@gmail.com

SENTRI Program

Anonymous, we’re Sorry you missed a GREAT time just because the media is blowing things way out of proportion. In all reality, you are safer in Northwest Mexico than most places in the U.S. The media can say whatever they want, but the facts still remain the same: The U.S. is #1 in the world for total crime—Mexico comes in way down the list at #12.

Jim, thank you. As you know the SENTRI provides expedited travel to approved members between the U.S. and Mexico border. This space doesn’t allow for a full description and breakdown, however, here is the SENTRI website which will provide all the information you need: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_ traveler/sentri/

Mexico Safety Information: http://www.mexicoliving.info/SafetyinMexico/ tabid/523/language/en-US/Default.aspx

I enjoy the articles covering the border crossing news and heads up info. I was interested in knowing the particulars of the SENTRI program and how to qualify for this program. Love the magazine and all the features and things to do and places to visit.

Keep up the great work.

– Jim Cates

Blues and Arts 2009

Looks like a very good time. I’d love to go.

However, with all the border killings, and ongoing corruption that never ends, it is uncomfortable for many U.S. citizens, that country slits its own throat.

I’m done with Mexico for good. They get what they deserve. Sorry, just venting. I know you have nothing to do with the problem there.

– Anonymous

WELCOME / BIENNVENIDO

Publishers Letter

WELCOME TO NORTHWEST MEXICO

#1 City in Kidnapping

I am told that Phoenix, Arizona, is rated as the #1 City for KIDNAPPING in the United States. Maybe we should let the tousits know so they can stay away and come to Mexico.

– Bill Barvitski Bill, you are so right on the money. We’re working on a big feature article for May about safety in Mexico and this will be in there.

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WELCOME TO NORTHWEST MEXICO

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, please email mexicoliving@gmail.com Carlos Durán, Playas de Rosarito – Born in Calexico. Carlos owned a Latino publication for the Long Beach/LA area for five years.

Today he is a dual citizen and enjoys traveling the peninsula as often as possible.

Alfonso Arambula – An art and English teacher and highly awarded artist. He is the artist for FOX Studios in Rosarito, a Member of the Advisory Committee for the Culture Institute of Baja California and has been featured on the Discovery Channel.

Steve Dryden, Ensenada – Steve is a wine, food and travel writer living in Mexico’s premier wine country of Guadalupe Valley. He is a former Napa Valley winery manager who now guides private, small groups and motor coach wine tours.

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.

Lisa Shannon, San Felipe – A frequent visitor to San Felipe since 2007. Lisa has been involved in printing and graphic design for over two decades. She enjoys working hard to establish a good life for herself, her partner, Bill Maine, and their two dogs.

Carlos and Julia Bono, San Felipe – Carlos and Julia moved to San Felipe from the San Francisco Bay area. Today, they are proprietors of the Sahuaros.net Internet Café in San Felipe, where they offer Internet, English/Spanish translation and more.

Steven Forman, San Felipe – Nicknamed “DogMan” by folks around San Felipe, Steven Forman came to San Felipe in 2003. Steven says the reason he came to San Felipe was to get involved in humane animal work.

Bob Ham, San Felipe – In 2006, Bob was inducted into the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame. He now works for Imperial County and is responsible for transportation planning efforts, including border crossing infrastructure.

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Audrey Coffman, San Felipe – East Coast born and raised, Audrey has done a lot of things and lived in a lot of places. She’s had many different careers, raised two kids and is in love with Baja and the people who have made it their home.

Ron Saunders, San Felipe – A native New Yorker, until 1986 when he relocated to Colorado. In 2003 he moved to Baja California.

Ron is a member of Editorial Photographers and a charter member of the San Felipe Fine Arts Association.

Russ and Naomi Black, Puerto Peñasco – Russ and Naomi grew up in Phoenix, AZ, and have been married for over 26 years. They owned Peñasco RV Club and conducted RV Caravan tours in Northern Mexico for many years.

Gretchen Ellinger, Puerto Peñasco – Known for her expertise in foreigner ownership of Mexican property and her love of Puerto Peñasco and Mexico. She lives and works in Cholla Bay, and shares her adventurous spirit in her articles.

Rita Pizarro, Puerto Peñasco – In addition to freelance writing, Rita also offers vacation rentals by owner, massage, home inspections, yoga, kite surfing, pet sitting and adventure camps. It seems like a lot, but it fits her active lifestyle.

Linda Shiflett, San Carlos / Guaymas – Originally from Spokane, WA, Linda and her husband, Mike, moved to San Carlos in 2007.

Linda keeps busy with several local organizations, including the San Carlos DAR Chapter that she organized in 2007.

Lynn Prince, San Carlos / Guaymas – Lynn is a researcher and freelance journalist, and the fundraising event coordinator for Casa de Hogar orphanage in Guaymas. She was the feature editor and staff writer for the San Carlos Times/Tribune.

Katrina Tinoco, Ensenada – Originally from England, Katrina came to Ensenada whilst working on a cruise ship and met her husband.

They married in 1987 and have three children, all born and raised in Ensenada. She and her husband currently own La Vendimia restaurant.

WELCOME TO NORTHWEST MEXICO

READERS POLL: What do you think?

Do you feel safe in Mexico?

We had this misfortune of seeing U.S. television and it angered us so much that even with only 24 hours before press we decided to ask our readers their feelings on safety in Mexico. By the following morning 130 of you responded. Here are the partial results, the complete results can be found at mexicoliving.info under the Safety in Mexico menu.

READER COMMENTS: “...I feel that they are safer here than in San Francisco...Berkeley...Oakland ...anywhere.”

“...the Mexican people, and the expats are warm and friendly....we become part of each other’s lives. We love our lives here. We have no fears, no tears...we love being here! “ “Do not fear moving to Mexico, life here is a wonderful change of pace...” “...I have a good quality of life here, and frankly, it’s the one place I can afford to live and be broke, and still live well.”

“We have never had a safety issue here in Mexico. Mexico is getting a lot of unwarranted publicity at this time.”

“Move over America, Mexico is setting the bar!”

WELCOME / BIENNVENIDO

“....a war against tourists isn’t happening... it is propaganda...”

“I am a single woman and own a construction management business. I have been living full time in San Felipe since 2004 and love it here. I feel safer here than I do in the states.”

“If you check your facts (try AAA of Arizona), I believe you will learn that Northern Mexico is, in general, statistically safer than many areas in the USA, including the Phoenix metropolitan area...”

“Having lived many places in the world, one learns to avoid dangerous neighborhoods and regions that may pose safety challenges.”

“I am a 66-year-old woman who lived the biggest share of my adult life in the Seattle, WA, area. I feel much safer here in San Felipe than I did living and raising my family in the Seattle area for 30 plus years.”

“I feel it is the safest place I lived since I was a child. ” “Puerto Penasco is safe. There are absolutely no issues occuring in our Paradise. Pass the Word to U.S. Fox news, ABC, CBS and NBC...”

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WELCOME TO NORTHWEST MEXICO

Northwest Mexico

Welcome to Northwest Mexico

Olympic Rowing Team in the Bahia de San Felipe Photo by Victor Rodriguez Ratliff

Live, Work and Play in Paradise.

he Mexican states of Baja California and Sonora T make up Northwest Mexico 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 seventy-five degrees, and some of the most welcoming people in the world.

Northwest Mexico is the destination of choice for retirees, investors, entrepreneurs, travelers, and vacationers alike. The U.S. State Department say more Americans retire in Mexico than any other place on the globe; 51% 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, Northwest Mexico is the place.

We hope our guide helps you to enjoy Northwest Mexico to the fullest. Explore!

TOURISM & VISITOR INFO Detailed information can be obtained from the following tourist offices: Mexico, visitmexico.com Baja California, State Tourism www.discoverbajacalifornia.com & www.turismobc.gob.mx 01152-664-634-6330, -634-6918, -634-6574, or toll free from the U.S. (888) 775-2417 Ensenada Baja California, www. enjoyensenada.com , 011-52-646-1723022, or (800) 310-9687; www. enjoyensenada.com Rosarito Baja California, www.rosarito.org 011-52-661-612-5222, or (800) 962-2252; www.rosarito.org San Felipe Baja California, sanfelipe.com. mx (COTUCO) 011-52-686-5771104 Tecate Baja California, tecatemexico.com.mx 10 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Tijuana Baja California, seetijuana.com, 011-52-664-6840537, or toll free from the U.S. (888) 775-2417; www.tijuanaonline.org.

Mexicali Baja California, mexicaliturismo.com/cotuco/prueba/ ingles. Mexicali is the capital of the State of Baja CA. Sonora State Government http://www.gotosonora.com/ Hermosillo Sonora, www.gotosonora.com/hermosilloson-mx.htm. Hermosillo is the capital of the State of Sonora.

Puerto Peñasco www.cometorockypoint.com.

Guaymas/SanCarlos www.gotosonora.com/ san-carlos-son-mx.htm.

WELCOME TO NORTHWEST MEXICO 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 US currency or equivalent in other currencies, foreign or national checks, and/or other monetary instruments.

WHAT CAN I BRING INTO MEXICO? As you approach the order, there are generally multiple lanes labeled “Nothing to Declare - Nada que Declarar” and “Declaration Lane - Carril de Declaración.”

Declaration Lane ($75 - $1000) If you are bringing more than US $75 worth of merchandise per person, but not more than US $1000, you may declare it by driving into the customs facility thru 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% and 25% of the value of the merchandise.

Nothing to Declare Lane ($75 per personal value or less) 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 person 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.

• 2 (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

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 US 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, medicine other than personal use.

• Amounts over US $1000 require the use of a Mexican customs broker.

WELCOME / BIENNVENIDO

WHAT DO I NEED? A combination of identification documents, such as a U.S. Drivers License and a U.S. Bir th Cer tificate or a valid U.S. passport - PASSPORTS ARE NOT REQUIRED! You do not need a tourist visa if you visit any of the northwest region for 72 hours or less. You can obtain a tourist card in Mexicali at the Aduana (Customs) office building located at the border gates.

WHAT CAN I TAKE HOME? You can bring back 800 USD 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 USD limit.

VEHICLE PERMITS Tourists traveling with their vehicle beyond the border zone north of Ensenada, San Felipe or Puerto Peñasco must obtain a temporary import permit or risk having their vehicle confiscated by Mexican customs officials.

MILITARY CHECKPOINTS There are military checkpoints along the way to all the Northwest border cities. These check points 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 vehicle or RV. Check points on both sides of the border, are an agreement between the United States and Mexico to fight drugs.

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NORTHWEST MEXICO CALENDAR & EVENTS

NORTHWEST CALENDAR

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Save the Dates!

Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3 At Rosarito’s Plaza San Fernando

by Laura Miller, AMPI

ROSARITO BEACH One and all are invited for two fun-filled days of celebrating the positive things Rosarito has to offer, focusing on the vibrant colors, alluring flavors, and the lively sounds of Mexico.

The site will be converted into a scene from early Puebla as there will be a reenactment of the Cinco de Mayo Battle of 1862 between the French and the Mexican soldiers.

There will also be a competition of local restaurants presenting the flavors of Puebla.

Something for everyone is promised, as there will be Rosarito children participating in a parade

12 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

leading up to the opening on Saturday. In addition, there will be food, refreshments, art and furniture artisans, dance and instrumental performers, carriage rides, a headliner musical show for Saturday evening, a fireworks show, and a contest for “best dressed,” so you are encouraged to dress “Mexican.”

Take advantage of special hotel and golf rates, and don’t forget

surfing!

This Fiesta is a joint collaboration of the City of Rosarito, many of the city’s associations including hotels, restaurants, artists, furniture row, COTUCO, real estate developers, DIF and AMPI, a real estate professional organization.

NORTHWEST MEXICO CALENDAR & EVENTS

MAINTAINING TRADITIONS: 2nd Annual Trail Ride

by Lynn Prince

4,000 horseback riders participate each year.

Approximately 300 riders participated this year and the ride began at a ranch past Paradiso Resort.

Breakfast was set up for the riders near Los Posada’s Condominiums. The ride then proceeded through a creek by Marina Seca, past El Babiso ranch, Nacapuli Canyon, through El Potrero Canyon then to Guayacam Ranch for machaca for lunch. The day ended near the corrals at the Guaymas Ranchers Association for a evening of Fiesta. A barbeque and beer rounded dinner out as dancers, dancing horses and live music supplied the entertainment.

CALENDAR & EVENTS

San Carlos, Sonora Mexico - In the spirit of maintaining the horseback riding traditions of Mexico, Asociacion Ganadera de Guaymas sponsored its 2nd annual 8hour trail ride on February 13. This is a smaller version of the Governor of Sonora’s traditional ride where nearly

Photo by Alejandro “alecs” Martinez

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NORTHWEST MEXICO CALENDAR & EVENTS

San Felipe’s Entertainment Venues

Live music, dance clubs, or just a cold cerveza and good conversation

by Carlos and Julia Bono of Sahuaros Realty

featuring live music with the premier San Felipe blues/rock band Agave Blues on Fridays and the popular folk/country duo 2AM on Saturdays. In addition to entertainment, The Lighthouse Restaurant also features award-winning food and a full bar. Proprietor Tim Outzen, who operates the restaurant with his wife Maria and son Steve, aptly sums up his business philosophy, “We just do our best to make as many people happy as we can.”

Other popular San Felipe restaurants that regularly Tim Outzen and his wife, Maria, proprietors of the popular Lighthouse Restaurant, smile in front of 2AM, a country/folk guitar duo featuring Al Mayov offer live music on weekends and Tom O’Neill. Photo by Julia Bono include Beach Bar and Grill at Playa de Oro, Juanito’s Being entertained in San Felipe is practically Cantina at El Dorado Ranch, The Happy Jackass impossible to avoid, unless you don’t ever go at Los Arcos, the restaurant at Pete’s Camp, and out! An impressive number of establishments and Baja Java’s new location north of town. Live music watering holes are ready to entertain tourists and can also be heard occasionally at The Hacienda locals alike with a variety of enticements, ranging de Langosta Roja, Rosita’s and the Latin Garden from live music to table dances. Basically, San restaurants.

Of course, if you just want to dance, be sure to Felipe offers something for just about everyone.

For starters, a great selection of restaurants visit the world-famous Rockodile nightclub on the features entertainment of different kinds throughout Malecon. This large dance club is geared toward the week. The Lighthouse Restaurant for example, U.S. tourists, and it offers multiple dance floors currently hosts a lively Karaoke night on Tuesday with different sound environments, a full bar and with the Singout Sisters and Chuy, as well as its own souvenir shop! The Rockodile also hosts

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NORTHWEST MEXICO CALENDAR & EVENTS

NORTHWEST MEXICO CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUBMIT YOUR CALENDAR EVENT http://www.mexicoliving.info (under Articles and Community menu)

IMPORTANT DATES

Apr. 1: April Fools Day (U.S.) Apr. 5: Daylight Savings (MX) Apr. 5–11: Semana Santa Week Apr. 11: Earth Day Apr. 12: Easter Sunday / Domingo de Resurreccion Apr. 13: Easter Monday (Canada) Apr. 18: Dia de Los Niños / Childerens Day (MX) May 1: Dia del Trabajo (Labor Day in Mexico) Holiday May 5: Cinco de Mayo May 7–10: Olimpiada de REMO (MX) May 10: Mother’s Day / Dia de las Madres (MX) May 16: Armed Forces Day (U.S.) May 25: Memorial Day (U.S.)

LOCAL MONTHLY EVENTS ROSARITO BEACH May 2–3: Reenactment of the Cinco de Mayo Battle at Rosarito’s Plaza, San Fernando with Gypsy Kings Tribute Band to headline Saturday night.

ENSENADA

Apr. 1–30: Gray Whale Watching Apr. 18: Rosarito Ensenada Bike Ride. Head to Baja California with 7,500 of your closest friends for this award-winning 50-mile bicycle ride along the Pacific Coast and inland through rural countryside from Rosarito Beach to Ensenada.

Then party at the legendary Fiesta Line Fiesta on the Ensenada waterfront with live Rock-n-Roll until sunset!

Apr. 24: Nosa Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race.

In the yachting world, no other international race attracts more entries. This annual event takes place the last weekend in April. With its spectacular starts off the shores of Newport Beach, this is always reported as one of the greatest sailing events of the year. http://www.nosa.org/ Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 15

CALENDAR & EVENTS

special sports events such as wrestling and boxing matches. Also fun for dancing is the Beachcomber Bar and Nightclub, which has an upstairs open air dance floor, a full bar and a stage area in the back that is perfect for private parties. The Miramar Bar, a fixture on the Malecon since the 50s, offers dancing to traditional Mexican cumbias that are performed live on Saturday nights at 10 p.m. The bar also has table tennis and pool tables for patrons.

Other bars sometimes offer entertainment. For example, Fandango’s Bar and Grill currently has live music on Wednesdays, and is expanding its food menu. The relatively new and stylish V-Lounge on Mar de Cortez has a big video screen to show movies on Wednesday nights, and The Barefoot Bar at the El Cortez Hotel, which has an attractive, rustic décor, also sometimes hosts live music.

Regarding adult entertainment venues, the most prominent is The Iguana. Located on the Malecon, this popular table dance venue opens from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. on weekends, with shows starting at 8 p.m. On a small backstreet located two streets off the Malecon, and across from the appropriatelynamed “Sexy” boutique, is Al’s Backstreet Bar. Al sometimes hosts live music and his bar is creatively-decorated with photos and a jukebox that would make a New York or Chicago native feel right at home. Al’s is a great place to watch a ball game, eat or just have a drink. To the north of Al’s is the Café Cantante El Imperio, a floor show/ table dance venue that is another popular hotspot for adult entertainment. If betting on sports is your thing, then you might enjoy Caliente, a sports bar with pool tables and sports betting.

Last, but certainly not least, is Bandidos Bar and Grill, a relatively new and impressive multi-media entertainment venue located on Mar de Cortez.

Bandidos offers a large, fresh nightclub environment with as many amenities as older venues; however, since the venue’s regular entertainment and special events cater more to the local Mexican population, it’s a great place to experience some local culture.

A recent addition to the venue is the huge, highresolution video screen, stage and dance floor.

Sunshine Rodriguez, the proprietor of Bandidos, plans to show televised sports events and movies with English subtitles. He also intends to continue to host live music concerts and cockfights, and he has plans to allow families with children into the venue at special, alcohol-free events.

Whether you favor live music, dance clubs, or just a cold cervesa and and good conversation, San Felipe has the place for you.

NORTHWEST MEXICO CALENDAR & EVENTS May 3: Feria Artesanal Arts & Crafts Fair, FREE, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

May 18–20: Regional Conference Club Rotario Coral & Marina Hotel May 25: Horse, Art And Wine Festival, 5th Edition Adobe Guadalupe vineyard, 10 a.m. $160 pesos.

May 25: ENSENADA de Todos Heritage event of Ensenada - Ventana al Mar, FREE, 11 a.m.–6pm.

May 30–June 1: Tecate Scores Baja 500. www.score-international.com

SAN FELIPE

Lions Club Meeting, 2nd & 4th Thursday Rotary Club Meeting every Monday Las Amigas, 2nd & 4th Wednesday Apr. 4: Las Amigas Luau. Campo Ocotillo Lodge, 2 p.m. $12.50 per person or 175 pesos. Music

by Baja Boys. Pork provided by Blowin’ Smoke Restaurant. Entertainment from Mexicali. Contact Patricia Lowe, 576-0415. Lynn Cochran, Co-Chair.

Las Amigas University Students Scholarship Program www.clublasamigas.com Apr. 11: Earth Day, 8 a.m.–Noon. Beach Clean up at Casey’s Place. More info: www.SanFelipeBeach.org Apr. 11: “Poker Run” South Campos. Entry only $20 (entry into the race, T-shirt, and 3 drink tickets), 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Check in 9–10 a.m. at the South Compo community Center Km 38.5. Line up - 10 a.m.; Start - 10:30 a.m.; Winners announced - 1:30 p.m.

Apr. 13: 1St. Torneo Pesca Deportiva “ Guty M.” May 2: 7th Annual Chili Cook Off. Club de Pesca International Chili Cook Off from 1–5 p.m. on the Ramada patio at Club De Pesca RV Park, San Felipe. Enter the with your own team or attend as a taste-testing guest. Contact Joseph Malek (686) 233-5206, or Elayne Caldwell at 577-2649 or caldes@prodigy.net.

May 2: 7th Annual Torneo de Pesca Deportiva May 5: MX-Cinco de Mayo (Mexico’s defeat of the French at the battle of Pueblo in 1862 East-Central Mexico) May 15–16: 7th Torneo de Pesca Deportiva & Hotel El Cortez May 19: “Put Your Best Dish Forward” Hosted by ZAPP at Beach Bar & Grill at Playa de Oro. The Ultimate Food Challenge and Tasting Event. 1–4 p.m.

From the U.S., call (707) 320-4969; from Mexico, (686) 577-2708. www.sfzapp.blogspot.com May 23: Laguna Percebu Poker Run 16 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Old School Mariachis in Guadalajara Photo by Naomi Black

The Mexican Sound of Mariachi

by Naomi Black

Los Diamantes de Penasco

Strolling mariachis, dressed in their charro-style ornately embroidered jackets, silver-studded pants, sombrero hat, cowboy boots and playing a variety of instruments, evoke the sum essence of Mexico.

Their songs of Mexico speak of love and betrayal, death, machismo, politics and the heroes of the revolutions.

Originally, the music of Mexico was the indigenous sounds of rattles, drums, reed or clay flutes and conch-shell horns. Hundreds of years ago, the Spanish changed all of this with imported instruments.

Mariachi is a melding of many sounds. The violins, trumpets and guitars are all standard European instruments. Add three specifically Mexican instruments: the round-backed guitar called a vihuela, the deep-voiced guitarró and the Mexican folk harp.

The concertina or accordion was introduced by German immigrants first to Texas and then into northern Mexico as they traveled south in search of work in the fields and railroads of Mexico. Another addition was the trumpet which became an integral part of mariachi music in the 1950s when emerging Jazz and Cuban music further influenced the mariachi. All of these instruments combine in sharply contrasting sounds which are truly the heart and soul of Mexico.

NORTHWEST MEXICO CALENDAR & EVENTS

The most common mariachi style is called “son,” this rhythmic patterned sound has an African influence although the music clearly originates from Spain. This music was born to be danced to and the distinctive Spanish footwork is intense. One such dance is the zapateado where dancers drive the heels of their boots into the dance floor, pounding out rhythms which complement the instrumentals. It is said that these dancers can literally reduce a wooden dance floor to splinters because of the force of the dance!

In the 1930s the president of Mexico was hoping to unify the vastly different regions of Mexico with a common culture and to this end he promoted the musical tradition of the mariachi. Today the national

Los Moritos de Penasco, the next generation of Mariachi Photo by Naomi Black

dance of Mexico is the Mexican Hat Dance with its precise movement and unique costumes. It is a dance of the charro (or horseman) of Jalisco state and his beautiful partner who dresses in a traditionally handwoven shawl and bright sequined skirt.

The 1950s are often called the Golden Age of the Mexican cinema. Romantic films of this period present Mexico as a rugged land of the true charro whose life revolves around his señorita, his hacienda, his tequila and, of course, the mariachi! Today, traditional songs such as Guadalajara, La Paloma, Volver Volver, Cielito Lindo, Besame Mucho and La Bamba continue to captivate listeners with the romance and nostalgia of Old Mexico as they sit intrigued by the strolling mariachi.

Apr. 4: Cholla Bay Sportsmen’s Club Horseshoe Tournament at Cholla Bay Clubhouse, 10 a.m.

Apr. 4: CEDO Oyster Experience. Learn all about the oyster. Biology, Cultivation, Harvest and Cooking, 2–6 p.m. www.cedointercultural.org Apr. 11: One Club Open. Proceeds benefit Needy Families of Penasco. www.jjscantina.com Apr. 11–13: Beach Volleyball Tournament at Las Palomas Beach and Golf Resort, www. laspalomasresort.net Apr. 17–18: Triathlon At Las Palomas Beach and Golf Resort. www.lapalomasresort.net Apr. 17–18: Beach Volleyball Tournament, Playa Bonita Resort, www.playabonitaresort.com Apr. 18: Beach Volleyball an ‘80s theme. Room rates are a bit cheaper, a large block of rooms available for players, friends and family at Playa Bonita Resort. First come, first served. Contact Luis@ outtatownproductions.com. Tell him Mexico Living Guide sent you.

Apr. 18: Charity 18-Hole Putting Golf Tournament, 8:30 a.m. at Casa Blanca Golf Villas. For the Peñasco Children’s Foundation! Contact Jan Miller: (303) 317-2024 or janmill3@gmail.com Apr. 18: CEDO Swim with the Sea Lions at Bird Island. www.cedointercultural.org April 21: CEDO: Marine Connections: Currents, Reserves, and Sustainable Fisheries. More info brian@cedointercultural.org Apr. 23–26: Sky Divers at Playa Bonita Hotel Apr. 25: CEDO Secrets of the Tide Pools, 7–9 a.m. www.cedointercultural.org Apr 30: Dia del Nino “Children’s Day” events at Las Palomas.

May 9: JJ’s Chili Cook-off at Cholla Bay May 18: Sand Drags May 30–31: Deep Sea Rocky Point Fishing Tourney

SAN CARLOS

Apr. 11: Castaway Kid. In conjunction with the Tucson Association of Realtors, Mark Mulligan is performing a concert to benefit the Castaway Kids and the Hearth Foundation in Tucson in the TAR building located at 2445 N Tucson Blvd. $45 (includes a drink ticket and light Hors D’Oeuvres).

May 22–24: 16th Annual Ladies International Fishing Tournament May 29–31: 9th International Fishing Tournament.

San Carlos Yacht Club/Rescate de San Carlos.

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CALENDAR & EVENTS

PUERTO PEÑASCO

ARTS & DESIGN OF MEXICO

ART & DESIGN

“Triste Rojo” (Sad Red)

Silvia Chavez Inventor of Colors

by Alfonso Arámbula Robles

Silvia Chavez allows for the possibility of basic colors to split into infinite chromatic manifestations, through an interaction of light and color. On her canvas, she gifts us with her expressions and mixes of brilliant gammas ranging beyond that of a rainbow; interconnected by multiple forms, as though it were an unending echo of a musical resonance of images.

A native to Baja California, Silvia and her family currently live in Ensenada. She is a joyous woman with a sparkling smile, who lives her life as a woman of multiple commitments; such is the role of one who is a mother and a housewife. She cares for her children, Alexandra and Xavier, as well as her husband, Xavier; a man who encourages and supports her in so many ways, so that she can also be true to the artist she is. It is commendable that she has her perspective in check on these family commitments, adoring her children and husband, while giving herself the time and liberty to be an artist; which she does masterfully.

In her short span of six years as a painter, Silvia has achieved a great discipline and academic growth. Also her freedom and expressive depth have 18 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

expanded, as shown in her last few acrylic paintings that are so impressive for their thematic originality and the intensive manner of color usage through

“Similitud” (Similarity)

ARTS & DESIGN OF MEXICO

Another great Art Show by Baja Nueva Alphonso Arambula’s newest collection of metal sculptures was a big hit at the latest art show hosted

by Baja Nueva gallery and studio in San Felipe on March 7. Baja Nueva has become known as the premier place in San Felipe to view and purchase the works of local and internationally known artists with their monthly art shows at the Plazita.

Arambula, well known for his stone, wire, and wooden geckos has expanded his creations to include art showing contemporary women created in this very same media. Three of his newest pieces, Bad Hair Day, Shell Hat and Turquoise Lady, are destined to become the leading examples of a genre of composite art created from recycled and natural materials.

The artist has become famous for this style and in the past his works have been mostly for public display of very large pieces, unattainable to the average collector. He has recently been chosen as the Mexican representative at the latest international show in Virginia where one of his pieces will be on display. It is hoped that with his latest creations, more of his art will be placed in the hands of private collectors.

Baja Nueva will have its next art show on Saturday, April 16, at the Plazita featuring well-known local artist Luis Cogly. His newest creations of vibrant, action-filled paintings of horses that are ready to jump off of his canvases are a must see event.

Stop by and enjoy some wine, Hors D’oeuvres and art.

Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 614 Mar de Cortez, San Felipe.

For more information, call (686) 211-4676.

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AR TS & DESI GN

traces of spatula and brush strokes, achieved with a meticulous genre mix of realism and surrealism.

Her creations surge with mastery and elegance— this is the way I can describe Silvia’s pictorial expressions and how you can visualize them— whimsical and evolutionary, looking for new levels of auto expression as a painter and an artist.

It is worthwhile to continue following the artwork of this appreciated artist for her commitment and passion; we will find that she has and will still be reaching far beyond all expectations in the future. The beautiful art of Silvia Chavez is a piece of relevant stylistic art for beautifying one’s house or office space. After I get done writing this article, I will call her to negotiate the purchase of one of her paintings; Bernie, my girlfriend and muse, will definitely be thrilled with this new acquisition.

I invite you to consider the possibility of acquiring an outstanding art piece that can also be a good investment and an acknowledgement to the grand artistry of Silvia Chavez. Contact Silvia at chasile@ hotmail.com or (646) 171-5024.

PEOPLE & VOICES

PEOPLE & VOICES

Talking Trash: Today’s trash is tomorrow’s laboratory

by Dan and Audrey Coffman

Archeologists love trash. For them it is a window into the Ancient Worlds. Trash and a couple of skulls: “Look, Clive! Here’s where the cudgel smashed into the frontal lobe!” These men and women labor under the premise that ancient tribes (e.g., the Anasazi, the Mayans, Lakers fans) left behind remnants of their everyday lives lying around, and that these became significant after centuries of dust and rock had buried them. Today’s trash is tomorrow’s laboratory.

I’ve noticed that to Mexicans trash is no big deal. In town, there are “basura” barrels, and, unless a fiesta

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is going on, the streets and sidewalks are clean and tidy. Farther out, however, trash is pretty much left wherever it lands. Even when it’s kicked around, blown away or carried off by dogs, it pretty much stays in the vicinity. I and my husband Dan, the cigar man, are prospectors, and discovered this when we ventured out into the wilds in search of buried gold. The gold we were seeking, as the story goes, was buried back in the 1930s by a Mexican ranch owner who was seeking a safe repository for his treasure. Our metal detectors did their job, finding strong signals in dozens of spots, but no gold. We unearthed only trash—shell casings, beer tabs, rusty bolts, wires—most identifiable. Others were a quandary, like the strip of carpet thingy—the one-inch piece of metal that anchors wall-to-wall around the edges of a room. My friends, we were in a pretty desolate spot and the houses or whatever was left of them had dirt floors. No “Rugs R Us” for hundreds of miles around. Figure that one out, my archeologist buddies.

Americans are preoccupied with trash. We catalog it, categorize it, double bag and triple bag it. We spend billions of dollars a year to move it as far away from us as possible. Let’s face it: It’s YUCKY! But, I wouldn’t want to be the archeologist many years from now, long after we Americans have died off, trying to figure out what life was like based on our trash, scratching his head and saying, “I think I’d better find a skull or two around here, ‘cause the trash is missing!”

PEOPLE & VOICES

Centavo’s Two Cents: The First Clam Bake

It is impossible for me to stop eating clams. While my guests are busy devouring a normal breakfast at a local eatery, I am stacking a long train of empty clam shells around my plate.

When I found out that an ordinary person could dig for clams on the beach… well, deliriously blissful didn’t come close to my disposition.

What did I need to do this? A rake, a bucket, beer, the low tide and some free time. Are you kidding me?

This venture was created for me!

Bucket in hand (actually two buckets… one for beer), I went to collect my share. “Rake until you hit something that feels like a rock,” I was told. In one half hour I had collected seven. Hmmm… was I doing something wrong?

Apparently clam diggers have their secret ways.

One woman had an unusually long knife—almost a Samurai Sword. She knelt and sliced into the wet mud till she hit a clam. She was popping them into her bucket every time she dug this way. (Where can I get one of those?)

But dig I must… dig… dig… dig… clam… dig… dig… clam. I was possessed. You would think that

they were diamonds. Under all this mud were clams that I could have for free! I was unstoppable.

At night I would dream of clams… clams that just flipped out of their hiding place and into my bucket.

Thank you!

The first time I went clam digging I brought home about 50 clams. They ended up in boiling water before someone could say, “Do you want linguine with that?”

My favorite clamming folks were two guys that carried sacks and golf clubs converted into long forks. Every day they clammed with this equipment.

They never bent down much and their sacks were always full. They told me that they didn’t eat clams and that they were digging them just for fun. What?… and would I like theirs. What?

Great! I didn’t have to dig. Instead, I could just relax and ponder about other clam phenomenon. For instance: How did the first human discover that they could eat these things or even open them up?

This is my possible Two-Cent Story . . .

Beginning Man was told to hunt for food by Beginning Woman. He brought his hunting tools but was not successful catching reptile, animal or fish.

He knew that Beginning Woman would be mad. He would bring her a present to soothe her temper.

Beginning Man absentmindedly stirred up the beach mud with a stick. He hit an object, then another. He liked them and carried them home.

Beginning Woman saw that he had brought what she thought were stones in his basket. Irritated, she threw them on the hot fire where they sizzled from the heat and opened up. Surprised at this, Beginning Man and Beginning Woman were curious about the aroma of the clams and were able to pull them from the coals. When the clams had cooled, they ate them.

Thus the name, Cherry“stone” clams. History was made.

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PEOPLE & VOICES

Photo by Penny Nask

by Penny Nask

PEOPLE & VOICES

An American in Baja: K.C.

by Audrey Coffman

K.C. is a good man to know when economic times get tough. He is able to survive on little and is happy to share what he knows and what he has with his friends.

One day he enthusiastically explained to me how liver is cheap and can be stretched to provide protein for days with a variety of preparations. To K.C. paraphrase songwriter Paul Simon, “there must be 50 ways to love your liver.”

As the proprietor of Lilyanna’s Day Spa here in San Felipe, K.C. provides a full-service shop, nurtures our need to feel good about ourselves, and lets his customers know that he values them as well as their business. He is a large, gentle man with sparkly eyes that tell you just what he’s thinking. His eyes may roll around in exasperation, but you sense right away that this is a kind and patient guy. When he talks, he is tactful, almost courtly. He speaks Spanish beautifully, fluently, and just listening to him urge his Mexican staff to provide the best service to clients reminds me of what a beautiful language it is.

My friendship with K.C. has deepened since I started

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taking my Aunt Frieda there. She’s 91, old-fashioned (still does the “perm” thing) and, because she must remove her hearing aids prior to the shampoo, almost deaf. He is incredibly patient with her. He translates the conversations going on around her and shouts in her ear, so she won’t feel left out or insecure. He explains every step of her treatment. He’s told her, “Hey, if we’re going to put polish on your toenails, for God’s sake, make it RED.” No wishy-washy pinks for Tia Frieda. She loves him and the attention he gives her. I love the smile on her face as we leave.

When I first met K.C., he sported a “mohawk,” a modified version of the Billy Ray Cyrus “do.”

Shorts, T-shirt, wire-rim frame glasses, big rings and tattoos—lots of them, done in his own tattoo parlor here in town. Long gone are the wing-tips and buttondown shirts, long gone is any effort to “fit in,” to conform. He is his own man, inside and out. A devout Christian, he came by his faith through adversity, knowledge and acceptance. He has studied all other religions, respects the beliefs of others, even when they run counter to his own, and is comfortable with himself, his faith and the life he has lived.

Inner peace is elusive. Life in Baja, with its beauty and serenity, is an opportunity to find it, finally. I believe K.C. has.

Animal Advocate Edward Coward of Tijuana Cannot do it Alone! by Steven Forman, aka DogMan, Founder of the ZAPP Spay/Neuter Program in San Felipe Back in 2003, when we began fixing street dogs, I estimated that San Felipe had 8,000–10,000 strays.

Given there is no existing animal census, I certainly could have underestimated.

Katherine Hammontre, from The Net, forwarded an article to me from the San Diego Herald Tribune, dated February 21, 2009, about Edward Coward, a resident of Tijuana who rescues dogs from the streets. The article estimated that the dog population in Tijuana is upwards of 300,000. It is a fact that 92 percent of dogs live on the streets in Mexico, while only 8 percent are pets. On top of that, it doesn’t appear that Tijuana has a consistent ongoing surgery program, which is critical to population control. Unless the population problem is attacked mathematically, as we have done in San Felipe, then it’s like trying to empty the ocean, one teaspoon at a time, and all too often good money is thrown after bad.

San Felipe has done more than 5,200 surgeries since 2003, but in my estimation we have a ways to go. I’d like to think that we’ll be under control as promised by late 2010, but I think it might go longer than that, being that we really never had an accurate number from the beginning.(Cabo San Lucas in Southern Baja is under control.) What we do know, however, given the wisdom from other humane organizations operating south of U.S. borders, is that when 75 percent of the existing population is fixed, zero population growth is achieved—at which point a maintenance program can begin, working in tandem

with the local community, which is happening already for ZAPP. Local San Felipians are more on board than ever with ZAPP’s spay/neuter program. ZAPP does two full-blown spay/neuter clinics each and every month, and our clinics are now 90 percent attended by locals and their dogs and cats. We fix 50+ animals at each clinic, a total of 100+ a month.

In the article about Edward Coward, he said, “this is not my problem, but the communitie’s problem.”

In order to get ahead or even begin getting ahead of the “production line,” the community must step up!

ZAPP could not function without community support.

Currently ZAPP pays veterinarian, Dr. Antonio Solis $30 per animal. That’s $1,500 a clinic or $3,000 a month to sterilize100 animals.

In the Tribune article, it stated that Tijuana is euthanizing 30–40 dogs twice a week, and from an advocate’s point-of-view, that is totally unacceptable.

ZAPP is a “no-kill” organization, and only under dire circumstances do we ever put an animal down—but never because “it is in our way or unappealing to look at.”

Visit our blog at www.sfzapp.blogspot.com and see what we do, when we do it, and how you can join our monthly pledge program called FINANCIAL FRIENDS of ZAPP, which is at the heart of our fundraising efforts. ZAPP is an acronym for the Zero Addditional “Pup”ulation Project. Call (707) 320-4969 from the U.S., or (686) 577-2708 in San Felipe.

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PEOPLE & VOICES

PEOPLE & VOICES

PEOPLE & VOICES

Spanish Language Blunders

by Katrina Tinoco, co-owner of La Vendimia Restaurant

After living in Ensenada for the past 23 years, one would think that one would have an extensive command of the Spanish language… well one would be dead wrong! Oh, the blunders I have made, and still do on a daily basis—or so my Katrina Tinoco three wonderfully bilingual kids keep reminding me (darn show-offs). I also have the double impediment of being British and have to admit to having a few problems when communicating with my American friends over the years too. Yes, I have asked people to knock me up at a certain time in order not to be late, or to lift up my bonnet and check out my spark plugs—or even worse, when some one mentioned his dictaphone, I wanted to know why he couldn’t use his finger like everyone else.

Of course, when I sailed into Ensenada on a cruise ship, I never dreamed that I would make my home here, so I began to learn Spanish by using the inevitable good old phrase book and set out to converse with the locals.

“The pen of my aunt… What time is the next train?

Where do I find the nearest YMCA?” Meanwhile there were a group of Mexicans thinking, “What is with this woman? Where is her aunt and why does she need that particular pen? Oh… Now she is waiting for a train… in Ensenada? This one is really good—she wants us to break into song like the village people… YMCA… la la la la crazy gringa… with a very strange gringa accent.”

After kicking the phrase book idea into touch, I decided that my best bet to learn the language was to marry a Mexican. Granted, I could have bought the Berlitz course or the Rosetta Stone DVDs, but, being basically lazy, I thought the immersion method (Mexican by Injection) would best suit my needs.

24 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

This idea has not really worked out either as my husband only ever speaks to me in English as do my kids (unless they want to bring their friends around for a good laugh at my expense).

Sometimes mispronunciation can work to your advantage, as I learned one time when stopped by a young motorcycle cop here in Ensenada. I was driving in the middle of town and I promise the light was green when I passed through the intersection, but I had to stop whilst a flock of dawdling teenagers were crossing in front of me (Have you noticed how no one here walks at a brisk pace when crossing the road?). Not being able to reverse as there was a car behind me, I had no choice but to run the red light. So the cop pulls me over and I explained, in Spanish, that the light was green, but in order not to mow down a herd of pedestrians, I was forced to stop, etc. He promptly doubled over and with tears of laughter told me to go away. Later I told my husband what had happened and that I had proudly used the word pedestrians— “pedones.” The word is actually “peatones”; therefore, I had told the cop that a load of slow farts made me run the red light.

I was really quite embarrassed until I realized that it got me out of a traffic ticket!

Reversing the situation, English can be pretty daunting for the Mexicans too; even the most proficient speakers can get lost in translation, especially if the word sounds similar in both languages. Not so long ago I was introduced to a very esteemed doctor and when I went to shake his hand, he told me, in English, not to touch him because he was constipated. Well, I thought it a little too much information on our first meeting and what does being constipated have to do with hand shaking. Uh, maybe a new medical breakthrough… or maybe he is hinting that I should offer him some prunes. After some investigation, I discovered that the word “constipado” in Spanish means to have one’s nose blocked, usually due to the common cold.

So to anyone who is battling to learn Spanish, or think they should know more than they do, or feel like an idiot every time they make a mistake, join the club and blame it all on being a constipated slow fart!

PEOPLE & VOICES

Joy and Empowerment: An Interview With Nina Joy Nina Joy’s being a part of Puerto Peñasco is not accidental, but rather a following of her heart and her family’s tradition to live their lives surrounded with beauty and serenity in places such as this city by the sea. This port allows her the freedom to work in harmony with nature, as well as seeking the type of work that provides her with empowerment of the self. She was born in Florida and her first chosen field of work was to be a doctor, but she soon became disillusioned with some of the trappings of the commercial side of medicine. Her initial goals have formed a part of her life, however, which guided her to pursue a better way for women to give birth, something she practiced herself with the birth of her own three daughters: Now, Star, and Iam Joy. All three were born at home with the help of midwives, and a pain-free, underwater method, which she explains as: “I had to come to a place of no fear.”

This life experience has made such an important impact in her life that it has now become a family business project under way in conjunction with their other family business, a TV business shared with her husband Bracken and their three daughters.

Puerto Peñasco TV presents holistic information on Channel 17. The family began by filming anything they wanted to videotape, starting with 70 short videos of events that were done in less than eight months. Their goal is to show video that promotes Peñasco as a place of nature derived from the ocean and the desert, as well as a place for regaining a sense of health, a positive outlook and personal empowerment. As she says, “We knew the secret of life long before ‘The Secret’ came out and became the commercial success it is today. We visualize what we want and we set the tone.” The family business required the family to move from their home by the Mayan Palace, where according to Nina, who mentions this with some regret in her voice and her expression, “Each one of the girls was able to have their own ‘Casita’ which formed a part of the main house.” Both home and business are now located in the privacy of Puerta Privada.

Another business pursuit of Nina’s is to promote a powerful liquid formula beverage by Vemma, made with mangosteen, minerals and antioxidants that provide energy and a daily dose of vitamins. She

and her family consume this energy health drink themselves, so she believes in the product. When you talk to Nina Joy these days, you can sense her urgency and delight to get back to work on her home birthing project, because she has to “take advantage of her moments of inspiration.” The family has practiced not only child birth at home, but homeschooling as well, moving and living in places like Hawaii and Sedona, Arizona. So what is her vision of the future for Puerto Peñasco? Perhaps a birthing center, and she plans to focus on her project of painless, fearless birth as well as raising her children in a gentle living environment, where she and her family can work and play and where she can create her own “little piece of heaven.”

Photos by Ruth Muñoz-Hjelm

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PEOPLE & VOICES

by Ruth Muñoz-Hjelm

NORTHWEST MEXICO NEWS BRIEFS

NEWS & POLITICS

Walmart Bullish on Mexico

by Christa Thomas

Mexico’s largest retailer, Wal-Mar t de Mexico, r e c e n t l y announced an aggressive investment plan for Mexico in 2009. With an infusion of $11.8 billion, the company will create 14,500 new jobs directly and 25,000 indirectly.

Wal-Mart de Mexico now operates 1,208 retail locations in five retail formats. Last year the company opened 182 stores and had a presence in 224 cities.

In 2009, the company plans to open 252 new business units of its various formats (225 Bodega Aurrerás, 13 Walmarts, 4 Superamas, 7 Sam’s Clubs and 3 Suburbia apparel stores). These units represent

a sales floor growth of 10 percent.

Eduardo Solórzano, CEO of Wal-Mart de Mexico, stated that “in the short term we are going to focus on increasing client traffic in our stores through prices.

We are going to improve our prices.” Solórzano said, “Today, more than ever, Mexican families need the savings that can help them improve their standard of living. During 2008, we managed to generate savings for our clients of more than 7.3 billion pesos.

Our 2009 investment plan will allow us to take the savings offer that characterizes us to more rural and urban populations, providing them with a wide variety of goods at Every Day Low Prices. At a time of economic challenge for many Mexican families, WalMart de Mexico restates its long-term commitment to our country by generating new jobs.”

Newest Changes with the Merida Initiative

President Calderón Fights Unemployment

President Calderón met with U.S. President Bush in Merida, Mexico, in March 2007 to review issues affecting the two countries. Both countries issued a joint communique on March 14, 2007, recognizing the threat posed by organized crime and drug trafficking to both nations and the shared responsibility to address this threat.

Since the 2007 Summit in Merida, Mexico has taken bold and unprecedented steps to confront crime and violence. The U.S. set forth the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2008 signed by President Bush on June 30 providing $400 million to fund training, equipment and other assistance under the Merida Initiative to Mexico; and an initial installment of a multi-year, $1.4 billion program of support.

As of February 10, 2009, the United States and Belize have also implemented the Merida Initiative providing $1,008,000 in funding for the first year to the Belizean government to combat crime.

February 5, 2009, also marked the implementation between Guatemala and the U.S. of the Merida Initiative granting $3,650,500 to combat crime in that country.

Ongoing monitoring of the programs and activities will be conducted by each government.

President Calderón recently announced a temporary employment program that will benefit 250,000 families. He declared that the government has not been halted or intimidated by the current international economic crisis.

The President explained that “the crisis the world is currently facing demands concrete responses to reduce its impact on the country’s families. These responses must be oriented towards promoting more public and private investments and protecting Mexicans’ sources of employment or creating others that may be lost under these circumstances.”

President Calderón announced the implementation of the Emergency Temporary Employment Program.

With a budget of $500 million, the program will fight the effects of the current international economic crisis by preserving and creating jobs for Mexicans. It will also focus on promoting more public and private investments.

The Emergency Temporary Employment Program will enable new development projects to be carried out that involve culture, health, education and environmental conservation. Part of the employment created under the program will be used for cleaning up forests and water bodies from garbage.

by Lynn Prince

Source: U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman

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Source: www.walmartmexico.com.mx

by Christa Thomas

Source: www.presidencia.gob.mx

BAJA CALIFORNIA & SONORA

President Calderón Invests in a Healthy Mexico

by Christa Thomas

Despite the international economic downturn, President Calderón has vowed to invest over $133 billion in the health sector and pledged to achieve universal health coverage by 2011. The goal is to construct an integrated health system for all Mexicans, regardless of their economic, social or employment status.

Of that investment, $7 billion will be allocated for building new hospitals and health centers. “We are also working very hard to prevent diseases, since we know that every peso spent on health prevention

means a savings of several dozen pesos in health treatment,” President Calderón explained.

Currently, over 80 million Mexicans have some type of affiliation with public health institutions, such as the Mexican Social Security Institute, the ISSSTE or the Popular Insurance Scheme. It is the government’s goal to reform these public institutions.

And, coverage for families without IMSS or ISSSTE has been expanded through Popular Insurance and Medical Insurance for a New Generation.

The Medical Insurance for a New Generation has been implemented and 1.7 million children have been registered as the beneficiaries of this medical insurance program, which aims to close the medical care gap among the population.

The government is also investing heavily in Health Caravans, a program that uses trucks and other vehicles to transport a small operating theater of surgery and dental equipment to all those communities that would otherwise be without.

Through these many impressive efforts, President Calderón is demonstrating his determination to promote and achieve a healthy Mexico.

Source: www.presidencia.gob.mx

U.S. Consulate General Calls Meeting in San Carlos

by Lynn Prince

New U.S. Consulate General to the American Consulate in Hermosillo, John Breidenstine, made his first visit to San Carlos on February 20 to give an overview of U.S./ Mexican relations and the current situation in Sonora.

A large crowd Consul General John of over 200 people David Breidenstine packed La Palapa restaurant to field questions to Breidenstine and his staff. Top on the list of questions was “just how safe is Sonora with the current drug problems at the border?”

Breidenstine responded, along with Security Officer Gerry Mahoney, that infighting between the drug cartels exists at the border towns, but that travel back and forth to the States and San Carlos is safe on Highway 15. He quipped that the shoulder on the road causes more problems as a danger than the drug situation. He did caution that because of the dangerous shoulder on Highway 15 it was best not to travel at night and don’t drive at high speeds. Other tips: 1) use the cuota roads as they are policed by the Federal Police 2) don’t cross the border at Naco and Douglas as they are high-traffic areas for drug smuggling 3) use the buddy system—let a friend know when you are leaving and arriving to your destination. If they don’t receive a phone call from you when you reach your destination, then they contact authorities. Breidenstine went onto remark that San Carlos is considered one of the safest cities in all of Continued on page 84.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 27

NORTHWEST MEXICO NEWS BRIEFS

Border Crossing Master Plan for Northwest Mexico

by Bob Ham

Immediately after the tragedy of 9/11, those of us who reside in, or regularly visit, Mexico began to experience longer waits to cross back into the United States, as new protocols were into place to tighten the security at our Ports of Entry.

Before long the waits at San Diego area crossings started to exceed two hours on a regular basis and the Mexicali area saw normal waits in excess of one hour. The San Diego region did a study of the economic impact of these border delays on the economies of San Diego and Tijuana and found that

it exceeded $6 billion per year in lost opportunity.

A year later a similar study in the Imperial Valley found another $1.6 billion in lost economic opportunity and jobs in the Imperial/Mexicali regions.

The states of California and Baja California decided that something needed to be done to convince the federal agencies in both countries that steps needed to be taken immediately to improve the efficiency of the security checks at the land ports of entry between the two states.

Two years ago they convened a group of

The list of proposed projects was impressive and gives reason for us regular border crossers to be optimistic that indeed things will improve in the near future.

28 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

BAJA CALIFORNIA & SONORA stakeholders from local governments, state governments, and federal agencies from both countries that had responsibility over building or operating border crossings and/or building the related roads and infrastructure for these ports.

There was also participation from economic development agencies and chambers of commerce from border communities along the shared California/Baja California border.

Their objective was to develop a plan to identify and prioritize the border infrastructure improvements that are needed to improve the flow of people and commerce in both directions along the entire border region between the two states. They recognized that many of the existing border facilities dated back to the Nixon administration and all of them were built in an era where homeland security was not the overriding priority in the design and operation of the ports. The group proceeded to develop a list of projects that would tackle immediate needs and also go out some 20 years into the future to plan for future growth.

On February 25, Pedro Orso Delgado, the Director of Caltrans for the southern border region, presented this plan at a meeting in El Centro. The list of proposed projects was impressive and gives reason for us regular border crossers to be optimistic that indeed things will improve in the near future. The study identified seven critical priority projects and ranked them in the order that they should receive funding. The first and highest priority is the development of a brand new border crossing east of the existing Otay Mesa crossing near San Diego. The second priority is a plan to increase the existing San Ysidro port of entry from the existing

24 lanes to 30 northbound lanes plus 6 SENTRI lanes, 2 bus lanes and 12 pedestrian lanes.

The next in priority is the expansion of the Calexico downtown port from the present 10 lanes to 16 lanes with the ability to expand by doublestacking to 32. The fourth priority is an expansion of the existing Otay Mesa port to increase both the passenger and commercial throughput.

Fifth priority is to expand the cargo capacity of the port by 2013, this will take the large trucks out of the same lanes as passenger vehicles once the project is complete.

Next in priority is the expansion of the Calexico port to add at least 4 new northbound lanes to the existing 8 lanes, the new lanes could be expanded to 8 lanes; thus doubling the present capacity.

Finally, the plan calls for major improvements in the Algodones/Andrade crossing that would divert passenger and commercial traffic directly into Yuma, Arizona, and use the existing port exclusively for pedestrian crossings. Long-range plans would create new border crossings between Jacume and Jacumba in east San Diego County, and a new crossing near Mount Signal about eight miles east of the downtown Mexicali port of entry.

The latter two projects are long range with no set date for completion.

All in all, it is good to see that both the U.S. and Mexican governments are placing a level of importance to restoring the efficient flow of people and commerce between our countries.

Some of these projects may get done even sooner as they will be on the list to receive funds from the recently passed economic stimulus construction legislation.

It is good to see that both the U.S. and Mexican governments are placing a level of importance to restoring the efficient flow of people and commerce between our countries.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 29

REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENT

REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENT

Local Realtors Giving Back to Rosarito Community’s Less Fortunate

by Carlos Durán

Later in the week AMPI and Mrs. Torres, Mayor Hugo Torres’ wife, visited a “desayunador” breakfast room to present the Breakfast Program organized by the social services she leads called DIF, Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (Comprehensive Family Development) agency.

DIF’s program is for needy children whose parents apply for the program in the 38 Rosarito elementary schools. The breakfasts are prepared by an army of volunteer moms in the kitchen of each school.

DIF also requires the children’s parents to attend “Parenting Classes” to learn about the value of AMPI professional realtor members Velia Rivas, Steve Steele, good nutrition, discipline and the importance of Victor Loza, Miles Smith, Blanca Varela, Cyndi Farfan, Russ homework support by the family.

Buck, Citlálitl Pereda, Diane Gibbs, Kanoa Biondolillo, Blanca In one month, AMPI raised enough money to Guerrero and Juan Pablo Ramírez. Photo by Carlos Durán feed 80 children a hot breakfast every school day for a month. Anyone can contribute toward this Rosarito Beach - Recently I was invited on a couple effort. Just $3 will feed one child a cold breakfast of tours sponsored by AMPI (Mexican Professional every school day for one month, and $6 a hot Realtors Association) members. One was a caravan breakfast; $118.50 will feed an entire class (around “Open House” tour hosted by Diane Gibbs for the 40 pupils) a cold breakfast for a month, $237.50 a hot purpose of showcasing properties to other agents, which are available for purchase along the Gold Coast. This gave broker members of AMPI a good stock of properties available, as the influx of visitors is on the rise, thankfully ending a cold, lonely winter.

The other was a charitable tour for the distribution of 75 blankets to needy children, 50 of which were donated by Walmart. Many of the blankets were donated to children that are being cared for because their moms are serving time in rehabilitation facilities.

The home is run by Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Fruin, a couple from San Luis Obispo and their family for the Underprivileged children enjoying a hot breakfast supported purpose of feeding, housing and ensuring the children by AMPI and DIF, the social services agency headed by Mrs. continue their schooling until their families can Torres, the Rosarito Mayor’s wife. Courtesy AMPI care for them again. They are currently housing 14 children; ages 3 to 14. Eleven of the boys sleep in breakfast. An $80 donation can help with a uniform one bed and three girls sleep in another. The upstairs and school supplies for a child, for an entire year.

If you are able to help AMPI and DIF with school roof is being finished with the help of $4,000 pesos donated by AMPI members. The home has many breakfasts, please make your check payable to needs such as clothing, food, a full-size refrigerator AMPI Rosarito, memo: DIF Breakfast or DIF School and kitchen cabinets. Please contact any member of Year and mail it to AMPI Rosarito, c/o Steve Steele, PMB 200, PO Box 189010, Coronado, CA 92178. A AMPI if you can help with any of the above.

The AMPI members then caravanned into some receipt/factura will be mailed back to donors for tax of the poorest neighborhoods on the outskirts of purposes.

These efforts by the AMPI membership are Colonia Constitución to spread the warmth. They targeted needy families as they distributed many positive examples of actions the private sector can blankets to keep them warm for what remains of a take in efforts to improve the overall wellness of communities. Good work, and ¡Gracias! AMPI. cold winter.

30 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

NORTHWEST MEXICO REAL ESTATE

Casa Mónica: Cholla Bay Bed & Breakfast

by Gretchen Ellinger

Summertime High Tide.

Photo courtesy of Gretchen Ellinger

REAL ESTATE

A great option for those who want something smaller and more private, Casa Mónica, located on the sandy beach in Cholla Bay, is very popular with guests, many of whom visit over and over. The property boasts sweeping views of Cholla’s beautiful estuary with its extreme tides, and Black Mountain and the Pinacates beyond.

The spacious, spotlessly clean, and wonderfully decorated guest quarters include two bedrooms with a shared bath, a living room with dining area, a fullyequipped kitchen and a huge patio overlooking the water. Activities include walking the beach, exploring the estuary, kayaking, swimming and swinging in the hammock. Guests can read, rock on the glider, swing on the swing and take siestas. In-house therapeutic massages, manicures and pedicures can be arranged. The ways to relax at Casa Mónica are countless!

Casa Mónica is well known for extraordinary breakfasts; delicious, creative and healthy are the bywords. Breakfast is prepared and served in the dining room of the main home, leaving visitors free of the clatter and clutter of preparation. Guests are wowed by the table settings, which are creative, memorable and different each day.

Owned and operated for the past six years by Gretchen Ellinger, Casa Mónica is Gretchen’s dream come true, and it shows. Guests have given rave reviews on TripAdvisor.com, and highly recommend both the property and the hospitality. A website is in the works, but not yet ready, so call for pricing and availability: (602) 412-3311 from the U.S., or 3825147 local in Puerto Peñasco.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 31

EXPLORE, DISCOVER, GET OUT AND SEE MEXICO

TRAVEL & ROAD TRIPS

In Search of Hotels

by Naomi Black

On our first road trip through Mexico, we visited Tequila, Mexico. We discovered the newly painted nine-room Maria Isabel Hotel as we came into town on the main road. We were traveling with our family and the two-bedroom suite was $38 USD. The Mexican furniture was rustic wood and the floors were newly tiled. The iron beds with colorful butterfly and lily headboards had crisp bedspreads and the room smelled fresh and clean. After dinner and with the kids stashed in their room, Russ and I found a

spiral staircase which led to the rooftop. With a bottle of local tequila and water glasses from the room in hand, we enjoyed the evening breeze, the smell of blue agaves cooking and the views of Tequila.

Seldom does an evening come together in such a fine way without some planning. However, I have always found that choosing a hotel is a trying task.

Slick online photos and shiny brochures promise such perfection, peace and beauty. But will the hotel actually be a restful place? Will it add to the travel experience . . . or detract from a great day?

Each traveler has differing priorities; my priority is local flavor and charm, ambience, a little adventure 32 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

TRAVEL & ROAD TRIPS AROUND MEXICO

and realistic prices. A $250 a night room should be absolutely perfect and restful; whereas, a $50 room with a view of the ocean or a sense of history can have a few quirks and be perfectly acceptable. Before leaving on a road trip, I browse travel books (such as Frommer’s) and research online locators (such as TripAdvisor). But I am never quite sure until I get there.

A hotel housed in a historical mansion can evoke a sense of history in such an intense way! This is true of the colonial-style hotels across Mexico; many are housed in mansions built in the 1800s, which create an incredible feeling of being in another time! The Playa de Cortez in Baccochibampo Bay, midway between Guaymas and San Carlos, is such a grand Old Mexico hacienda-style hotel. With the feel of having been transported to another era and set down in an aging Hollywood movie set, this hotel is old and it shows. But that is fine because there is no other place which so quietly and assuredly speaks of a long-lost time of graciousness and stateliness.

For many, Mexico conjures up thoughts of the Mexican cowboy, the vaquero or charro, roping wild horses or driving cattle out on the ranchero. In the beach community of Rosarito, there is a wide selection of hotels, condos and rentals of all sorts.

Yet sitting slightly out of place, squeezed in between the high-rises, you will find Los Pelicanos Hotel. With cactus lamps, rustic brick décor, a camp-fire style steak restaurant, this eclectic “ranchero Mexico” hotel has a bit of a hunting cabin feel to it. Although

a little rough around the edges, it is unexpected and cozy. The rooms with an ocean view are coveted and even the locals come by the restaurant for drinks at sunset.

And for legend and history, you just cannot pass by the Posada la Roca in Puerto Peñasco. This 80-year-old stone hotel is purportedly the oldest building in town. Legend has it that this was Al Capone’s hideout in the 1920s during Prohibition in the States. This place has atmosphere and feels like Old Mexico. Each room has been restored and the front room for sitting and reading is comfortable and inviting.

The right hotel can change your trip! A traveler on Trip Advisor worded it so well. After his trip to Vina Del Mar in Puerto Peñasco last year, he remarked, “we went to the pool, looked at the ocean from our room, took a walk downtown, Playa de Cortez watched a sunset, and enjoyed all the calm friendly people. My wife fell back in love with me. The kids had the time of their lives. All was good and my life was complete again.”

Even if you can’t visit, do some armchair traveling and visit their websites!

• • • •

Armida Hotel (Guaymas) www.hotelarmida.com.mx El Pelicano (Rosarito) www.lospelicanosrosarito.net Vina del Mar ( Puerto Peñasco) www.vinadelmarhotel.com Or, do an online search for “Posada la Roca Puerto Penasco” Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 33

TRAVEL & ROAD TRIPS

s

COVER FEATURE

Travel Economics A Guide to Budget Weekends in Northwest Mexico

By Anita Kaltenbaugh

Photo by Bruce Harmer, Popotla, Rosarito Beach. He says he watches/photographs 365 sunsets a year and thought our readers might enjoy it.

I

n tough economic times, stress levels reach an all time high. Why is it in these hard times we push back on the stress relief therapies that are so needed? Instead of trying to make the stressful situation better by taking some time off for ourselves and our families, we keep pushing harder. Ironically, if we just stop ramming forward and take some time for ourselves and get away, everything will seem better. Treat the problem. Take a few days off. Try some “Economic Vacation Therapy”—travel to a place that is close, yet feels exotic, international, worlds away and, yes, definitely budget friendly in these economic times.

Picture this, beautiful, sunny, warm beach, clear skies and with your eyes closed you hear the sound of waves rolling in and soft music in the background.

The beach is not very crowded, the water is sparkling blue and behind you is a jewel of a beachfront hotel with spa services, swimming pool and even a swimup bar if you’re so inclined.

Today, you’re not worried about the city traffic, rush hour or even getting in a car. Anywhere you want to go, you will walk, better described as “a casual stroll down the beach.” I once heard Freedom is not having a schedule. Your freedom is abundant.

You may do a wine tasting tour of a beautiful winery, go fishing, hike a 10,000-foot mountain or perchance enter a horseshoe tournament. The choices are vast… sailing, kayaking, body surfing, shopping, horseback riding, parasailing, kiteboarding, the list goes on and on. Sounds magnificent, relaxing,

34 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

exciting and adventurous, a true destination spot.

But, how far away is this magical location? And the bigger question, how much will it cost?…

Oceanfront condo, massage, international cuisine, wine tasting, fishing? You’re thinking, “There’s no way I can afford that.”

But wait! What if you could stay in an oceanfront hotel or a marina condo for under $99 a night? A B&B on the bay (breakfast and taxes included) for $115? Add to that a refrigerator and a microwave in your room to keep some food and free bottled water.

At lunch you may spend $4 on a few tacos and the beer you bought is only $1 each. The massage, yes, there is a special for $35 and, to top it all off, enjoy International cuisine for under $10 for a family of four.

As far as free activities, the list is endless— beachcombing (shells and sand dollars galore), sunbathing, swimming (ocean or pool), beach volleyball, whale watching, bird watching, snorkeling (oh yeah, you brought your own mask and fins), window shopping in an enchanting seaport town, and so much more.

If you live in the West or Southwest part of the United States, getting to Northwest Mexico is easy and quite a beautiful adventure. From the major cities in Southern California to the desert of Arizona, in less than a day’s drive you can arrive at several beach town destinations. If you hail from another part of the U.S., do not fear, a quick flight to Phoenix or San Diego will provide you with the same proximity and

Rosarito Beach, with 20 miles of white sandy beaches, is only 22 miles south of the border.

Ensenada is 70 miles south of the San Diego border, and wineries are within 10 miles.

San Felipe, featuring the highest mountain in Baja, is only 118 miles south of the border.

Puerto Peñasco is approximately 60 miles south of the border, and offers several sandy beaches and abundant sea life.

San Carlos, which is the most southern in Northwest Mexico, offers great sail fishing and diving, and is approximately four hours from the border and also has easily accessible flights on US Airways.

Yes, it is true; just south of the U.S. border, the soft sandy beaches of Northwest Mexico are whispering your name with promise of sunshine, romance and great food. Not only will it heal the body and soul, but it may also provide therapy to your wallet—great exchange rate, cheaper gas prices, budget luxury accommodations, fishing, boating and, best of all, unbelievable weather.

Discover Northwest Mexico!

Prices quoted are in U.S. dollars and may vary according to the time of year and the current exchange rate. Sources: Trip Advisor, www.Expedia.com, and www. Bajapalms.com

COVER FEATURE

TOP PICKS FOR BUDGET TRAVEL THIS SPRING AND SUMMER IN NORTHWEST MEXICO Rosarito Beach

• Las Rocas Resort and Spa—Ocean view with private balcony for $59 on Expedia • Rosarito Beach Hotel and Resort—Suites with refrigerators, oceanfront balconies, under $99 on Expedia • Bobby’s Baja by the Sea—Villas, casitas, beachfront with views and beautiful beach, weekly rates $600 - $900 per week.

Ensenada • Wine tour packages—Visit 4–5 artisan wineries with our wine writer, Steve Dryden. He’ll customize a special tour, lunch available with several lodging options. (646) 118-9801, sbdryden@hotmail. com or www.bajawineandtours.com • Hotel Coral and Marina—Large rooms face ocean and marina, spring packages available for 2 spa treatments, 2 nights stay, breakfast for 4, and suite that sleeps 4 for under $375

San Felipe • Baja Palms Hotel—Newest hotel in town. $30–$65 • El Cortez—Average year-round price $75 • San Felipe Marina Resort and Spa—Weekday packages for 2 under $99 (weekend $109), free drink, spa and food discounts

Puerto Peñasco • Peñasco Del Sol Hotel—Swim-up pool bar, beach lounging, oceanview rooms for under $99 on weekdays; around $140 weekends • Casa Monica Cholla Bay B & B—Bay front room, taxes and breakfast $115 • Laos Mars or Vina Del Mar—Average year-round price under $80 • Many houses/condos are available for larger familys for $150–$300 a night. Contact Rocky Point Reservations.

San Carlos/Guaymas • Hotel Fiesta Real—Average year-round price $87 • Paradiso Resort & Beach Club—Average year-round price $120 • Best Western Hacienda Tetakawi—AAA or Seniors $60 a night or $70 no restrictions on Expedia Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 35

COVER STORY

the delightful journey. Additionally, a number of flights are available into several Northwest Mexico cities from multiple U.S. cities.

Five beautiful beach towns are all less than a day’s drive from either San Diego or Phoenix.

ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Rosarito Beach, Baja California

TOLL BOOTH

Pa c i fi c O c e a n

Rosarito Norte Exit

GAS

TOLL RO

Pemex

AD

Villa Floresta Lienzo Charro

Via de las Olas Calzada del M

ar

Mexicali Rosarito Centro Exit

Via del Mar

FREE RO AD

Via de las Play as La Fuente

Tijuana La Paz Ensenada

Jose Amaro Ave. Machado E. Zapata

GAS

TOLL ROAD TO ENSENADA

Cardenas Cinco de may o Ebano

M. Balbachano

GAS

Acacias

Av. J.J. Rosseau

L Oritz

Av. Mar Mediterraneo

Abeto Alamo

Roble Encino

Nogal Palma Magnolia

Rosarito Sur Exit

FREE ROAD

Av. Mar de Norte

Eulaipto

Cleofas Ruiz

Puerto Nuevo

Playas de Rosarito, or Rosarito Beach as it is referred to in English, is a city in the Mexican state of Baja California and is its own municipality. It is located between the Pacific Ocean and coastal foothills, just 20 minutes south of the U.S. border in Tijuana and is a popular destination for tourist, snowbirds and expatriates from the United States.

Puerto Nuevo Exit Cuenca Lechera Exit

TOLL BOOTH

Rancho Mision Descanso

36 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

GETTING TO ROSARITO Toll-Road Directions: Immediately after entering Mexico from San Ysidro merge into the right lane and follow the signs to the PLAYAS DE TIJUANAROSARITO. You’ll see the border fence to your right as you travel west.

Take the right turn-off to the road ENSENADA CUOTA. As you merge, get over into the left lane and stay there. A toll fee of approximately $2.35 US dollars will take you all the way to Rosarito Beach.

ATM/GETTING CASH Banamex, Bancomer and Bital have 24-hour-a-day ATMs that accept most U.S. bank cards all along the Tijuana - Rosarito Beach - Ensenada corridor. Only pesos are dispensed from these machines. You can get dollars from an HSBC ATM. Your account in the U.S. is charged that day’s Peso rate of exchange.

ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA

ROSARITO DIRECTORY ICON Descriptions

#

- Pool/Spa

- Accept Credit Cards

- Pet Friendly

- Wi-Fi / Internet

- Serves Breakfast

- Kitchen/Restaurant

- Beer/Spirits

- Map Number

- Reader Poll Winner

Photo by Bruce Harmer, Popotla, Rosarito Beach.

Your account will also have about a $3.50 Your Y $3 50 service fee deducted. Bital also has a ATM machine (Pesos only) in the AM/PM 24 hours Pemex Station on south end of Rosarito Beach.

WHILE IN ROSARITO BEACH Rosarito Beach offers a large variety of places to stay and thing to do. Rosarito has more than 900 hotel rooms from 25 resorts, hotels & motels and luxurious spas and incredible shopping in any of the Artisan shops with some of Mexico’s finest leather goods, furniture, wrought iron, pottery, marble and traditional Mexico crafts.

Rosarito offers 20 miles of white sandy beaches with endless activities including golfing, surfing, fishing, horse back riding, or relax in spa, ATV riding, visit Fox Studio Baja, or enjoy any of the many nightclubs. Rosarito is also the host to the third largest bike ride in North America, held twice annually.

Rosarito Beach restaurants offer a culinary paradise of international cuisines. You can choose from traditional Mexican cooking, sensational seafood, delicious steak dinners, and a broad selection of other specialty American, Chinese, French and Italian cuisines. Be sure to visit the wellknown lobster village, Puerto Nuevo is just fifteen minutes south of Rosarito, a tourist and culinary destination.

Whether staying for vacation or life, you will enjoy Rosarito Beach.

DIALING 800 NUMBER: 800 DIALING to the US From Mexico (dial 001+) To Dial USA 800 ................................... dial 880 To Dial USA 866 ................................... dial 883 To Dial USA 877 ................................... dial 882 To Dial USA 888 ................................... dial 881 IMPORTANT NUMBERS: MX 411 (Spanish only)................................040 Tourist Assistance Hotline ...........................076 Green Angels (MX toll Free) .....1-800-903-0092 Worldwide Emergency No.for Mobile is ...... 112 Emergencies ................................... 060 & 066 Sky Medical (from Mexico)..001-866-805-9624 Air-E-Vac ............................001-880-321-9522

WHERE TO EAT American Food ............................................661-100-2560 La Bamba Coffee & Breakfast Las Brisas Coffee ........................................661-612-2546 Chinese Dragon Del Mar ...........................................661-612-0604 Costa Azul ..................................................661-612-1189 Palacio Royal ..............................................661-612-1412 French Chabert’s ....................................................661-612-1111 Le Cousteau................................................661-612-2655 Italian Portofino.....................................................661-612-2950 Mexican Calafia ........................................................661-614-9815 El Patio .......................................................661-612-2950 La Cazuela Del Mole ....................................661-612-2910 Magaña’s La Misión Restaurant Bar.............646-155-0586 Maria Sabina ...............................................661-613-1532 The Palm Grill (Puerto Nuevo) .....................661-614-1203

Get more more info: info: www.mexicoliving.info www.mexicoliving.info - 37 Get

R OSAR I TO BEACH

DIALING INSTRUCTIONS: USA to MX Cel Phone: 011+52+1+Area Code+(Tel #) USA to Mexico: 011+52+Area Code+(Tel #) Mexico 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 #)

ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Rosarito Foreign Residents Assistance Office Hosts Public Safety Seminar

By Carlos Durán

L to R: Chief of Civic Protection Octavio Mendez Stoever, Police Chief Eduardo Montero Alvarez, Mayor Hugo Torres, Rosarito PGJE Attorney Lic. Rafael González, and Director of Economic Development and Tourism Lic. Héctor Reyes Orrantia.

Photo Credit Carlos Durán

The Rosarito Foreign Residents Assistance Office hosted a Public Safety Seminar on February 21 at the CEMAC auditorium. Olivia de Corral moderated the meeting, which included the following civil servants: Police Chief Eduardo Montero Alvarez, Rosarito PGJE Attorney Lic. Rafael González, Chief of Civic Protection Octavio Mendez Stoever, Director of Economic Development and Tourism Lic. Héctor Reyes Orrantia, and President of the Citizens Committee for Public Safety Lic. Ricardo Moreno.

First to address the many foreign residents (in English) was Rosarito Mayor Hugo Torres. He began by explaining that last year the police force was interrogated and a series of confidence tests were performed on each officer. This resulted in the loss of 50 percent of

38 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

the force. New officers have been hired and now a team is in place that can provide safe, secure public safety to all citizens of Rosarito, the Mayor explained.

Other advances from the city are the implementation of a new “Tourist Police” with distinctive uniforms and squad cars. They are equipped with special training to deal with foreign visitors and residents, including English language classes at the UABC to improve their communication skills. He highlighted the improved coordination between the City, State and Federal law enforcement agencies, including the Military.

Mayor Torres explained that crime prevention is also one of the major goals of his administration. He said, “Good citizens are not born, we have to mold good citizens.” One way to achieve this, he explained, was

ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Pizza Virgilio’s Pizza .............................................661-612-1210

Steak & Seafood .......................661-614-1135 Bobby’s Baja by the Sea El Nido ........................................................661-612-1431 La Guerita Restaurant .................................661-612-1019 Los Pelicanos .............................................661-612-1757 ........

Villa Ortega’s ..............................................661-614-0706 .............................661-612-1253 Vince’s Old Pierr

WHERE TO STAY RV Park/Parque de RV Baja Season RV Parks .................................661-628-6128 Popotla R.V. Park ........................................ 661-612-1501

Photo by Carlos Durán

by the creation of sports opportunities for the young to have healthy, positive experiences, rather than have time to explore bad street habits and behavior.

He also mentioned that a group of private citizens are pooling resources for a Boy’s and Girl’s Club. The city has already committed 11,000 square meters for the building. Lic. Moreno, Citizen’s Public Safety Committee, recently funded a children’s marionette theater to perform anti-drug and family violence shows to educate Rosarito’s school children. A suggestion from the audience was emulating the Venezuelan music education program called “El Sistema.”

Mayor Torres summarized the presentations of the panel, which began by explaining the implementation of the anonymous 089 phone number to call for reporting crime or suspicious activity. You will not be asked your name and the call will remain anonymous. 066 remains the emergency number statewide, which routes calls to the appropriate agencies nearest your community for immediate action to your emergency situation. The budget for public safety has increased 20 percent this year with the help of $10 million pesos from the Federal Government if the city raises $3 million pesos, which will go toward further confidence testing, equipment, salaries, training and hiring of new officers.

As many residents are already aware, Mayor Torres explained that the violence, which has spilled over from the Tijuana drug cartels is mainly due to last year’s arrest of Arrellano Felix and subsequent turf wars. Fortunately, visitors and foreign residents are the least likely to be involved in these activities and, for the most part, safe from harm. He ended his introduction with a lighter note about moving traffic violations are now bilingual, with an explanation of the various fines on the back of the ticket as well as the ability to pay fines by mail in the U.S. After several presentations, there was a lively question and answer session during which residents voiced some concerns. Many of the issues were routed to the proper agencies and a promise of follow up was assured. We are certain foreign residents were gratified with the efforts of the local leaders that are concerned for the safety and well-being of the community as a whole and look forward to timely updates in the future.

Motel Camino Inn .................................................661-612.2803 Hotel / Condo Baja Rentals ................................... www.BajaCatalina.com byy s Bajaa byy tthe he Sea Sea Bobby’s ..................661-614-1135 ..........................................800-800-9632 Costa Azul Baajaa Resort Re (Puerto Nuevo) Grandd Baja ..............................................877-315-1002

BUSINESS DIRECTORY A-Z CHURCH Rosarito Beach Christian Church ................661-613-1985 DOG GROOMERS ...................661-100-6218 D’ Groomer Dog Grooming ELEVATORS/ELEVADORES To The Top Elevators ...................................661-614-1434 FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company ...............................686-576-0653 FISH/PESCADERÍA Vince's Old Peir ..........................................661-612-1253 HOTEL/HOTEL See WHERE TO STAY at the beginning of each city section.

INSURANCE Lynda’s Insurance (English speaking) .......... 686-577-1622 Click On

INTERNET ...............................................661-614-0513

Click On

MAILING SERVICES ...............................................661-614-0513 RENTALS/RENTAS See WHERE TO STAY section

REAL ESTATE AGENTS/AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES Nicolas Santos (Rosarito)............................619-917-5695 Laura Miller ..................Rosarito Beach 661-612-5844 Member NAR (US) AMPI (Mx) US 619-888-6171 REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES Ensenada Remax ........................................661-612-1132 RESTAURANTS/RESTAURANTES See WHERE TO EAT section Call to list you business., $5 per month.....686-230-9933 RV PARKS See WHERE TO STAY section REAL ESTATE SERVICES Baja Closing & Escrow Services ..................760-494-7053 UTILITIES/EMPRESAS DE SERVICIOS PÚBLICOS CFE ................................612-143 0064 or 612-142 0237 TELMEX .....................................................612-142 0001 CALIGAS.....................................................612-142 0122

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 39

R OSAR I TO BEACH

Lic. Ricardo Moreno Villa presents funding for “Todos Somos Familia” We Are All Family marionette theatre for child abuse and drug prevention in the schools to Sergio Delgadillo, joined with his son Josue who attends Fco. Madero Jr. High

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40 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

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E

nsenada is the third-largest city in the Mexican state of Baja California. It is located 116 km (about 70 miles) south of the San Diego/Tijuana border crossing. The city had a 2005 census population of 260,075. Ensenada is also the municipal seat of Ensenada. 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. Due to its location on the Pacific Ocean and Mediterranean latitude, the weather tends to be mild year-round.

GETTING TO ENSENADA

Getting to Ensenada has never been easier or faster. A US driver license is valid in Mexico, so you Mexican auto insurance is required by law if you drive in Mexico.

Taking The Bus from San Diego is another option.

Take the San Diego Trolley to San Ysidro, then walk across the border to the small Plaza Viva bus station.

ABC (Autotransportes Baja California) buses depart for Ensenada every half hour beginning 6AM - 9:30PM, you can call 1-52-(664)683-5681; fare is approx. $6.50dlls 1-way.

Greyhound Bus Lines (U.S. toll free: 800-231-2222).

Greyhound Lines will take you to Tijuana’s Central Bus Terminal (Central Camionera) from anywhere in the US and connect to any major Mexican bus line, including ABC. If you Arrive By Ship to the Ensenada port terminal, which holds two ships and each pier has shopping for Mexican curios and other items. Most cruise tourists arrive on the three and four night cruises Expect to pay about $2 for the five-minute ride to downtown shopping.

GETTING AROUND TOWN

The healthiest and most personal way is ON FOOT. Ensenada is a great city for getting around on your own energy. Most of the shopping is at sea level and easy to navigate with all numbered streets running north and south and celebrity named streets running east and west.

TAKING THE BUS if you want some adventure, or want a great sightseeing opportunity. Fare is 7 pesos ($0.65). Buses are called “micro” instead of “bus” or Autobuse. Bus Terminal 646-121-2982 al 87 Calzada Lazaro Cardenas & Rio Alamar La Mesa.

IN A TAXI is a great way to get from point A to point B, Taxis Amarillos (Yellow Taxi) is available 24 hours with local and unlimited service available; they will drive you anywhere. Ave. Lopez Mateos & Miramar. English spoken. 646-178-3475.

Try RENTING A CAR if you want to get out and explore on your own. Fiesta Rent-A-Car at 646-1763344, located at 1442 Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas or RentaCar Ensenada at 646-176-3344, located at 582 Lopez Mateos.

LODGING & ACCOMMODATION

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+ depending on the hotel. The best hotels in Ensenada are located to the north and south of town along the beach and are not within walking distance from downtown shopping and attractions. Taxi and shuttles are available in some locations.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 41

ENSENADA

Tourist Zone - Ave. Lopez Mateos. Photo by Marcmalano

Ensenada, Baja California

ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA

New Lodging in Mexico’s Wine Country

by Steve Dryden

Two new and exciting lodging options are now entrees that match with our wines.” For information available for wine lovers who want to spend the night or reservations: (664) 151-3273 Mex, (714) 313in the romantic wine country of Valle de Gualalupe. 5138 U.S., info@haciendaguadalupehotel.com or Of course, beer and tequila drinkers are welcome www.haciendaguadalupehotel.com.

Rancho Malagon or Viñedos Malagon is a “hidden too! In the past rooms have been expensive and hard to book, especially during the many wine country jewel” located in the village of Francisco Zarco in Valle de Guadalupe. festivities, but things are This family-owned 400looking up and both of acre ranch, vineyards, these new options are winery, bed and excellent. breakfast gets a gold Hacienda Guadalupe medal for hospitality, is brand new and first-class service, features 12 “deluxe” romantic ambiance, rooms with king-size hidden location and for Serta mattresses, creating fantastic wine.

T-300 sheets, bedding, This unique bed and Dubai quilts, original breakfast facility is one artwork, custom-made Rancho Malagon. Photo by Steve Dryden of the most charming furnishings, jacuzzi/pool with waterfall, and fantastic views from each private and romantic settings in the valley. Centered in a balcony. On May 1, they’ll open a 200-seat gourmet courtyard that features a cantina, private kitchen restaurant offering guests stunning sunset and wine and dining area with fireplace is most attractive country views along with affordable dining. According and addictive. Visitors can cook their own meals to owner, Daniel Sanchez, “we provide a warm and in the fully stocked kitchen or have a local chef friendly, deluxe hotel with upscale amenities, good cater to their gourmet culinary desires. A 36-inch food and unsurpassed hospitality. In addition, our plasma television with Direct TV satellite and original lobby wine bar features an artisan designed chimney handmade furniture complement the dinning area. with open beam ceilings in an environment that is Four deluxe room options are available to meet your designed for the ultimate in relaxation. Our dynamic specific needs. The “Grenache Suite” features one wines are exclusive and the lobby kitchen provides queen bed, large private bathroom and spacious 42 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

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living room area with sofa. This room also features a private patio looking out into the beautiful private gardens. “The “Green Room” includes one queensize bed, private bathroom and balcony with a sitting

area offering a majestic view of the mountain range.

The “Blue Room” includes two full-size beds with one private bathroom and balcony with sitting area featuring a view of the mountain range. Many guests rent the entire complex to host family, friends and clients. One remarkable amenity is that their wine has been given one of the highest ratings for quality in Mexico! Visit www.vinedosmalagon.com for details and reservations.

If you’re planning to attend the Fiesta de la Vendimia Festival in August or plan a spring and summer wine country escape, you need to book lodging now. Fortunately, both of these new lodging options offer the best in service and hospitality. One nice feature of both places is that they provide some great wine, the ambiance is supreme, and the hosts are “world class.”

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 43

ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA

OPEN HOUSE: Ensenada Feature Property

BAJAMAR, Luxurious Living at Affordable Prices 1,800 acres atop a bluff that overlooks the shores of the Pacific Ocean Imagine waking up every morning to an extraordinary panoramic view of the ocean, green and rugged desert landscapes, and beautiful waves crashing against the backdrop of green fairways.

Then, you finish your coffee, grab your clubs and walk down to one of the most spectacular golf courses in North America.

Located just 50 miles south of San Diego, CA, Bajamar Oceanfront Golf Resort offers that and so much more. This masterplanned, picturesque community is situated on 1,800 acres atop a bluff that overlooks the shores of the Pacific Ocean. With over 600 homes completed, a 15,000-square foot clubhouse, vacation homes, condominiums, a full-service hotel, underground public services, and decorative cobblestone streets, Bajamar is the premier choice for vacationers, investors and homeowners alike.

Known as “The Pebble Beach of Mexico,” the Bajamar 27 hole golf course, composed of three signature courses, offers a challenge and scenic view for players of all levels and abilities. With three possibilities, they’re sure to test your golfing skills: Lagos/Vista - par 71; Vista/Oceano - par 72; Oceano/ Lagos - par 71.

The Oceano course offers a “links-style” plan with 44 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

the first four holes on the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and the remaining five are directly above the resort’s four miles of rugged shores (3,546 yards from the gold). The Lagos course offers spectacular views of the coastline (3,546 yards from the gold).

Revitalized in 1991, the Vista, with a total yardage of 3,605 from the gold, is a beautiful “desertstyle” course, which will challenge even the seasoned pro!

Jogging and walking trails surround the development, making it the ideal setting for outdoor activities. Other recreational and social activities include tennis, Clubhouse parties, Friday night bands at La Trampas Bar and El Mirador Penthouse Bar, Bridge, day trips to Guadalupe Valley for wine tasting and shopping, and chartered fishing trips in Ensenada. On the weekend, Bajamar also features free outdoor movies.

Bajamar consists of different sections, all with their own unique appeal. The Country Club section is situated on a sloping hill, which affords some of the best views of the ocean and golf courses.

This community has approximately 120 villas and townhouses. Two homes are currently available in this section.

Villa Elegancia is a 4-bedroom, 4-bath home, beautifully appointed with custom-designer furniture

for a more formal appeal. The secluded patio and distinctive lighting brings to the home a relaxing atmosphere with lovely landscaping.

Another villa in The Country Club, situated right on the golf course with panoramic views of the lake, ocean and clubhouse, is Villa Roca, a 2,000-square foot home within walking distance of the Clubhouse and Pro Shop.

Another section of Bajamar is Mision Todos Santos.

This section features many prestigious homes situated on the golf course. Villa Carrasco is a spacious 3,000-square foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with a lovely patio right on the 7th fairway of the Lagos golf course. Los Arcos and Las Fuentes, both of which are 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, are also available for a great permanent lifestyle or second home.

For those who choose to build their own home, there are large lots available.

In Mision Todos Santos, you can find a lovely 3,700-square foot corner lot. One of our architects and builders can design and build a Mexican-style hacienda with ocean and golf course views for around US$65 per square foot. A possibility for those who would like “your dream house” at last.

Mision San Diego is another section where you have an array of homes overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the championship Oceano golf course.

This section of Bajamar features houses such as Casa Bella, a 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath oceanfront home.

This furnished 2,800-square foot home sports two floors with spectacular balconies along the length of the home for fabulous sunset entertaining. Another bluff home is Bella Vista, a custom-designed home with extraordinary features including a wine cellar, spa, and oceanfront swimming pool and Jacuzzi.

This home has three separate master suites and can accommodate owners and guests alike with lots of privacy. It overlooks the 6th hole of the Oceano golf course and is great for entertaining.

If you’re ready to start living a life of luxury, at affordable prices, contact Bajamar Premier Properties and they will be delighted to show you any and all of these homes at your convenience. From the U.S., call (619) 446-6734; from Mexico (646) 155-4170. www.mlsbajamar.com.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 45

ENSENADA ENSENADA

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http://oceanografia.cicese.mx/predmar MAR V0.7 2006 J.I. González

Teens Still Make Mexico Trip Despite Violence BEAVERTON, Oregon (USA) - A group of teenagers still made their spring break in Mexico despite warnings from the U.S. State Department about violence in the country. Thirty teenagers and several adults from Cedar Mill Bible Church went to Ensenada, Mexico, on March 21 for the church’s annual humanitarian project.

Connor Firstman and other members of the group built shower stalls for orphans and handed out care packages to hundreds of people in the village where the orphanage is located. Teenagers in the group said the work is well worth the risk of crossing the border.

“We’re going to get down and dirty and help these people,” Firstman said.

Firstman’s parents said they had second thoughts about letting their son go to Mexico after they heard about the escalating violence by Mexican drug cartels. “It’s concerning, but you could get run over by a bus, you could get shot in downtown Portland,” said Maryanne Firstman, Connor’s mother. “These kids won’t be out on the beach partying, they’re not out in bars, they’re going to be in an orphanage under strict supervision.”

46 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Pastor Mark Thompson, who has been taking teenagers to Mexico on spring break for the past 12 years, said he knew other youth groups across the country that have canceled spring break trips to Mexico because of the heightened risk.

“We did a long, hard look at whether it’s safe for our kids to go,” Thompson said. Thompson said he has been assured by other church leaders who have been to the Ensenada, Mexico, area that his group would not be in harm’s way.

ENSENADA DIRECTORY ICON Descriptions

- Accept Visa/credit cards - Wi-Fi / Internet - Kitchen/Restaurant

- Pool/Spa - Pet Friendly - Serves Breakfast - Beer/Spirits

PLACES TO EAT Coffee & Breakfast fast La Casa Antigua .....................................646-175-7320 Chinese Bamboo Garden

......................................646-178-2516

Italian Gondolieri Ristorante Italiano ..........................646-174-0976 Mexican Amigos Cantina..............................................619-917-5696

DIALING 800 NUMBER: 800 DIALING to the US From Mexico (dial 001+) To Dial USA 800 ................................... dial 880 To Dial USA 866 ................................... dial 883 To Dial USA 877 ................................... dial 882 To Dial USA 888 ................................... dial 881 IMPORTANT NUMBERS: MX 411 (Spanish only)................................040 Tourist Assistance Hotline ...........................076 Green Angels (MX toll Free) .....1-800-903-0092 Worldwide Emergency No.for Mobile is ...... 112 Emergencies ................................... 060 & 066 Sky Medical (from Mexico)..001-866-805-9624 Air-E-Vac ............................001-880-321-9522 Casa Mar Restaurant Bar ................................646-174-0417 www.restaurantcasamar.com ntccasama Brisa del Mar ... ...................................646-108-4702 ........

Broncos Steakhouse house .........................646-176-4900 Costa Azul .......................................646-154-2540 ............

Hussong’s Cantina ...........................646-178-3210 Magana’ss........... .......................................................646-155-0586 Haliotis ............................................646-176-3720 Steak & Seafood El Rey Sol ......................................................646-178-1601 ..............

Las Cazuelas ....................................646-176-1044 La Finca de Ensenada ..............................646-172-5833 ..........

La Embotelladora Vieja ....................646-174-0807 ...

La Mansion de Ensenada En .................646-178-3271 La Vendimia .....................................638-174-0969

PLACES TO STAY RV Park/Parque de RV Mona Lisa RV Park .........................................646-177-5100 Popotla R.V. Park ............................................661-612-1501 Motels/Moteles America Motel otel .........................................646-176-1333 Rudis Motel ............................................646-176-3245 Ensenada Inn .................................................646-176-1361 Hotel El Joker .................................................646-177-5151 Posada Don Fernando ....................................646-177-0127 Azteca Inn ......................................................646-177-4015 Hotel Best Western El Cid ........................................646-178-2401 Corona Hotel tel ..... .........................................646-176-0901 Costa Azul ....................................800-800-9632 Grandd Baja Baja Resort Re (Puerto Nuevo) ................................................877-315-1002 ................ .........

Hotel Coral & Marina arina ........646-175-0000 Hotel La Fonda ........................646-155-0007 Posada El Rel Sol ....................................646-178-1601

ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA San Nicolas Hotel ...........................................646-176-1901 Oxidox Cafe....................................................646-178-8827 Rentals Baja Rentals ......................................www.BajaCatalina.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY A-Z AEROPUERTO/AIRPORT Aeropuerto ....................................................646-273-1984 ART GALLERY Garery Art & Stuff ..........................................646-175-8859 ARTIST Alfonso Arambulua.........................................646-149-3866 DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE FRACCIONAMIENTOS Baja Mar Country Club .........................1-800-434-2252 FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company ..................................686-576-0653 HEALTH SPA La Fonda ........................................................646-155-0394 HOTEL/HOTEL See ROSARITO/ENSENADA LODGING GUIDE at the beginning of each city section.

INSURANCE Lynda’s Insurance (English speaking) .............686-577-1622

MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS ISSSTE .........................................................646-176-2230 IMSS ............................................................646-120-7771 Centro de Salud .............................................646-152-1371 MUSIC/MUSICA Pharmacy Regia & House of Music ................646-174-0557 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PSN Mexico Professional Services .................646-178-8280 Legal/Immigration Assist FM3/FM2/FMT Import documentation www.psnmexico.com POLICE/POLICÍA Policia Ministerial ...........................................646-176-3636 Policia Federal Caminos ................................ 646-683-8040 Policia Federal Preventiva ..............................646-176-2579 Prefectura Naval .......................................... 469-0376/2948 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION/EL TRANSPORTE PÚBLICO Terminal de Buses ..........................................646-224-1041 RENTALS/RENTAS See ROSARITO/ENSENADA LODGING GUIDE section REAL ESTATE AGENTS/AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES Nicolas Santos (Rosarito)...............................619-917-5695 RESTAURANTS/RESTAURANTES See WHERE TO EAT section RV PARKS See PLACES TO STAY section REAL ESTATE SERVICES Baja Closing & Escrow Services .....................760-494-7053 UTILITIES/EMPRESAS DE SERVICIOS PÚBLICOS CFE ...................................612-143 0064 or 612-142 0237 TELMEX ........................................................ 612-142 0001 CALIGAS........................................................ 612-142 0122 WINERY Vinos Fuentes Winery ..............................646-171-7070

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ENSENADA

DIALING INSTRUCTIONS: USA to MX Cel Phone: 011+52+1+Area Code+(Tel #) USA to Mexico: 011+52+Area Code+(Tel #) Mexico 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 #)

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

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48 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

e

Gulfo de Mexico Gulfo de California

Virgin de Guadalupe Monument

DRIVING DISTANCES

El Centro, CA ...........................137 Miles Los Angeles, CA ...........................350 Miles Phoenix, AZ ...........................375 Miles San Diego, CA ...........................236 Miles Tucson, AZ ...........................446 Miles Yuma, AZ ...........................184 Miles

IMPORTANT NUMBERS Emergency Help (Like USA 911) 066 Airport 686-577-1368 Civil Protection Unit 686-577-1433 Comision Federal de Electricidad 071 District Attorney 686-577-1110 Fire Dept.

686-577-1182 Health Dept.

686-577-1521 Hospital 686-577-0117 Immigration Office 686-577-1083 Mayor’s Office 686-577-1021 Police Local 686-577-1134 Police Federal 686-577-1045 Police State Judicial 686-577-1203 Port Captain 686-577-1577 HARBOR Red Cross 686-577-1544 Secretary of Tourism 686-577-1155 Telnor 686-577-1000 Tourism Dept.

686-577-1155 Marina Resort Tourist Assistance (Green Angels) 078

The monument at the entrance to San Felipe was built in 1980 to represent the commitment of the four states around the Sea of Cortez (Baja California Norte, Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, and Sonora) to promote tourism and the regions beauty and charm.

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Christine Woods relaxing on San Felipe’s Best Beach 2007 & 2008, Cantu Cove, with her blind dog Mattie Mae in her lap and her other very curious dog Cantu fishing in the background. Photo by Rachel Pack

S

an Felipe is a small fishing village that historically has been economically dependent on fishing, however today tourism and real estate provide the economic base. Even as it grows into the next century with four-lane highways, multi-pump fueling centers that shines bright even after the moon has drop behind the majestic mountains it will remain a small fishing village in its heart and soul.

Today San Felipe is maturing into a sophisticated resort community with destination resort developments, luxury condos, fine restaurants, sport fishing charters and world-class off-road adventures.

San Felipe sits on the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), 118 miles (190 km) south of the US border and within the municipality of Mexicali.

Directly behind San Felipe to the west is Sierra San Pedro Martír, the tallest mountains in Baja, forming a protective wall from Pacific storms. San Felipe has 23foot tides (7-meters) exposing a kilometer or more of ocean floor. One of the largest tidal bores in the world due in part to the Colorado River delta to the north.

GETTING TO SAN FELIPE

If you are Driving your car or a rental (you MUST purchase Mexican Auto Insurance) to San Felipe is straightforward, because all roads lead south. The Mexicali/San Felipe highway is a breath-taking visual experience from wetlands to moonscapes to vistas that fall off the horizon. Most car rentals in El Centro, San Diego, and Yuma Airports sell Mexican Auto Insurance.

The San Felipe International Airport has a runway of 4850 feet that is in excellent condition. The available

oriented 310° and 130°, coordinates 30°57’ lat. 114°51’ long. The radio control tower operators are bilingual.

ATM/GETTING CASH

Because of the close proximity of Northwest Mexico to the USA, most invoices, and receipts at restaurants, hotels, gas stations, etc., will be in both dollars and pesos. It is a good idea to convert your money into pesos for local purchases. You will likely save money. ATMs at Banamex Bank on Chetumal, Bancomer Bank on Mar de Cortez and Chetumal or AM/PM on Mar Caribe Sur.

THINGS TO DO

San Felipe offers endless things to do and or not do depending on your personal goals.

San Felipe beaches extend north and south for over 50 miles of shoreline to explore. Off Road adventures, await you beyond every horizon, which is why San Felipe is home to the SCORE International Baja 250. The desert terrain surrounding San Felipe is vast and offers incredible trails and exploration for ATV’s, dirt bike or off-road vehicle. Just south of San Felipe are extensive sand dunes ideal for buggies and rails. ATV Rentals are also available.

The Valley of the Giants: The natural reserve of the thousand-year-old Cardon Cactus has become a major attraction Shopping, San Felipe offers great shopping for bargain, souvenirs, arts and much more. Much of the shopping can be found downtown on the Malecon, Mar de Cortez, or Chetumal leading into town. However, all around town you’ll find great finds.

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SAN FELIPE

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

San Felipe, Baja California

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Entertainers of the San Felipe Music Scene

by Carlos and Julia Bono of Sahuaros Realty

Canadians Al Mayov and Tom O’Neill of 2AM performing live folk music at the Lighthouse Restaurant in San Felipe. Photo by Julia Bono

The San Felipe music scene is alive and well and reflects its culturally-mixed population. While Mexican music can certainly be found, many local performers appeal to English-speaking tourists and residents. Musically, these acts tend to fall into the rock, blues and folk categories, but even classical music is available. Here’s a quick run down of some of the best-known musical artists: Agave Blues features Arturo Esquivias on guitar, Jim Moore on drums, and Bill Maine on keyboard.

The band was voted best San Felipe band in 2007 in a Mexico Living poll, and it offers a popular mix of classic blues and rock at its weekly performances at the Lighthouse Restaurant. Keyboardist Bill Maine says of San Felipe, “I love this town and it put a cherry on the cake for me to be able to work here and play music.” Bill also has advice for musicians thinking of playing here, “Don’t quit your day job, but there is a musician community here that will welcome you.”

The Vatos Locos are a tight, “surf-a-billy” blues power trio featuring seasoned musicians Ken Pottie on drums, Rick Rudd on bass and Mike Byrne on guitar. Their stated mission is “Bringing the Blues to Baja,” and they sure get their audience dancing each week at Brian’s Beach Bar and Grill at Playa de Oro. 50 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

A more folksy/country sound is offered by 2AM, which features Al Mayov and Tom O’Neill, a pair of Canadian singer/guitarists and recent additional vocalist Lisa Shannon. Their repertoire of classic songs is both easy to listen to and hard not to sing along to! They currently play regularly at the Lighthouse Restaurant and The Happy Jackass at Los Arcos. Al quips, “We don’t really get paid to play; we just get paid to drag our equipment around.”

Relative newcomers on the San Felipe band scene are the Baja Boys (formerly Reflections) that currently play at Fandangos Bar and who offer a classic rock mix. Jim Manning plays guitar and sings for the band.

San Felipe even offers something for the more elevated musical tastes. Interpolacion is a classical and jazz duo featuring Hermaline on classical guitar and Ed on saxophone. Their beautiful music can be enjoyed at fine restaurants like La Hacienda de la Langosta Roja. Also occasionally found performing around town is master solo guitarist Carlos Bono who plays a delightful mix of classical, Bossa Nova and flamenco music.

For those who like to get into the act, San Felipe offers plenty of Karaoke singing opportunities. For example, the Singout Sisters and Chuy offer bilingual

Karaoke at the Lighthouse Restaurant, and Mac and music on Saturdays. For a mellower mood, check out Nan host Karoke evenings at The Happy Jackass. Eddy G. who plays regularly at Juanito’s Cantina in Another entertaining musical alternative is Denny El Dorado Ranch. Eddy is a San Felipe native and Flannigan’s popular “Name that Tune” competitions a versatile vocalist/keyboardist with a wide Spanish and English repertoire at Brian’s Beach that appeals to all Bar and Grill. DJs tastes.

Mejiko (aka Bubba), Regarding festivals, and Alice and the San Felipe was a-buzz Caterpillar also offer last month over the musical samplings International Blues around town from and Arts Fiesta their extensive multiorganized by the San cultural collections, Felipe Lion’s Club and the Rockodile and Mexico Living and Beachcomber to support the San nightclubs each have Felipe community. in-house DJs that This year’s event spin dance music. was held on March If you’d like to 28 and featured a sample some Mexican Agave Blues performing at 2008 Blues & Arts Fiesta, Arturo music locally, much Esquivias on guitar, Jim Moore on drums. Photo by Christine Woods. choice selection of blues performers. can be enjoyed simply by walking along the Malecon on a weekend San Felipe was represented by locals Agave Blues, evening. Several venues also cater to the Spanish- Vatos Locos and MC Denny Flannigan. The fiesta speaking population and are great places to explore also showcased exhibits by 60 artists, making it an the culture. For example, Bandidos Bar and Grill exceptional music and art event.

Basically, San Felipe offers something for just offers special events featuring top-name Mexican bands, and The Miramar Bar hosts live cumbia dance about every musical taste!

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SAN FELIPE

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Playa del Paraiso Flag Ship Condo Hotel Under Full Sail This Cinderella comeback couldn’t have happened at a better time

by Sean Harrington

Under Construction. We see that all the time on the Internet, the highways and in residential and commercial building sites. Under Construction has been the norm for a long time until recently. The old adage has always been when the US of A gets a cold, Mexico gets pneumonia, and we’ve been showing signs of this condition.

The symptoms of the condition come in the form of one development after another modifying construction schedules, reducing staff, searching for additional investment capital, canning the advertising budget (not a good idea), or go comatose—stopping altogether.

One such comatose development was Playa del Paraiso, San Felipe’s flagship luxury high-rise condominium hotel project. Now after months of delays and false starts, it appears to be under full sail again. They are back under construction, and have begun delivery of phase one.

Playa del Paraiso is an ambitious project, and when fully completed will be San Felipe’s crown jewel.

Playa del Paraiso sits on a perfect sandy beach just a few dozen yards north of San Felipe’s Marina. The high-rise offers exceptional views from almost every floor and is outright breathtaking from the penthouse floors. Water views to the south include the Marina 52 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

and the south beaches all the way to the southern point of Bahia de San Felipe. Views toward San Felipe include the Lighthouse and San Felipe’s signature Macharro Mountains, rising 1,000 feet above the northernmost end of the bay. There are two miles of beach that connect San Felipe’s downtown and the Marina waterfront district. Views from the backside of the high-rise are just as impressive where the eyes scan vast areas of desert framed by the soaring Sierra San Padro Mertir range.

Certainly not alone, Playa del Paraiso has had its fair share of difficulties bringing such an ambitious project to reality. The project has recently been purchased by a construction group with considerable commercial successes under their belts over the last 25 years and have access to capital even in the current strangled credit market. Capital and experience are pivotal keys to a successful project in a developing community.

The property is bristling with activity. Raw material and workers are everywhere as they push to deliver phase one and get phase two and phase three back on an organized and believable schedule. While some units are still shells, others are complete and delivered, others are being prepped for delivery and steel is being ordered for the next phase. Workers, equipment,

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA Playa del Paraiso delivery on their first completed building.

Photo by Sean Harrington

SAN FELIPE

tools, material and music is everywhere. They even have a makeshift restaurant on site to handle hefty construction worker appetites, it also helps keep them close to the job site. The place is a madhouse of activity and things are getting done. The end result is elegant.

Playa del Paraiso has a lot of positive karma going for it.

For the local economy Playa del Paraiso’s Cinderella comeback couldn’t have happened at a better time for the local construction industry, which has seen many other projects slow down or stall. For the buyers, they are getting what they paid for . . . nothing but the best. Built to the International Building Code (UABC) and abiding by the code set forth by the Steel & Concrete Institute of The United States, the building is solid; 200-mile-an-hour winds are unheard of in San Felipe, but Paraiso says, “Bring it on, we can handle it.”

As a living experience, life at Playa del Paraiso will be a cut above. Gorgeous, spacious, luxuriously appointed condominiums offering oversized outdoor living balconies with worldclass views. Paraiso is low-density living for a property of this size. Playa del Paraiso’s product offers full hotel amenities including concierge service, nearly five acres of fun-filled open space with huge pools, palapa bars, playgrounds for the kids and nearly three acres of pristine beach.

Congratulations, Playa del Paraiso, your success will be a legacy for San Felipe. www.playadelparaiso.com

Beautifully completed kitchen in Playa del Paraiso.

Photo by Sean Harrington

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SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Around Town in San Felipe San Felipe Spring is upon us! The weather has been so truly amazing, a pleasant reminder of why we have chosen the Baja as our home! Some town happenings included a few different St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Corned Beef and Cha Chas at the Ocotillo Lodge gave everyone a good ol’ Irish treat, and benefited the ZAPP Spay/Neuter Project in San Felipe. Last year, an amazing new restaurant opened up, Blowin’ Smoke, and they featured an AUTHENTIC Reuben sandwich for St. Patty’s. Los Arcos’ Happy Jackass had a fest as well, including local musicians, Tom O’Neill and Alan Mayov, AKA 2AM, with some traditional Irish drinking songs. The duo has announced that they will soon be a trio: joining them is Mexico Living’s own Lisa Shannon. This will be something different in San Felipe. Feedback has been positive about having the addition of a female vocalist to one of the local musical ensembles. 2AM can be seen at the Lighthouse on Saturday nights and Los Arcos’ Happy Jackass on Sunday evenings. If you haven’t been by the Jackass lately, make sure you

stop in there and see all the renovations Cliff has been making to the landmark joint. He’s done an amazing job in a short time, refinishing the floors and restoring the booths. San Felipe SCORE Baja 250 March 14, Blues and Arts March 28, Charity Golf Classic Celebrity Invitational March 29. You’ll read more about these events next month. Press time requires an early deadline for contributors, so many of these events have not happened yet! But rest assured that MLG will not let you down! Be sure to visit us online for more up-to-date information on these and other events in San Felipe and other cities in Northwest Mexico. SAFETY FIRST in Mexico, I cannot believe all the drama and propaganda the press is making about Mexico. If foreign media reported every incident that happens in the U.S. (like the church shooting in Illinois), are we to say that the ENTIRE U.S. is unsafe? It’s ridiculous to say the least. I personally would like to encourage our readers to email your local news to Geraldo Rivera to share your opinions, and what you believe about traveling to Mexico. See you around town!

SAN FELIPE DIRECTORY ICON Descriptions

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- Pool/Spa

- Accept Credit Cards

- Pet Friendly

- Wi-Fi / Internet

- Serves Breakfast

- Kitchen/Restaurant

- Beer/Spirits

- Map Number

- Reader Poll Winner

PLACES TO EAT American Los Arcos ...............................686-577-2585 Baja Java ........................................686-577-2465 .................

Beach Bar & Grill . .....................686-577-3144 Blowin’ Smoke BBQ ......................................686-576-0710 Breakfast The Bistro “Java Jitters”

...........686-114-7735

54 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Burgers Baja Burger ....................................................686-577-2465 Chilis & Burgers .............................................686-577-6196 Mexican The Beach Bar and Grill . ...........686-577-3144 El Club ...........................................................686-577-1175 ................

La Palapa Bar & Grill .................686-200-4083 Mi Casa es Tu C Casa ........................................686-577-1495 asa......

Rancho Alegre ...........................686-576-0648

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA DIALING INSTRUCTIONS: USA to MX Cel Phone: 011+52+1+Area Code+(Tel #) USA to Mexico: 011+52+Area Code+(Tel #) Mexico 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: 800 DIALING to the US From Mexico (dial 001+) To Dial USA 800 ................................... dial 880 To Dial USA 866 ................................... dial 883 To Dial USA 877 ................................... dial 882 To Dial USA 888 ................................... dial 881

SAN FELIPE

IMPORTANT NUMBERS: MX 411 (Spanish only)................................040 Tourist Assistance Hotline ...........................076 Green Angels (MX toll Free) .....1-800-903-0092 Worldwide Emergency No.for Mobile is ...... 112 Emergencies ................................... 060 & 066 Sky Medical (from Mexico)..001-866-805-9624 Air-E-Vac ............................001-880-321-9522 Rice & Beans ans ..................... ......................686-577-1770 Rosita ..............................................686-577-1903 Pizza Fatboy’s ................................686-577-4092 ......

Los Arcos - Happy Jackass ................686-577-2585 Popeye’s Pizza ...............................................686-577-1122 Rabbit Pizza Delivery ......................................686-577-0987 Spanish Miguel & Paco

....................................686-111-2257

Steak & Seafood Al’s Backstreet Cantina .....................686-577-1580 Green House ..................................................686-181-6358 El Nido ....................................................686-577-1028 ........

Lighthouse Restaurant ................686-577-2540

Los Arcos

........................................686-577-2585

Fine Dining The Latin Garden ............................................686-209-6369 elippe, BC 2-Highway 5 KM 183,, San FFelipe, Pavilion Restaurant . .................686-577-0022

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

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SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

San Felipe News Briefs: April 2009

by Carlos and Julia Bono of Sahuaros Realty

In business news, San Felipe is excited to host the new Sexy Boutique, located across from Al’s Backstreet Bar. Linda Garcia, the wedding/ events planner from Maria Bonita, is the Construction begins again on Playa del Paraiso near the proprietor and her Marina south of San Felipe. Photograph © 2009 by Julia Bono adult shop features The new Sexy Boutique a unique collection Mayor Valdez Guiterrez also inaugurated a new street across from Al’s Backstreet of lingerie, stockings paving project beginning on Veracruz St. in Los Arcos.

Bar in San Felipe. and sex toys. Also, La The Puertectios-Laguna Chapala road development Photograph © 2009 by Julia Bono Plazita, located on Mar now extends about 20 km south of Puertecitos, with Caribe across completion of the 140 km project anticipated by year from Bancomer, end. Extensive road works along Highway 5 from San is quickly Felipe to Mexicali have set up a dirt road diversion becoming a between km 159 and 169 (about five miles north of El nexus for fine Dorado Ranch) that has caused hazardous conditions artists and art for low clearance cars due to rocks and washboards, shows, after so caution is advised. Also, construction has begun the Baja Nueva again on the high-rise Playa del Paraiso development art store owned near the Marina after it recently changed hands. Local

by Jerry and fishermen are busy preparing for the Curvina and Sierra fishing season as the shrimp season ends, and Beautiful art and luxury item gallery Sherry Lankin moved there the spring daylights savings time change in Mexico Baja Nueva’s location in La Plazita. from its location will be on April 5 this year, almost a month after the Photograph © 2009 by Julia Bono adjacent to U.S. changes on March 8. the Latin Garden Restaurant. The recent drop of In terms of events, the 7th Annual Paella Festival the Mexican peso to a record low of 15.50 against held at the beachfront El Cortez Hotel on February 21 the U.S. dollar on March 2 has increased Mexico’s was a huge success, drawing a crowd of approximately attractiveness to tourists, and foreign exchange 400 people who enjoyed the great food and mariachi shops have opened to handle the band music. Denny and Sandy business. One such new cambio, Flannigan’s Valentine’s Day party Multi-Servicios Los Arcos is at the Latin Garden Restaurant on located next to Dr. Abasola’s February 14 was also well attended. office on Chetumal. Also, Baja Townspeople partied well into the Java’s northern cafe at Playa San night at the San Felipe Carnival Rafael has begun hosting elegant 2009, held on February 19–24, live music for Sunday brunch despite less tourists and vendors from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., than usual. Attendees enjoyed the featuring classical and jazz duo popular parade floats, live music, Interpolacion, and solo classical queen competition and numerous guitarist Carlos Bono. carnival rides. The 23rd Tecate SCORE San Felipe off-road race ran In municipal news, Baja The new Multiservicios Los Arcos California Governor Jose Money Exchange on Chetumal in San from March 13–15 in San Felipe. An Guadalupe Ozuna Millan, along Felipe. Photograph © 2009 by Julia Bono agreement was signed by Oscar Ramos of SCORE 250, Benito with Mexicali Mayor Rodolfo Valdez Gutierrez, visited on February 9 to inaugurate Lopez of the Ejido and Rodolfo Valdez Guiterrez, the a large North Campo water storage facility with San Mayor of Mexicali, for the popular spring race to run Felipe Delegado Hazael Sierra Castillo. On February 21, on the same route as last year.

56 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA Rentals Baja Bill's Property Managment erty M anagm gmennt ...... ......................686-577-4014 Casey’s Place ..........686-577-1431

! " ! # $ $#

........................686-231-4921 Rancho del Sol Redwagon Enterprises Services .....................686-576-0081

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Only $24.00 dlls for 12 issues Have the magazine mailed to your home!

Name ___________________________ Address _________________________ City___________State___Zip________ Ph#_____________________________ E-mail___________________________ Check#_____ Visa_____ MC_____ AMEX_____

Motels/Hotel Marina Resort

..............................686-577-1569

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)

Payable to: John Benjamin Pack Mail to: John Benjamin Pack PO Box 0919-460 Calexico CA 92232

ACCOUNTING/CONTABILIDAD CP E&A Accounting .............................................686-577-0836

ALTERATIONS/SASTRE San Felipe Seamstress (Vickie Silva) ..............686-175-5420 ARCHITECT/ARQUITECTO Freddy Hernandez ..........................................686-946-7897 Licensed, CAD, Blue Prints, Graphic Design Rosa Lina Ramos Lazcano .............................686-184-6172 ART GALLERY Oasis Fine Art Gallery .....................................686-221-1245 ARTIST/ARTISTA ......... E-mail: andrenajoyce@yahoo.com Andrena Joyce Melody Ashley ................E-mail: melodya2004@yahoo.com Robin Waters .................................................686-115-0526 Sandy Colomb "The Gourd Lady" ...................686-576-0384

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SAN FELIPE

Seaside Shangri-La Apartment ....................... 686-577-1573 Laa A pa Su Casa Elegante ............................ 686-577-0745

Name on Card____________________ CC No.__________________________ Ex Date______ CVC (3 digit #)______

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

58 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA Watercolors by Mary Lou ...............................686-171-5513 ATTORNEY/ABOGADO Carlos A. Martinez Monges ............................686-120-1650 Lic. Francisco Sosa Mendez ...........................686-577-0624 ADULT CARE/ATENCION DE ADULTOS San Felipe Adult Living Facility ........................686-576-0661

Lilly Ana’s Day Spot

................................686-577-6253

BUILDING MATERIALS/MATERIALES DE CONTRUCCIÓN El Dorado Construction Materials.................... 686-576-0317 Plumbing & Hardware Open 7 Days a week Located at KM 179 across from new Pemex station

AUTO REPAIR/REPARACIÓN DE AUTO Automotive PIT STOP .....................................686-173-0424 Km 183.3 Repair & Services-All electronic & Mechanical Reasonable rates. Call Now! Panaderia Especial

BAKERY/PANADERÍA ..................................686-577-2948

BANK/BANCO BBVA Bancomer.............................................686-577-2224 Silvia Elizabeth Urbea, Preferred Customer’s Unit Ext. 13 BANDS/BANDAS Agave Blues ...................................................686-184-9237 Al’s Backstreet Cantina

Pro-Construction............................................686-576-0430 Building Materials, Plumbing, Paint supplies Brick Block, Wood, & Hardware. Delivery Services Call us! ............................686-577-1515 Maderas de San Felipe

BARS/CLUBS ......................686-577-1580

SAN FELIPE

The Beach Bar and Grill . ..........686-577-3144 ................................................707-237-1906 V Lounge ........................................686-577-0060 Fandango’s JollyMon ........................................................686-213-5647

CHOCOLATE/CHOCOLATE .............................686-576-0348 Baja Chocolate Lovers

Los Arcos - Happy Jackass

................686-577-2585

BEAUTY SALONS/SALONES DE BELLEZA .........................................686-113-3682 Hair By Nancy

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SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

60 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA CHURCH Mission San Felipe .........................................686-577-0877

San Felipe Management Services ...................686-576-0553

Sweitzer Construction Management

.........686-577-0195

CITY SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE LA CIUDAD District Attorney’s ..........................................686-577-1110 Mayors Office ................................................686-577-1021

SWEITZER CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COMPANY

COFFEE & TEA/CAFÉ Y TE The Bistro (Java Jitters)..................................686-114-7735

BJ Sweitzer Consultant

COMPUTER SERVICES Computing Integral Solutions .......................... 686-577-2370

Carlos Mora Contractor

Phone: 577-0195 USA: 011-52-686-577-0195 Email: bejota10@aol.com

Perez Construction .........................................686-576-0650

DELI ........................686-577-3168 Sand & Sea Market & Deli .........................................686-576-0369 SunDance Deli CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE CONSTRUCCIÓN Baja 24/7 Construction & Real Estate .............686-577-6196

DENTIST/DENTISTA ................................686-577-0708 California Dental Spa Dr. Felix Rodriguez ..........................................686-577-1919

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SAN FELIPE

COUNSELING-THERAPY/CONSULTA TERAPÉUTICA Inner Connection ............................................686-255-5447

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA Consultorio Dental Y de Ortodoncia ...............686-577-6212

DEVELOPMENTS/FRACCIONAMIENTOS Casablanca ....................................................686-157-1728 Diamante Residencial .....................................686-569-2347 El Dorado Ranch ............................................686-577-0015 La Perla Del Mar.............................................760-458-7602 ............................................686-576-0223 Playa de Oro Playa del Paraiso.................................. 888-647-5292 x 704

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SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA San Marino ....................................................686-577-0611 San Rafael .....................................................686-576-0223

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

DISCOUNT STORE El Cheap-O.....................................................686-577-6263 DOCTORS/DOCTORES Dr. Victor Abasolo .............. 686-577-1706 or 686-573-0174 ENTERTAINMENT/ENTRETENIMIENTO Name That Tune - Denny Flannigan.................686-576-1683 ....686-576-0047 The Singout Sisters & Chuey (Karaoke) EVENT SERVICES/servicios acontecimiento Produciones Baja ...........................................686-576-1683 FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company ............ ......................686-576-0653

HEALTH FODDS Sea Star Health Food Store .............................686-577-6250 HEALTH & FITNESS/SALUD Y EJERCICIO KenSue Martial Arts .......................................686-577-6023 Excerise, Taewaonndo, Mixed Martial Arts Heaven & Earth .............................................. 686-182-3513 ............................................ 686-125-1555 Squats Gym

FILM DEVELOPMENT/IMPRESION DE FOTOS Fotografia Alvarez...........................................686-577-1144

Baja Nueva

FURNITURE/MUEBLERÍA .............................................686-187-7795

HOME BUILDERS/CONTRATISTAS BC Homes .....................................................686-569-3730 www.bajahomes.com.mx, riccardo@bajahomes.com.mx Construcciones Luevano ................................688-576-0304 HouSing .........................................................686-577-0810 Manuel Pacheo ..............................................686-577-0745 Contractor-builder building to American standards for 20 years contact Robert Brittain at Su Casa Elegante USA ....................

760-477-5963 M & O Construction .......................................686-124-3908 Oscar Parra ....................................................686-163-6514 Oscar Perez ...................................................686-120-6506 Perez Construction .........................................686-236-4927

Pérez Construction/Contract Management “El Dorado Ranch 5 Star Contractor” Muebles Coloniales Rosy ...............................686-577-1214 GENERAL CONTRACTOR/CONTRATISTA GENERAL See HOME BUILDERS/CONTRATISTAS GLASS SHOP & GARAGE DOORS/VIDRIERA Y PUERTAS DE GARAGE Ka-Va Hermanos ............................................686-147-3145 GOLF/GOLF Kelly’s Golf Range & Snack Bar ......................686-576-0094 Las Caras de Mexico ......................................686-576-0517

Jane Allen, Contract Manager 480.600.2114 or 011.521.686.236.4927 Lupe Pérez, General Contractor 011.521.686.170.3979

bestinbaja@gmail.com PMD Developments........................................638-105-9182 Quartermoon Construction ............................686-228-7480 San Felipe Home Builders ...............................686-577-3176

GRAPHIC DESIGN/DISEÑO GRÁFICO GreetScape ....................................................686-188-2393 GYNECOLOGIST/GINECÓLOGO Annel Becerra Prado.......................................686-577-6350

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SAN FELIPE

MexQuest Mortgage Corp............. Toll Free: 1-888-257-9162

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

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SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA HOME CLEANING/LIMPIEZA DE CASAS Redwagon Proerty Management .....................686-576-0081 Housekeeping - Jackie’s Home Help ...............686-228-7480

LANDSCAPING/JARDINERÍA Mauricio’s Lanscaping ...................................686-151-8002

HOME IMPROVEMENTS/MEJORAMIENTO CASERO Baja Home Improvement ................................686-222-4507 Tropical Home Improvement ...........................686-577-0041 HOSPITAL Hospital San Felipe ........................................686-577-0117 or call 686-569-3019 or 686-212-1672 HOTEL/MOTEL - See the San Felipe Lodging/Dinning Guide Section IMPORT SERVICES/SE RVICIOS DE IMPORTACIÓN San Felipe Storage Company .......................... 686-576-0432

Prestige Landscape and Maintenance .............686-170-8651 Your Paradise...My Passion .................................................. 686-576-0664 Versoleil

INSURANCE Alani’s Mexican Insurance ..............................686-577-2464

SAN FELIPE

Lynda’s Insurance (English speaking) .............686-577-1622

Orval Insurance .............................. orvalquotes@gmail.com INTERIOR DESIGN/DISEÑO INTERIOR Baja Nueva.....................................................686-211-4676 INTERNET CAFE/CAFE DE INTERNET Soluciones Integrales en Computacions..........686-577-2370

LAUNDRY SERVICE/LAVANDERÍA Wash Tub....................................................... 686-577-2001 LIFEGUARD/SALVAVIDAS San Felipe Lifeguards .....................................686-233-7730 Ask for Franscio LIQUOR/LICORERÍA Tecate Six - Julio ............................................686-119-0030 LOCKSMITH/CERRAJERO Gomez Locksmith .......................................... 686-221-8337 24 HR Service, Professional Service. Homes, Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, English Spoken

KITCHEN/BATH Cocina/Bano Concepto Casa .........................686-576-0731

PEST CONTROL Luis Lagarde ..................................................686-573-0258 POSTAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS POSTALES Yetmail ........................................................... 686-577-1255

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SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA Sand & Sea .................................................... 686-577-3168 ............................ 686-147-6752 SunRunner Mail Center MASSAGE/MASAJE Casey’s Place (Massage) ...............................686-577-1431

Hands On Baja ...............................................686-171-6885 No phone? Make an appointment at the Call Margaret.

Sea Star Health Food Store ............................. 686-577-6250 MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS Ambulance.....................................................686-577-0500 Health Center ................................................ 686-577-1521 Red Cross ......................................................686-577-1544 San Felipe Hospital .........................................686-577-0117 OPTOMETRISTS/OPTHAMOLOGISTS California Optical ............................................686-577-0708 OpticaMaxi Vision ......................................... 686-577-0320

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SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA PAINT/PINTURA John B. Ross .................................................686-109-9544 PHARMACY/FARMACIA Santa Fe Pharmacy .......................................686-576-0546

Gary Gold ......................................................686-211-9952 Kathy Preppernau...........................................686-210-4458 Katy Asimus ..................................................686-211-5474 Nate Morace ..................................................686-171-3257 REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES ........................................686-577-0611 Amor Property Baja Ranch & Sea Realty ................................686-577-1304 Baja 24/7 Construction & Real Estate .............686-577-6196

Botica “Sagrado Corazon” .............................. 686-577-1294 PHOTOGRAPHY/FOTOGRAFÍA Casey Hamlin.com .........................................686-577-1431 Francisco Romo .............................................686-577-1193 Ron Saunders ................................................686-576-0007 Victor Rodriguez Ratliff ...................................686-573-0222

California Real Estate & Construction.. 686-576-0420 Call Margaret Realty .......................................686-577-1156 Desert Mother ................................................686-577-2552 Desert Realty .................................................686-577-6336 Enjoy Baja......................................................686-576-0697 Sea Mexico Realty (SMR)...............................686-576-0223

RECREATION/RECREACIÓN San Felipe Sailing-Sailing Lessons ..................686-114-3259 Aerodynamic - Ultralight flights ......................686-116-2933 ROOFING/TECHOS San Felipe Professional Roofing ......................686-590-6818 SATELLITE TELEVISION & INTERNET/TELEVISION SATELITALES Y INTERNET CSI - Computer & Satellite Installation.............686-577-2928

POLICE/POLICÍA Federal Preventive Police ...............................686-577-1045 Police ...........................................................686-577-1134 PRINTERS/IMPRESORAS Papeleria Copicentro ......................................686-577-1402 The Print Supplier ...........................................686-230-9933 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE PROPIEDADES Baja Bill’s Property Management ....................686-577-4014 Casey’s Place ................................................686-577-1431 Custom Vacation Homes ................................928-277-6863 928-277-7559 & visit www.sanfelipevacations.com Enjoy Baja......................................................686-576-0697 Redwagon Enterprises....................................686-576-0081

Computer & Satellite Installation • Dish Network TV • Satellite Internet

686-577-2928

• Computers • DVD Rentals

shane@csibaja.com

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS/ORGANIZACIONES DE SERVICIO Club Las Amigas ............................................686-202-0455 San Felipe Lions Club .....................................686-212-3599 San Felipe Rotary ...........................................686-576-0112

PUBLICATIONS/PUBLICACIONES Gringo Gazette ............................................... 686-111-3692

SHOPPING MALL/CENTRO DE COMPRAS La Plazita .......................................................686-577-2119 SOLAR Baja Solar Systems ........................................686-111-0504 Mexico Living Magazine ................................. 686-577-1377 San Felipe Newsletter .....................................686-577-2898

SPANISH LESSONS Kelly Walsh. ...................................................686-149-6747

REAL ESTATE AGENTS/AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES Bill Maine .......................................................686-231-4921

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SAN FELIPE

REAL ESTATE SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE BIENES RAÍCES Baja Closing & Escrow Services .....................686-576-0653

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

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SPECIALTY STORES Sea of Cortez Salt ..........................................686-209-0074

WELDING SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE SOLDADURA Waldo The Welder ..........................................686-226-3127

STORAGE/ALMACÉN Lock Box ....................................................... 686-576-0606 San Felipe Storage Company .......................... 686-576-0432

WINDOW CLEANING/LIMPIEZA DE VENTANAS Pro Window Cleaning .....................................686-590-6594

TATTOOING/TATUAJES Baja Ink Spot Tattoo & Body Piercing ..............686-577-2538 TIRE SHOP/lLANTERA Llantera Aguilar ..............................................686-192-8462 TRANSLATION/TRADUCCIÓN Carlota Villagran B ..........................................686-212-9951 TRANSPORTATION/TRANSPORTACIÓN Airport ...........................................................686-577-1368 Taxi Service ...................................................686-577-1293 Bus Station ...................................................686-577-1516 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 VETERINARY/VETERINARIO Hospital Animal ..............................................686-577-1688 PETS .............................................................686-577-2155 WASTE MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE DESHECHO San Felipe Disposal ........................................686-121-1004

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SAN FELIPE

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

PUERTO PEÑASCO, SONORA

PUERTO PEÑASCO SONORA MEXICO

Puerto Peñasco, commonly known among many of its English-speaking visitors as Rocky Point, is a small city of approximately 42,000 people in the northern state of Sonora, Mexico. Located on the shore of the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortéz), the town is known for its fishing and tourism industries.

It is a popular destination for tourists, particularly those from Arizona, for Puerto Peñasco is nearest beach. This is why it is such a popular Spring Break destination with students from Arizona, New Mexico, and California. Puerto Peñasco is located in the ‘free zone’ where tourists are not required currently to obtain immigration papers in order to visit. Puerto Peñasco marina has new fuel docks and other boat-related developments as part of the country’s Escala Nautica (Nautical Ladder) efforts, which call for a chain of ‘tourist-class’ marinas sprinkled up and down the Baja coast in an effort to promote nautical tourism.

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Puerto Peñasco has two main beach areas. To the west of the Old Port area, there is a wide, flat area known as Sandy Beach. This is the home to several large hotel/resorts with more under construction.

East of Puerto Peñasco, there is a long coast with several areas, known in parts as La Mirador, Playa del Oro and then Las Conchas, an area of beachfront and near-beach condos, homes and time-shares.

Puerto Peñasco is in the same time zone as Arizona observes, and does not observe rules for Daylight Saving Time same as Arizona.

GETTING TO PUERTO PEÑASCO FLYING No commercial flights. Puerto Peñasco airport supports private and charter flights.

DRIVING

Visitors to the interior of Sonora are now able to

Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

PUERTO PEÑASCO, SONORA

DRIVING DISTANCES

drive directly to such cities as Guaymas, San Carlos, Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, Caborca, Father Kino Missions, Magdalena, and Santa Ana without the time-consuming process of obtaining a car permit.

With the movement of the “Only Sonora” vehicle checkpoint, visitors to the state will no longer have to obtain a car permit in order to travel south of Nogales.

Puerto Peñasco From Phoenix west on I-10 to State Route 85, southbound on SR 85 to Gila Bend.

Gila Bend turn right at a sign stating “Mexico” and “SR 85 South” before McDonalds. Continue southbound on SR 85 through Ajo, Why and the Organ Pipe National Monument to the border at Lukeville, Arizona.

From Tucson, State Route 86 westbound to “Why”, Arizona and go south on SR 85 through Organ Pipe National Monument to the border at Lukeville, AZ. From Yuma, go eastbound on I-8 from Yuma to the SR 85 to Gila Bend (see Gila Bend above).

Puerto Peñasco Sonora

Mexico Living Contact Information Penasco Office 638-388-5004 Mex Cell (from states) 011-521-638-113-4591 Associate Publisher Russ Black - mexicoruss@gmail.com

From Ensenada or San Felipe take the Mexico Route 2 (MR-2) towards San Luis Rio Colorado and continue on MR-2 to Sonoita.

From the border, you will continue southbound two miles to a three-way intersection in Sonoyta.

Merge LEFT towards Caborca for one until the road splits into a “Y”, stay to the RIGHT and you’re on your way. Continue southbound approximately fifty miles to Puerto Peñasco.

THINGS TO DO Puerto Peñasco has a wide variety of activities available for everyone, from the lazy days relaxing in the sun, to the action filled wild ride. Activities including shopping, scuba diving, sport fishing, sunset cruises, off-road adventures, horseback riding, kayaking, parasailing, watercraft rentals and much more.

HASSLE-FREE SONORA Visitors to the interior of Sonora are now able to drive directly to such cities as Guaymas, San Carlos, Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, Caborca, Father Kino Missions, Magdalena and Santa Ana without the timeconsuming process of obtaining a car permit.

The “Only Sonora” program, unique in Mexico, allows Americans and Canadians to visit Sonora.

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PUERTO PEÑASCO

Ajo, AZ ................................................94 miles Albuquerque, NM ..............................678 miles Caborca, MZ .....................................108 miles Guaymas, MX....................................345 miles Hermosillo, MX .................................270 miles Las Vegas, NV ...................................475 miles Los Angeles, CA ................................550 miles Lukeville, AZ .......................................68 miles Nogales, MX......................................294 miles Phoenix, AZ .......................................215 miles San Carlos, MX .................................357 miles San Diego, CA ...................................445 miles San Francisco, CA .............................927 miles Salt Lake City, UT ..............................890 miles Sonoyta, MX........................................66 miles Tucson, AZ ....................................... 170 miles Yuma, AZ...........................................271 miles

PUERTO PEÑASCO, SONORA

Dining & Lodging Guide

Dining Off the Beaten Path Gems Beyond the Tourist District

by Gretchen Ellinger

Have you tried La Carreta on Boulevard Josefa Ortíz de Dominguéz? What a great taquería! Voted 2008’s Best Cheap Eats by Mexico Living readers, Lorenzo Pérez Pérez, “Lencho” to his friends, serves up the very best tacos al pastor!

Lean pork steaks are stacked alternately with slices of fresh pineapple and seasoning, then roasted to perfection on a brazier, thinly sliced, and served in a small mountain on warm tortillas. Alongside are served sliced cucumbers, radishes, salsa bandera, that wonderful red, white and green combination of tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños, plus salsa aguacate, the green avocado and lime sauce, and a special roasted chili salsa as well. What a great meal with outstanding flavor! Also available are grilled beef, beans, roasted onions, quesadillas… there is something for everyone in the family! Drinks include sodas and homemade horchata, that delicious

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Author Gretchen Ellinger with friends at La Carreta.

PUERTO PEÑASCO, SONORA

PUERTO PEÑASCO DIRECTORY ICON Descriptions

#

- Pool/Spa

- Accept Credit Cards

- Pet Friendly

- Wi-Fi / Internet

- Serves Breakfast

- Kitchen/Restaurant

- Beer/Spirits

- Map Number

- Reader Poll Winner

DIALING INSTRUCTIONS: USA to MX Cel Phone: 011+52+1+Area Code+(Tel #) USA to Mexico: 011+52+Area Code+(Tel #) Mexico 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: 800 DIALING to the US From Mexico (dial 001+) To Dial USA 800 ................................... dial 880 To Dial USA 866 ................................... dial 883 To Dial USA 877 ................................... dial 882 To Dial USA 888 ................................... dial 881 IMPORTANT NUMBERS: MX 411 (Spanish only)................................040 Tourist Assistance Hotline ...........................076 Green Angels (MX toll Free) .....1-800-903-0092 Worldwide Emergency No.for Mobile is ...... 112 Emergencies ................................... 060 & 066 Sky Medical (from Mexico)..001-866-805-9624 Air-E-Vac ............................001-880-321-9522

PLACES TO EAT American Maxs Cafe ..................................................638-383-1011 ...........................................636-388-7068 Thirst Parrot

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PUERTO PEÑASCO

Mexican drink made from rice.

Cost?

Five of us left La Carreta way too full for $30, including Lorenzo Pérez Pérez by Gretchen Ellinger drinks and tips! Located on Blvd. Josefa Ortíz de Dominguéz across from the southernmost Pemex gas station, La Carreta is open from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. daily except Monday.

From Blvd. Benito Juárez (the main artery through town), turn east onto Blvd. Fremont (at city hall) and proceed toward Las Conchas. Go to the second stop sign and turn north (left). Cross the railroad tracks, and as soon as you have passed the Pemex gas station with the Circle K on your right, make a U-turn, and go back to La Carreta. Call (638) 1055000 for take-out or special event planning; Lencho will bring his portable carreta to your party! ¡Buen provecho!

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PUERTO PEÑASCO, SONORA

A Business Tip: The Canoe Theory paddling, must adjust or get out of the canoe.

We all understand personal crisis and will paddle harder for a reasonable period of time to help another.

You have the right to be happy. If you aren’t happy, let’s help you find a different canoe! If you are in this canoe, support the canoe or have the integrity to leave; don’t stay and undermine the canoe.

Thanks to Grant, Grant Jr, Branden and Susan at Remax Legacy Puerto Peñasco for this reminder!

This is a shortened version of The Canoe Theory.

The book The Canoe Theory: A Business Success Strategy for Leaders and Associates is available at www.amazon.com.

PUERTO PEÑASCO

“I was recently reminded of this business philosophy which promotes teamwork and mutual success in any business regardless of the financial climate.” ~ Russ Black A company is like a canoe . . . as in, “We are all in this boat together.”

The canoe has a direction—the company better have a vision and strategy.

Everyone has a seat and a paddle, and everyone is expected to paddle.

Those who won’t paddle have to get out of the canoe.

Those who paddle well, but prevent others from

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PUERTO PEÑASCO, SONORA

Great Places To Stay And Play In Puerto Peñasco

by Gretchen Ellinger

Puerto Peñasco is a great, safe travel destination, with many lodging options for visitors who want to have fun, eat well, and party a little before a good night’s sleep. Travel agencies, rental companies, and even individuals offer scores of hotels, motels, condominium developments, private homes and RV spaces in every price range. Your travel professional can help you sort through the myriad of choices to find the arrangement that works best for you. If you would like a little taste of Mexico, something different from the typical spa and resort atmosphere, you might want to ask your travel consultant to consider one of the following “stay and play” properties for your visit to Puerto Peñasco. You won’t have to drive to go to dinner, dancing, and socializing, and you are likely to meet fun people and make new best friends.

As you approach P u e r t o Peñasco from the north, just past the first Pemex gas station, you will see the Desert Oasis Swim-Up Bar Desert Oasis on the east side of the road. Turn into the tree-lined lane that leads to a little world of ambient accommodations and full-service everything! There is a hacienda-style hotel with a beautiful service foyer, a lovely little bar, meeting room, and guest rooms surrounding a large swimming pool with a swim-up bar. Guest rooms range from double rooms to suites, condos, studios and duplexes with kitchens. If you travel in your own home on wheels, the Desert Oasis is perfect for you too. There are 45 RV spots, many under a roof, with full service and access to both swimming pools and all the amenities on the property, including indoor and

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outdoor storage, and a mini-market. The Watering Hole restaurant and bar is popular with locals and guests alike, who enjoy good food at reasonable prices, and dancing to the occasional live music of talented Alex Zantyllan, who was voted 2008’s Best Musician in Puerto Peñasco by Mexico Living readers. Throw in gorgeous patios, landscaping, 24-hour security, and great service, all at reasonable prices, and you have a sketch of the Desert Oasis. Victor Salcedo, a charming young man, can help with reservations and questions, in English. From Mexico call (638) 1020222; from the U.S. call (602) 412-3552.

In the heart of town, just off Boulevard Benito Juarez on Calle Constitution, is one of Puerto Peñasco’s best kept Hotel Playa Bonita Guest secrets. Jesús Reception Area Muñoz and his Hotel Paraiso have been popular with upscale Mexican travelers for the past 15 years. The 112 rooms on the property range from doubles to suites, in traditional Mexican décor, and there is a kind of ambience that makes you think you have stepped back to a more gracious time south of the border.

All rooms have access to the two swimming pools, volleyball court, meeting room, events salon, and wireless internet is provided for guests. Aladino’s Restaurant, open from early morning until late at night, features a breakfast buffet with assorted Mexican breakfast specialties, plus pancakes and lots of fresh fruit for the more traditional morning diner. Aladino’s breakfast was voted 2008’s Best in Puerto Peñasco by Mexico Living readers, so you

PUERTO PEÑASCO, SONORA the beach, located just steps from anywhere on the property. Restaurant Puesta del Sol is the perfect place for breakfast on the patio; choose from the buffet on weekends or the menu any day of the week.

After a day in the sun, either under the beachside

PUERTO PEÑASCO

know the breakfast is great! Not to be outdone by the morning staff, the dinner chef turns out wonderful shrimp, fish, and steak dinners featuring local fresh seafood and unsurpassed Sonoran beef, as well as great Mexican specialties. After dinner, head across the patio to the Oasis Bar for music and spirits in a very Mexican night spot, where friendly visitors and congenial staff will top off a great evening. Many, but not all, Hotel Paraiso personnel speak English, but their desire to provide excellent service trumps the language barrier. Hotel Paraiso is a good, reasonably priced, option located close to everything in town, with private parking, security and excellent amenities.

Call (638) 383-2175/2818 to reserve space for a truly Mexican stay in Puerto Peñasco.

But, you say, only the beach will do! Consider staying and playing at the Playa Bonita R e s o r t .

Located on Playa Bonita RV Reception Station beautiful Sandy Beach, the Play Bonita has grown as the town has grown, and now features 127 rooms and suites.

Wake up early and take an early morning stroll on

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PUERTO PEÑASCO, SONORA palapas or at one of the two swimming pools, return for cocktails in the bar, then an excellent sunset dinner served either on the patio or in the dining room. If you haven’t tried beef tampiqueña, or a mocajete, this is the place… both are wonderful! The hot tub is a great place to unwind under the stars after a long day of relaxing; you can even have a nightcap while you soak. If you prefer to bring your accommodations with you, there are 300 full-service spaces at the beachside RV park located next door to the hotel. The staff at both the Playa Bonita hotel and the RV park are friendly, service-oriented, and most speak at least some English. Everyone, from hospitality people at the check-in desks to the concierge to the security guards, is anxious to help you have a wonderful stay in Puerto Peñasco. Call them at (638) 383-2596 to make reservations.

With so many “stay and play” options—there are more, these are just three of our favorites—you are sure to have an incredible vacation in Puerto Peñasco. Located just a four-hour drive from both the Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan areas, over excellent quality highways, through some of the most beautiful and diverse desert scenery in the world, with the amazing Sea of Cortéz at the end of the road, who wouldn’t want to visit? Puerto Peñasco will steal your heart, and you will want to come back to stay and play often!

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Puerto Peñasco Scene

PUERTO PEÑASCO, SONORA

Around Town with Tom and Rita The First To u r i s m Meeting was held in Puerto Peñasco; on the stage was Baja Cantina’s Over the Line Tournament M a y o r Heriberto Tourism Conference R e n t e r i a Congratulations to “Bad Attitude,” women’s best Sanchez; Lic. Heriberto Morales, City Secretary; team, and “Easy Cheesy,” men’s best team, both from Ana Laura Saenz, Tourism Board of the State of Phoenix, AZ. The biggest tournament of the year is on Sonora representative; and the Chief of Public Security May 30. Special rates available at the Baja Cantina Rene Barranco Zarate as well and Hotel. For more information as important business people contact santaclausclub@ such as Miguel Guevara, Mary hotmail.com.

Snyder, Scott Poturalski and Thirsty Parrot had a fantastic Tab Grey. The purpose was ladies night when Vania Guzman to join business owners and and Tony Ximenez performed. service providers with the state Every Thursday is ladies night and federal government for the and ladies drink free from 6 to promotion of our beautiful city 9 p.m. Vania and Tony are a and to counteract the bad press dynamic duet performing rock, we have been receiving. Puerto Vania Guzman, Rita Pizarro and love songs, bossa-nova and Peñasco is an extremely safe Tony Ximenez more in English, Spanish and town. You can still walk all over Portuguese. They are available town and be perfectly safe, probably more so than you for private parties. For information, visit www. would in almost any major U.S. city. myspace.com/vaniaguzmantrovajazz or contact them Las Palomas Beach and Golf Resort was the at elmusicopelon@yahoo.com. proud recipient of AAA’s 4 Diamond rating. American Velmoons Tae Kwon Do Automobile Association Regional Director Tony is proud to have Abraham Perroni presented the award. Only 3 percent of the Carrillo Luna go to the nationals 32,000 hotels rated by AAA ever achieve this award. after winning the Gold medal Mayor Heriberto Renteria Sanchez was present and in Hermosillo. This 13-yearcongratulated the them for their achievement. old vivacious young man also The Mayan Palace Sea Side Golf Tournament won the Silver medal at the was a great success; the women’s college golf National 2006–2007 youth tournament played on the Nicklaus Legacy Course at championships. He is an example the Peninsula Golf Club, a part of the Mayan Palace of courage and determination Resort. The event was hosted by the University of together with the self control and Arizona; UA was the home of Mexican golfer Lorena perseverance that it takes to be Ochoa, LPGA member and ranked #1 in the world. a winner.

Congratulations to UCLA who finished first in the event A new ice cream store opened and the only team under par after the opening round Abraham Carrillo in Old Port. La Michoacana Luna followed by Arizona State and Denver University. offers handmade Mexican ice Baja Cantina hosted their 10th Quarterly Over the cream, sherbets, Popsicles and drinks. Flavors change Line tournament; 28 teams joined the fun at the beach; with the seasons and you are likely to find something one of the highlights was seeing the Boo Bus get stuck you have never tasted before. Stop by and give it a in the sand and then getting pulled out by a Hummer. try.

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PUERTO PEÑASCO

Photos by Rita Pizarro

by Rita Pizarro and Tom Thomas

PUERTO PEÑASCO , SONORA

PUERTO PEÑASCO, SONORA

Breakfast Giuseppe’s Coffee ......................................638-383-5181 Chinese Rocky Point Chinese ..................................638-383-5940 Mexican Betos Place ................................................638-383-5198 Cocodrilos .................................................638-383-6376 La Curva ....................................................638-383-3470 Manny’s Beach Club ..................................638-383-3605 Aladinos Restaurant ....................................638-383-6175

Paraiso Hotel...............................................638-383-6175 Playa Azul Motel .........................................638-383-6296 Playa Bonita Hotel .......................................638-383-2586 Sandy Beach Resorts ..................................638-383-1111 Sonoran Spa Resort ....................................638-383-1044 Playa Inn/Best Western ...............................638-383-5015

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) ACCOUNTING/CONTABILIDAD BBBS Inc. ...................................................928 329-8000

Pizza Augustin’s Pizza and Wings.........................638-383-1699 13th Street in front of Kenos

ARCHITECT/ARQUITECTO Plinio Rivero Architects & Builders .......638 383-4710

Steak & Seafood Friendly Dolphin .........................................638-383-2608 Lighthouse .................................................638-383-2389 Latitude 31 Rest. & Sports Bar ....................638-383-4311

ARTIST Marianne Menditto ......................................638-383-7616

PLACES TO STAY RV Park/Parque de RV Bonita RV Park ............................................638-383-1400 Playa Bonita ................................................638-383-2596 Rentals/Se Rente Casa Encanto Beach House.........................638-383-4549 Casa Monica Cholla Bay..............................638-382-5147 Bed & Breakfast with First Class Accommodations on the Beach in Cholla Bay” Cyndi’s Beachfront Home Rentals................638-383-5145 Sylvia’s Condos ..........................................638-383-5429 Go 2 Rocky Point ........................................602-748-4134 Motels/Moteles Baja Hotel ...................................................638-383-6878 El Mirador Village ........................................638-383-6333

80 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

JJ’s Cantina

BARS/CLUBS ........................................... at Cholla Bay

CAR RENTAL/ALQUILER DE AUTOS The Point Rent-A -Car .................................638 388-5823 CHURCH/IGLESIA Family of God Christian Fellowship Non-Denominational 044-638- 107-7150 Church Worship Services, Sundays at 9 a.m. Placita Melanie, Suite #211 Blvd. Fremont CLOTHING/ROPA Mad Gringo Clothing ..........................mex.madgringo.com CONTRACTOR Manuel Pacheo ........................................ (686) 577-0745 Contractor-builder building to American standards for 20 years contact Robert Brittain at Su Casa Elegante USA 760 477-5963

PMD Developments.....................................638 105-9182 Casas Colibri Tom Swanson ........................638 383-7616 CURIO SHOP Jose’s - Rosy’s - Carlos’s Curios ................638 383-8508 Just under Augustin’s Pizza and Wings DEVELOPMENTS/FRACCIONAMIENTOS Bella Vista ......................................... 638-388-7194 "Parayso" Desembembogue Devept. ............638 388-5707

PUERTO PEÑASCO, SONORA REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES Baja Lending Co. .........................................760-494-7053 Buena Vide Real Estate ................................638-110-4127 Century 21 Cholla Bay ...............................638-382-5147 From the US 602-412-3311 ask for Grechen GretchenEllinger@century21penasco.com

DOCTORS/DOCTORES Dr. Luis Vasquez, M.D. ...............................638 383-3014 FIRE DEPARTMENT/DEPARTAMENTO DE BOMBEROS Fire Department .................................. 638-383-2828/068 Century 21 Puerto Peñasco USA Office # 480-626-4687

FURNITURE/MOBILIARIO Disenos Furniture ........................................638-383-8633 Designs by Eddie Wharez Consign and Design ...................................638-110-6121

Puerto Peñasco, Mexico Fremont Blvd., Plaza Palmillas

HOME INSPECTIONS Tom Thomas ...............................................602-748 4134 IMMIGRATION SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE INMIGRACIÓN Sun Valley Immigration Services .................638-383-8891 Ask for Bianey or Dynora INSURANCE SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE SEGUROS Alejandro Portugal Insurance .......................638-383-2390

..................638-388-1295

century21penasco.com

Mexico Office # (01152) 638-388-1295 Susie Flinn - Remax Puerto Penasco ...........638-360-5876 www.rockypointrealestategirl.com

Legacy

Puerto Peñasco

Susie Flinn Licensed Real Estate Agent Resident for over 30 years

Lynda’s Insurance (English speaking) ..........686-577-1622

MX CELL: 044-638-380-5876 FROM US: 011-52-1-638-380-5876 MX PHONE: 011-52-638-383-1425 US PHONE: 602-334-4359 www.realestaterockypoint.net susan_flinn@yahoo.com

REAL ESTATE SERVICES/servicios DE BIENES RAÍCES Baja Closing & Escrow Services ..................686-576-0653 RECREATION/RECREACIÓN Kayak Rocky Point ................................638-103-2038 Rocky Point Parasailing ...............................638-107-5922 www.RockyPointParasailing.com Rocky Point Jetski .......................................638-110-8115 Jet Ski rental, fishing charters Choya Bay at JJ’s Cantina

ProAlliance Insurance .................................. 638-383-2390

PARTY SUPPLIES/FIESTAS PROVISIONES Tips ............................................................638-383-3002 Stuff for your Events, Parties and Meetings POLICE/POLICÍA City Police Department ...............................638-383-2626 State Police ................................................ 638-383-2783 SEAMSTRESS/MODISTA Naomi Black (habla ingles) ..........................638-388-5004 naomi@rhipeo.com TEQUILA Manny’s Tequila Factory ..............................638-388-0607

LEATHER Manny’s Leather Factory .............................638-388-0609 Rita Pizarro

MASSAGE/MASAJE .......................................... 638-386-5203

MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS Clinica Hospital .......................................... 638-383-2447 City (Municipal) Hospital ...........................638-383-2110 Central Clinic ..............................................638-383-2110 Hospital IMSS ...........................................638-383-2777 Red Cross ..................................................638-383-2266

TRANSLATION / TRANSDUCCIONES Shandra (Sami) Keesecker-Rivero ...............638-383-8217 www.recursosmexico.com info@recursosmexico.com UTILITIES/EMPRESAS DE SERVICIOS PÚBLICOS Power Company ..................................638-383-2492/071 Propane ....................................................638-383-2630 Telephone Office .........................................638-383-2288 Water Co. ..................................................638-383-2060 WINDOW COVERINGS Blinds Depot ...............................................638-105 1275 Seaside Window Coverings .........................638-383 5181

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PUERTO PEÑASCO

FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company ........ ......................760-494-7053 Monex Financial ..........................................638-388-5764

SAN CARLOS,/SGONORA UAYMAS, SONORA

an Carlos is a beachfront subdivision within the port S city of Guaymas, in the northern state of Sonora in Mexico. It is noted for the exceptional clarity and warmth

of the ocean water in its shallow bays. It lies on the body of water known as the Gulf of California or Sea of Cortez.

Given the size of the city, with nearly 7,000 inhabitants, there are nine hotels of diverse categories with 567 rooms; 280 RV spaces, two marinas with enough space to berth 570 boats, one 72 par 18 hole golf course and endless natural attractions.

Due to the great diversity of marine species, San Carlos is the best place in the State of Sonora for the sport of diving.

San Carlos is approximately a five-hour drive (241 miles) from the United States on Mexican Interstate Highway 15, 20 minutes from Guaymas, and only an hour from the state capital Hermosillo and an International Airport.

The trip from the United States requires that foreigners obtain a tourist visa. Car permits are only required to travel south of Guaymas.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

FLY TUCSON AIRPORT – grab a cab from Tucson Airport to Tufesa Bus Terminal (5 minutes away), then take a bus from the bus terminal to Guaymas. This is the least inexpensive way to get to San Carlos.

HERMOSILLO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – 75 miles north of San Carlos. Flights to Tucson, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, as well as most cities in Mexico. If you are close to the border (Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez), check flights leaving out of those airports in Mexico, they are generally cheaper than flights from U.S. cities into Hermosillo. Once in Hermosillo is easy to hop a bus to Guaymas.

GUAYMAS – GENERAL JOSE MARIA YANEX INTERN’L Services at airports in Guaymas is 9am to 7pm. Costly, but close (20 minutes) to San Carlos.

Private planes may land here also. Administrator is Juan Jose Jauregui Kawakita. Tel: +52 (01) 622 1-00-44 +52 (01) 622 1-06-34 +52 (01) 622 1-08-04 More information on private aircraft is available from AOPA at: 1 800/USA-AOPA www.aopa.org/members/resources/international.html Transportation from the airport to San Carlos – the taxi union at the airport has set their fares to a standard rate of $30 usd (300 pesos) from the airport to hotels in town.

Car rental at the Guaymas airport for about $70 usd (700 82 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

pesos). Budget Car Rental and Hertz have local offices.

You can catch the San Carlos bus for .70 cents (7 pesos). It shows up at the airport every hour and will take you into Guaymas where you get off at Ley Shopping Center and can catch a bus back to San Carlos for .90 cents (9 pesos)-not recommended if you have more luggage than you can carry on your own!

BUS TUFESA bus line runs from Arizona, California and Nevada to Hermosillo. The buses are new and the fares are inexpensive.

Phoenix (602) 415-9900; Tucson (520) 670-1534.

DRIVE From Nogales take Mexico Interstate 15 to Hermosillo. It is a well-paved 4-lane highway. What makes this road unique is their dependence on toll funding rather than taxation to pay the development cost. There are 3 toll booths; Nogales, Magdalena De Kino, and Hermosillo north. You can pay in either USD or pesos.

You must stop at the Kilometer 21 checkpoint and obtain a tourist Visa. Go to the white building marked “tourist permits.” You will be asked to show your citizenship documents and to fill out a form. Once filled out, the official will stamp it and you are ready to head south to San Carlos.

Breakdowns – The highway is patrolled by Los Angeles Verdes (The Green Angels). If you need assistance dial 078.

If your cell phone is not working, raise the hood of your vehicle and they will stop to help you. In an emergency, dial 066 (Sonora’s equivalent of 911).

OTHER INFO: Ferry – Guaymas to Santa Rosalia, Baja California.

Departures: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 8:00pm. Phone 622-222-0204 Mexican Toll Free #01800-505-5018 U.S. Consulate – in Hermosillo: Monterrey #141 Rosales Street and Galeana Col. Esqueda. Open Mon-Fri 8:00am to 4:30pm Phone: 622-289-3500.

SAN CARLOS PUERTO S/ANGPC UAYMAS EÑASCO ARLOS, SONORA

Garden Restaurant Re-Opens I’ve always loved the tranquil, meditative aura of the secret garden feeling that El Gallo Restaurant filled me with when I dined there in the past, so I was delighted to hear that they had reopened their doors once again.

El Gallo is an enchanting outdoor garden eatery where food can be a contemplative experience in the beautiful setting where it is lovingly created. Wonderful metal sculptures and interesting pottery pieces are scattered throughout the grounds amidst the beautiful floral landscape to add to your dining pleasure.

Currently open for breakfast and lunch, the focus is now on many terrific “heart smart” dishes. Much study and thought went into the preparation of these new dishes aimed at maintaining good health combined with interesting and creative cuisine.

The wonderful creativeness of Chef Mercedes resulted in my feasting on a delicate omelette filled with “delicioso” portobella mushrooms and tender fresh spinach . . . all laced with a lightly sweetened yogurt sauce. Her presentation of the dish was lovely and it tasted heavenly!

I also sampled an interesting oatmeal omelette with turkey/ham and bathed in a prune salsa with mango and kiwi that was surprisingly yummy! The traditional bacon, onion and poblano chili Mexicano omelette drenched in the rich ranchero sauce was equally as tasty.

A variety of egg dishes, hot cakes and Mexican specialties along with the “heart smart” fare grace the varied menu. With breakfast being this superb,

I am looking forward to dropping by for lunch and trying the Salmon Fillet Vinaigrette, Chateaubriand Fillet or one of the other hearty dishes offered on their interesting lunch menu. And the price is right!

El Gallo will soon be open at night, and is also available for birthday, anniversary parties and other special events. And, if you have dinner there on your birthday, you will get a discount on your meal according to the number of candles on your cake!

El Gallo is located by Maravilloso Art Gallery.

Current hours are Wednesday through Monday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Telephone: 226-1087.

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P U SAN E R T OCARLOS PEÑASCO

by Lynn Prince

SAN CARLOS,/SGONORA UAYMAS, SONORA U.S. Consulate General Calls Meeting in San Carlos Mexico. The latest TRAVEL ALERT issued by the U.S. Department of State, as of February 20, 2009, can be read on the Consulate’s website.

Other questions included: Dual Nationality – you can now obtain Mexican citizenship without losing United States citizenship.

Some of the positives are that it allows foreigners to

take part in the voting process in Mexico and work to establish good government. One can also do away with the yearly bank trust fees on properties, if a Mexican citizen.

Sentri Program – if you go back and forth across the border a great deal during the year, some of the long waits can be frustrating. So, a special lane has been created at the border where it takes only about 15 minutes to get through. After an application process and car inspection, a card is issued that is good for five years, which allows you to just zip through the border.

Long border waits can be eliminated by traveling on a weekday and very early in the morning. Also avoid Easter and Christmas holidays.

Residents of San Carlos were also encouraged to make several photocopies of their Passport, Drivers License, FM3 documents, etc., and keep them in a safe place in case of theft.

Military Stops – Consulate staff member, Charlene Robison, related how some residents have been detained at military stops and escorted to a Secondary Room with no windows while their cars were searched.

She instructed that you need to remain calm, be nice and cooperate with the police and do not challenge their authority. All incidents reported came out just fine. The police are just doing their jobs.

Reminder – Americans and foreigners are subject to all Mexican laws. That means that you MUST have your Visa or FM3 stamped when leaving the country and when entering Mexico in compliance with immigration laws in the State of Sonora. Passports can be renewed

84 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

(continued from page 27)

at the American Consulate in Hermosillo for local residents.

Sonora Office of Tourism has set up a special number for tourists to report emergencies, register complaints and make other inquiries. That number is 01-800-716-2555.

Other topics of conversation were Hands Across the Border, an exchange program where U.S. and Mexican youth visit and learn what life is all about in the adjacent land.

Breidenstine also commented that he believes that having the former governor of Arizona, Janet Napolitano, as Head of Homeland Security with the new administration will be a plus for Mexico and the U.S. in their fight against crime.

If local San Carlos or Guaymas residents have any questions regarding issues, Wardens have been assigned in San Carlos that act as representatives for the American Consulate. They are Kim Mac Donald, Veronica Mooney, and Heidi and Grant Grossman.

Visit the American Consulates website at www. hermosillo.usconsulate.gov Telephone: (622) 289-3500 Location: Monterrey #141 Rosales Street and Galeana Col. Esqueda Open: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

SAN CARLOS PUERTO S/ANGPC UAYMAS EÑASCO ARLOS, SONORA

by John and Jen Hilderbrand and the Animal Family

Hello guys and gals. The weather is beautiful and the water is warming. If it continues we will be reporting Billfish and Dorado next month. Water temps out front are in the mid 60s right now, with bait everywhere and big schools of Yellowtail. True story, friends in a small sailboat right out here in front, with main and jib up sailing along, started to hear little thumping noises coming off the rudder; looking over they see dozens of Yellowtail surfing behind the boat and nudging and bumping the rudder, and they followed them for over an hour playing behind the boat. Can you believe it, we work our buns off and fish all day and a sailboater has the fish following him. Another beautiful tale of beautiful San Carlos. Anyway on with the fishing report.

Fishing started with the full moon and most of you know the meaning of the full moon. Cloudy skies made for a great bite on with Abel aboard Jonjen-2 getting two nice Yellowtail and losing four jigs and four fish. Roberto on Jonjen was doing well again with a group from Colorado filling up a few bags of fresh fish, triggers for ceviche and calicos, and white fish for fillets. Then the sun came out and, as you know, the bite turns off with the fish in huge schools. Abel says the fish are thick and every time you cast, four to six

follow the bait but don’t hit, they throw everything—big jigs, med jibs, small jigs—nothing is working. Finally after five hours of frustrating fishing, they finally get a big big Yellow. I don’t know if you have ever been in that situation where the fish are everywhere and they just will not hit—so frustrating—you almost want to dive in and use a spear.

Speaking of which, today we have two days of free diving, which is diving without tanks and holding your breath while diving for Yellowtail on board two boats.

I will be reporting later and giving you an update. The guys and gals had a great time but didn’t win the big one, but they were winners just for trying. Got some nice Cabria and small Yellows.

Hope you don’t mind just some beautiful shots of San Carlos and its wildlife taken by a friend from Canada. More information on Fishing San Carlos can be found at www.fishingsancarlosmexico.com.

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P U SAN E R T OCARLOS PEÑASCO

San Carlos Fishing Report

Fishing San Carlos hooking some Yellowtail Tuna

SAN CARLOS,/SGONORA UAYMAS, SONORA

San Carlos’ Mark Mulligan Honored

by Linda Shiflett

and their mothers. Juan, one of the children that had come to Mark’s door that day starving, graduated from college in July 2008 and is now helping others that were in his same position all those years ago.

That is how it all began, and today we have the “CastawayKids Mexico” Foundation. Several homes have been built by the volunteers, Christmas is celebrated annually now with 120 plus children attending a special party for them with Santa Claus, and a park was built in 2008 in Fatima and dedicated to Mark’s wife Adela (whom Mark met and married Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitor’s Bureau - DAR Conference Photo in Fatima). Adela passed away (just prior to her 30th birthday) from the Photo credit by Rocio Medina result of an auto accident in July Saturday, February 21, 2009, Mark Mulligan of 2006, while Mark was performing in the USA. Their San Carlos traveled to Hermosillo for the purpose young sons, Marcos and Luis, were seriously injured, of speaking about the CastawayKids Foundation. but today live in San Carlos with their father and are Upon arrival at the Fiesta Americana Hotel, he was happy, healthy children. Mark writes and performs his surprised to be surrounded by 30 of his closest own songs and those of others. He is often compared friends from San Carlos, along with his mother, sister to Jimmy Buffet, but takes requests for a variety of and two brothers from Arizona. The Mexico State recordings. He has recorded over eight CDs and Society, National Society, Daughters of the American performs in the summer months all over the USA, Revolution, San Carlos Chapter, presented Mark from Seattle to New Orleans and points in between.

Mulligan with their Community Service Award. This You can visit Mark’s website at www.markmulligan. award recognizes worthy residents, from a variety of net. The CastawayKids Foundation website can also walks of life, for voluntary achievements in cultural, be viewed and donations made from anywhere in educational, humanitarian, patriotic, historical, the world: www.castwaykidsmexico.net. If you are and citizenship endeavors, or in environmental visiting San Carlos and want to give a helping hand at one of their projects, let them know you are interested. conservation.

Mark Mulligan came to Mexico in the mid-1990s Their goal now is to build a community center for the to work as a volunteer English teacher for the Casa children and residents of Fatima.

Also under the CastawayKids umbrella are the Liga Franciscans in Guaymas. Just down the street from where Mark was living was Fatima, one of Guaymas’ de Arte, San Carlos and the newly formed foundation, poorest neighborhoods. One day, three small children “Adelante Estudiante.” Adelante Estudiante was knocked on Mark’s door asking for money for food. formed by two volunteer teachers at a Guaymas He opened up some cans of tuna and they wolfed it orphanage, Terry Challis and Diane Wine. Most down. He had thought maybe they wanted the money children that reach the age of 12 and do not have for video games. They were desperately in need of the finances to continue their schooling drop out, the help. After sometime Mark got to know the children girls to clean houses and the boys to bag groceries and their mothers, uneducated women who had been at local stores. These women realized that they and all of us could make a difference by mentoring these abandoned by the fathers of these children.

In 1995, Mark met some men from San Carlos and children. Please contact them at their email address: told them of the situation. Mark took one of the men adelante.estudiante@yahoo.com. San Carlos DAR to Fatima and showed him the filthy shacks where Chapter will begin mentoring a 13-year-old girl in these children were living. This man committed to secondary school this spring.

Following the presentation of the DAR Community sending mark $100 USD a month to help the children 86 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

SAN CARLOS PUERTO S/ANGPC UAYMAS EÑASCO ARLOS, SONORA

Mark Mulligan with his sons, Marcos and Luis

a favorite from his “A Bar Down in Mexico” CD was My Kind of People, My Kind of Place! That is San Carlos, and Sonora, and Mexico! Viva Mexico!

For more information about DAR, please visit the NSDAR public web site at www.dar.org. San Carlos DAR has their own web site at www.freewebs.com/ sancarlosdar. The chapter meets from November until April, at 9:30 a.m., the second Tuesday of the month for breakfast, a business meeting and a program.

All meetings are open to the public and prospective members are urged to contact Linda Shiflett for more information at LSHIFL1776@aol.com. Linda Shiflett also serves as the Mexico State Organizing Secretary and is currently assisting DAR members planning to organize DAR chapters in Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun.

DAR Members at the Hacienda Napoles, Ures, Sonora. Photo credit by Texanna Joe Papworth (AZ)

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P U SAN E R T OCARLOS PEÑASCO

Service Award by San Carlos DAR Chapter Regent, Linda Shiflett (and 33rd Mexico State Conference Chairman), with the assistance of Epifanio Salido, Sonora State Secretary of Tourism, a press conference was held to tell the state of Sonora and others about the women and children in Mexico that need our assistance. Other dignitaries attending the event were U.S. Consul General John David Breidenstine and wife Judith, and Alberto Juan Gutierrez, Hermosillo City Director of Tourism.

After Saturday’s events in Hermosillo, the group toured the state of Sonora for the next four days.

They visited Kino Bay, the Rio de Ruta Sonora, San Carlos and Guaymas and then a day in the capital touring Hermosillo. NSDAR dignitaries attending were Mexico State Society State Regent, Cristy Trembly; NSDAR Recording Secretary General, Joy Cardinal; NSDAR Registrar General, Donna K. Santistevan; Honorary President General, Dorla Kemper; Honorary Vice Presidents General, Mary Lu Saavedra and Yvonne Boone.

The San Carlos DAR Chapter, hostess of the event, would like to thank all of the people of Sonora that welcomed the 60 DAR members and spouses that attended the event. The hospitality shown proves that the state of Sonora is beautiful and the people of Sonora even more beautiful. Special thanks to the Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Tucson and Hermosillo offices: Felipe Garcia, Martha Tadlock, Miguel Partida, Rocio Medina and Lourdes Montiverde. They made the whole week very educational, interesting and fun! While touring in the bus, we listened to Mark Mulligan’s songs, especially

SAN CARLOS,/SGONORA UAYMAS, SONORA

Costa Bella Living Your Pearl by the Sea

by Lynn Prince

View from the nearly completed condo tower.

The allure and mystic of San Carlos is magical with its azure waters, stunning sea and mountain landscapes, kiss of the sun and warmth . . . and the Costa Bella Living project takes advantage of it all.

The project began in 2005 as an idea to create an exceptional living environment that would be worthy of a location offering a spectacular world-class view that would encompass a luxury development of top-quality houses and condominiums built on a hillside in San Carlos.

As I rounded the curve to the development, I was dazzled by the breath-taking natural beauty all around the project. A small pod of dolphins lazily played in the waters just a short distance from the shore where three houses are under development, including a two-bedroom waterfront home that is currently for sale. The first condominium tower, seven stories high, will soon have a completed roof in place. And, the next few months will be spent finishing the 13 condos in the tower.

As I climbed the stairs to ascend to the top of the tower, I noticed that exquisite travertine floors were set in place in some areas. The intriguing floor plans were delightfully innovative along with the 88 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

sensational panoramic views from the balcony of Algodones beach, the sparkling sea and mountains.

Other amenities will include granite countertops, dual-pane windows, mini-split air conditioners with heat, security systems, top-quality appliances and kitchen cabinets of cedar or mahogany.

Other towers will be added in the future, but atop the hill, a lighthouse, that most certainly will become a landmark for San Carlos, will be constructed that will house 21 condominiums offering awesome 360-degree views.

Additional features of this outstanding project will include two beach areas, a sewage treatment plant, concrete paver streets, underground services, a gym, storage facilities and a large holding tank for water at the base of the lighthouse, which will eliminate the need for residents to have backup water systems.

The genius behind transforming 24 acres of unused hillside into this aggressive development of grandeur is Ing. Javier Ordaz, the engineering director. His many years of experience in building houses, roads, bridges and tunnels in various parts of Mexico gave him the expertise to take adverse

SAN CARLOS PUERTO S/ANGPC UAYMAS EÑASCO ARLOS, SONORA permanent home where the cost of living is so much more manageable here than in the States. Other advantages are spectacular ocean and mountain landscapes, admirable climate, great restaurants, an endless list of recreational sports such as kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, etc., with art, culture and entertainment to boot.

For those of you looking to fulfill that dream of a home with an ocean view at an amazing low cost in Mexico, please take the time to investigate Costa Bella in San Carlos. Their website is www.costabellaliving.com.

Established in 1991, Star Realty became the exclusive agent for Costa Bella Living. Star Realty is located on Beltrones Boulevard at No. 230 Calle Neptuno. For more information, call (622) 226-000 or 226-0990; toll-free from the U.S. and Canada: (888) 445-9297; or email starrealty@prodigy.net.mx.

Entrance to Costa Bella

P U SAN E R T OCARLOS PEÑASCO

conditions and create a hillside development of truly top quality construction in a captivating oceanic setting. A team of top-rate architects and engineers joined Ordaz from far-reaching parts of Mexico to complete the team making the vision of inspiration known as Costa Bella happen.

Even with the current economic downturn, Costa Bella continues to advance, and many folks, instead of pulling back and playing the “wait and see what happens” game until the market recovers, have taken a step of faith and have bought—leaving the first tower completely sold out. For those individuals who are in a position to buy property when most people are retreating, the current market represents attractive investment opportunities in San Carlos. In lieu of the chaotic stock market and other investment venues, along with the collapse of so many banks in the U.S., Costa Bella seems to be an attractive investment option in a prime resort area brimming with potential for future growth. San Carlos is a HOT, HOT area for retirees who want a vacation or

Aerial view of completed project

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SAN CARLOS,/SGONORA UAYMAS, SONORA

SAN CARLOS DIRECTORY ICON Descriptions

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- Pool/Spa

- Accept Credit Cards

- Pet Friendly

- Wi-Fi / Internet

- Serves Breakfast

- Kitchen/Restaurant

- Beer/Spirits

- Map Number

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DIALING INSTRUCTIONS: USA to MX Cel Phone: 011+52+1+Area Code+(Tel #) USA to Mexico: 011+52+Area Code+(Tel #) Mexico 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: 800 DIALING to the US From Mexico (dial 001+) To Dial USA 800 ............................... dial 880 To Dial USA 866 ............................... dial 883 To Dial USA 877 ............................... dial 882 To Dial USA 888 ............................... dial 881 IMPORTANT NUMBERS: MX 411 (Spanish only)........................... 040 Tourist Assistance Hotline ...................... 076 Green Angels (MX toll Free) 1-800-903-0092 Worldwide Emergency No.for Mobile is . 112 Emergencies ...............................060 & 066 Sky Medical (from Mexico)001-866-805-9624 Air-E-Vac ....................... 001-880-321-9522

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) ATTORNEYS Lic. Ma. del Carmen Ordaz Aguiar .... 622-226-0000 Professional License No. 2020630 DENTISTS American Dental.............. San Carlos 622-226-2167 ............................................Nogales 520-631-5263 FIRE DEPARTMENT/DEPARTAMENTO DE BOMBEROS Fire Department (call Rescate) ..........622-226-0911 Rescue Squad/EMT's (Rescate).........622-226-0911 90 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

FURNITURE Tesoro Furniture ............................... 622-226-2210 MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS Ambulance............ 662-255-9181 or 662-253-0776 Clinica San Carlos .............................622-226-0062 CIMA Hospital ...................................662-259-0900 Surgical Medical Center.....................662-222-0267 MISCELLANEOUS Dolphin Assistance Foundation ......... 622-227-7657 POLICE/POLICÍA San Carlos Policia ............................ 622-226-1400 State Policia ..................................... 622-226-1540 Commisario Sergio Garcia ................ 622-226-0004 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/RENTALS Seaside Reservations .............. 1-888-502-2761 US www.seasidesancarlos.com 1-800-830-9592 MX Vacation Rentals - beautiful Views, biggest inventory!

PSYCHOLOGISTS Psychologist Isis Ceja ...................... 622-112-3283 Bilingual - Marital, Family, Child, & Individual Counseling REAL ESTATE Long Realty Seaside......................... 622-226-2188 Joyas de Country ............................. 622-226-1406 Star Realty ....................................... 622-226-0000 www.costabellaliving.com Siesta Realty, S.A. De C.V ................ 622-226-2066 RESTAURANTS La Palapa Griega .............................. 622-227-3751 Tequila’s .......................................... 622-226-0545 Food, Pool & Live Music El Gallo Restaurant ........................... 622-226-1087 UTILITIES/EMPRESAS DE SERVICIOS PÚBLICOS Power Company (CFE) .................... 622-229 4400 Telmex ................. 622-226-0026 or 622-226-0050 Water Co.(CEA)................................ 622-226-0909

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P U SAN E R T OCARLOS PEÑASCO

SAN CARLOS PUERTO S/ANGPC UAYMAS EÑASCO ARLOS, SONORA

LITTLE THINGS TO DO WHILE RELAXING

Brain Games

Exercising your brain and getting your “laugh on” are two very important requirements of “Living the Good Life.” Plus, these games and puzzles are great while waiting at the border or terminal.

To maximize the benefits of brain exercises you should relax, laugh often, be of good cheer, and stay curious.

92 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

BRAIN GAMES

BRAIN GAMES & FUN

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MORE GREAT INFORMATION

CLASSIFIED ADS NON BUSINESS ADS ARE FREE up to 20 words, each additional word is $.50.

BUSINESS &REAL ESTATE ADS are $0.50 per word. SEND ALL CLASSIFIED ADS TO MEXICOLIVING@GMAIL.COM with “CLASSIFIED ADS” in the subject line.

Once your e-mail is received, you will get a confirmation e-mail and invoice returned.

ANNOUNCEMENTS SAN FELIPE, B.C. San Felipe Lions Club meets in the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at 6 p.m. at Los Arocs Restaurant In San Felipe.

SAN FELIPE, B.C. “Help Fix My Broken Jaw” local Lisa broke her jaw in an ATV accident a year ago, and insurance will not cover her treatment. Visit her blog: http://mybrokenjaw.blogspot.com/ to learn more.

PUERTO PEÑASCO, SONORA Ampi real estate association holds a mixer every month on the 2nd Wednesday starting at 5:00 p.m. the event is for the purpose of meeting and networking with other Puerto Penasco professionals.

All are welcome membership is not required to attend, We look forward to seeing you at the next mixer! February 11, 2009 at 5 p.m.

Chango’s restaurant in front of the Sonoran sea resort. Chango’s will have drink and appetizer specials.

Any questions, please call Liane at 638-107-7164.

SAN FELIPE, B.C. INN FOR SALE. The Dreamweaver Inn corporation is an old port business and income property. This inn is fully furnished and sits across from Governors Square with large veranda over looking the sea and malecon.

The Inn has a 2 bd/2bth main casa and 5 rental units all with bath and kitchenettes, cable TV, Internet, private entrances of main patio.

Contact Diane (Inn Keeper/Owner) for additional information or appointment to view US 623-734-4335.

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS ROSARITO, B.C Home For Sale on Rosarito’s Gold Coast The best location, location, location at Descanso (Km. 55 TJ-Ens. toll road) w/ ocean and mtn. views. Furnished 2bd, 2 ba home in a secure development has just been reduced from $260K to $230,000. Leave message at 661614-3019 or 619-573-4034, or email: bajayadayada@gmail.com, for viewing.

util avail. may divide $25,000., 60’ x 120’ lot with septic installed, water, elec and fenced $16,000.

SAN FELIPE, B.C. La Hacienda – Unbelievably priced at $279,000. Unobstructed views, pool, double garage, workshop, servant’s quarters. Make offer!

Desert Hawk Properties. US 760-370-0090, MX 686-577-1244, www.deserthawkproperties.com.

SAN FELIPE, B.C. Club Cortez – 229,000 OBO. Private community, new home, great views, furnished, all paperwork in order with bank trust. Owners anxious .Desert Hawk Properties, US 760-370-0090, MX 686-577-1244, www.deserthawkproperties.com.

SAN FELIPE, B.C. Fraccionamiento del Mar – premium lot, all city services, next to commercial area. 39,000 dollars, negotiable.

Desert Hawk Properties, US 760370-0090, MX 686-577-1244, www.deserthawkproperties.com.

SAN FELIPE, B.C.

SAN FELIPE, B.C. Sleeps 6, Kitchen fold out bed, futon bed, bonus small child bed (or storage) & full size bed w/ private room. Shower, Microwave, new re-built fridge. Interior is in good condition and has been very well maintained, leveling jacks are installed. 001-760-801-7102 or Kkrusing1@sbcglobal.net.

PUERTO PEÑASCO, SONORA Sandy Beach Princesa Condo Located “ON” the beach- 2br/2ba, fully furnished, assumable note & seller is willing to carry! Reduced from $280k to $225,000. Contact Century 21 Heidi Wosak 638-3881295 or 480-626-4687.

Artist Designed - Unique tire construction, 2 mstr suites. roof deck, patio, fenced, garage, landscaped, city util. $159,000. owner financing avail.andrenajoyce@yahoo.com or 686-210-4598.

SAN FELIPE, B.C. Baja Mija Popcorn Dust, flavored toppings for microwave popcorn: email for information bajamija@ gmail.com

SAN FELIPE, B.C. Ejidolots REDUCED contact andrenajoyce@yahoo.com or 686210-4598. 1 ac.View 39,000., 2 ac.

Fill Blk 39,000., a 120’ x 120’ lot ,

PUERTO PENASCO, SONORA Las Conchas Second Row Home & Guest Cottage- 3br/3ba 50ft from beach, remodeled in 2005, in excellent condition. Only $499,000 Contact Century 21 Sun & Sand Brad Henderson 638-388-1295 or 480-626-4687.

FOR SALE

94 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

PUERTO PENASCO, SONORA Sandy Beach Resort Blvd.

Parcel For Sale- 1817sm.

MORE GREAT INFORMATION Perfect for Commercial/ Residential Development, enjoy Views of Ocean & Golf Course. $349,000 Contact Century 21 Sun & Sand Jim Ringquist638-388-1295 or 480-626-4687.

2,000sf terrace. 6 fireplaces, wet bar, fully furnished, so many extras.

Offered at $269,000 Contact Century 21 Sun & Sand Dennis Foreman 638-388-1295 or 480-626-4687.

RENTAL LISTINGS

PUERTO PENASCO, SONORA Las Conchas Luxurious Home5br/5ba The finest Interior finishings and attention to detail! Fully furnished Offered at $975,000 Contact Century 21 Sun & Sand Bernardo Sanchez 638-388-1295 or 480-626-4687.

ROSARITO, B.C Large House for rent. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, furnished, fireplace, garden, carport, view, big porch llocated in La Mision. $650 per month. MX 646155-0011 or US 619-270-8991.

PUERTO PENASCO, SONORA Playa Encanto Fractional Offering.

6br/4ba, 3,244sf interior plus

ROSARITO, B.C Baja Malibu. Cute furnished studio with DISH TV and utilities included.

Walk to beach, secure and private $260 mo. 646-614-1270 SAN FELIPE B.C. “Casita for rent at Cantu’s Cove, Winner of Best Beach for two years in a row! Enjoy the Cove and Beach by the day, week or month. Email vcantu@thegrid.net for information.

SERVICE AC/Refrigeration Service and Evaluation by qualified, certified technician.

Cell number 686-231-4921.

LIST YOUR ITEM 20 words or less for FREE

686-230-9933

WORK IN THE MAGAZINE BUSINESS

Send inquiries to packmagazines@gmail.com Writers - Do you love Mexico and want to help us spread the word.

We’re looking for writers to cover business, real estate, news, local gossip, travel, recreation, arts and entertainment and much more.

Sales - Advertising sales position.

Have fun and make money while getting to know people. Great commissions and opportunities.

Must be legal to work in Mexico and have Internet access.

Distribution - Manage local and

regional routes with twice monthly deliveries. Earn a great income on a part-time bases. Must be legal to work in Mexico and have reliable transportation.

ANSWERS FROM PREVIOUS PAGE NO PEEKING UNTIL YOU HAVE AT LEAST TRIED

Suduko

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CLASSIFIED

Mexico Living is looking for motivated individuals for freelance positions in the Rosarito, B.C., Ensenada, B.C., San Felipe, B.C., Mexicali, B.C., Puerto Peñasco, SON., San Carlos, SON.