Edition 12 - May 2008

2 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 3

4 - Welcome

Mexico Living Publishing Team San Felipe: 686-577-1377 Puerto Penásco: 638-109-4771

Website: www.mexicoliving.info Email: info@mexicoliving.info

Mexico Living

Mexico Living Magazine’s Mission: We are committed to promoting Northwest Mexico to the limits of our abilities; to highlighting the amazing natural beauty, friendly John & Rachel Pack 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.

Mexico Living magazine is published by John Benjamin Pack, a Mexican business in San Felipe, Baja California, the home of publishers and owners John and Rachel Pack.

John and Rachel have spent years traveling the region falling in love with the people, the landscape and the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez). This is a way to combine their passion for travel, exploration, writing and photography with their desire to share their joy and showcase all the beauty and wonderful things to do and see in Baja California, Sonora and the northern Sea of Cortez, Mexico.

Published by John Benjamin Pack (dba Pack Publishing) ______ Publisher Rachel Pack, rachel@mexicoliving.info Editor John Pack, john@mexicoliving.info Operations Manager Lisa Shannon, lisa@mexicoliving.info Office Manager Armando Rubio, armando@mexicoliving.info Arts Editor Robin Waters, digitaldesignsbyrobin@gmail.com

USA: 800-576-0919 Ext. 3 Ensenada: 646-192-6965 Rachel Pack, rachel@mexicoliving.info Roberto Rodriguez, roberto@mexicoliving.info Jim Moore, jim@mexicoliving.info Kathy Preppernau, kathy@mexicoliving.info Writers Robin Waters, John Pack, Benjamin Eugene, Rachel Pack, Ron Saunders, Charlie Luse Photography Victor Rodriguez Ratliff, Ron Saunders, John Pack, Rachel Pack, Francisco Romos Victorio Contributors Denny & Sandi Flannigan

Golf Editor Hal “Paco” Clark, bajapaco@gmail.com

Distribution Armando Rubio, armando@mexicoliving.info

Sales Bill Maine, Sales Manager bill@mexicoliving.info

Charlie Luse cglpur@netscape.net

USA Mailing Address: John Pack/Yetmail #460 PO Box 9019, Calexico, CA 92232

Mexico Mailing Address: John Pack/Yetmail #460 Av Mar de Cortez Sur #1049B San Felipe, B.C. Mexico 21850

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.

Table of Contents Welcome......................................................6 Northwest Map............................................7 Ensenada ...................................................10 Ensenada Map...........................................11 San Felipe...................................................12 San Felipe Map ..........................................13 Puerto Peñasco...........................................14 Puerto Peñasco Map .................................15 Calendar.....................................................16 Tide Calendar.............................................19 Reasons to Learn Spanish........................20 Escala Nautica, Nautical Ladder ..............22 Puerto Peñasco Bird Island..............................24 Traveling to Baja California .......................26

The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Discover the Gulf of California..................28 COVER STORY: Boating in the Northern Sea of Cortez ...................................................30 La Vaquita Porpoise: The Gulf’s Most Endangered ...................32 From Russia with Love and Art ...............34 Dining Guide .............................................38 Hotel & Lodging .......................................40 Real Estate Greensheets ..........................43 Business Profile ........................................47 Yellow Pages.............................................48 Classifieds ................................................54

Here is an image of the new ambulance and the other two vehicles (one ambulance and a suburban) that Cruz Roja received last month...the ambulance is Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2008 model, unfortunately does not come fully equipped, so they are trying to get the emergency treatment equipment and supplies such monitordefibrillator, portable suction machine, vital signs monitor, portable automatic ventilator, and some other items in order to meet the Advanced Level classification, or ALS ambulance in accordance with Mexican and US standards. Thank you for your support.

San Felipe’s Only Shopping Mall & Professional Building The Best Choice in San Felipe for specialty retail and professionals seeking a high traffic location.

• High Visability (Car de Cortez) • High Traffic (several businesses and a restaurant).

• Security (gated at night).

Call for information: 686-577-2119 Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 5

Yuma

Welcome to Northwest Mexico

San Diego Mexicali Rosarito Beach

Ensenada

A rookery of California sea lions lounge around on the rocks near the look out tower with some brown pelicans on a hot, sunny and calm day at Roco Consag Island in the Sea of Cortez 25 miles east of San Felipe, Baja, Mexico.

SEA OF CORTEZ Gulf of California PACIFIC OCEAN

San Felipe

Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point)

copyright John Benjamin Pack

T

he Mexican states of Baja California and Sonora make up Nor thwest Mexico as covered by our magazine. The region features an enormous diversity of landscapes like no place on ear th—a land of quiet, color ful deser ts, 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.

Nor thwest Mexico is the destination of choice for retirees, investors, entrepreneurs, travelers, and vacationers alike. The U.S. State Depar tment 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 fur ther 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, Nor thwest Mexico is the place.

We hope our guide helps you to enjoy Nor thwest 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 011-52-664634-6330, -634-6918, -634-6574, or toll free from the U.S. (888) 775-2417 Sonora State Government http://www.gotosonora.com/ Ensenada Baja California, www.enjoyensenada.com Located 62 miles from USA 011-52-646-1723022, or (800) 310-9687; www. enjoyensenada.com

6 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Rosarito Baja California, www.rosarito.org Located 20 miles from USA. 011-52-661612-5222, or (800) 962-2252; www.rosarito.org San Felipe Baja California, sanfelipe.com. mx Located 122 miles from USA. (COTUCO) 011-52-686-577-1104 Tecate Baja California, tecatemexico.com.mx Located at the USA Border Tijuana Baja California, seetijuana.com Located at the USA Broder 011-52-664684-0537, -684-0481, -634-6330, 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 California.

Located at the US border.

Hermosillo Sonora, http://www.gotosonora. com/hermosillo-son-mx.htm. Hermosillo is the capital of the State of Sonora. Located 160 miles from the border with AZ. Puerto Peñasco www.cometorockypoint. com. Puerto Peñasco is Located 62 miles from the US border.

RECENT U.S. PASSPORT NEWS PASSPORTS ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR CAR OR PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC INTO OR OUT OF MEXICO. Passpor ts are ONLY required for air and sea travel. However, U.S. citizens should be aware that as of January 31, 2008 - U.S. citizens must be able to verify their identity and citizenship when crossing land borders and sea borders to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. A combination of identification documents, such as a U.S. Drivers License and a U.S. Bir th Cer tificate may be presented. Note that a U.S. Passpor t or Passpor t Card is proof of both identity and citizenship.

US Gov. Passpor t Requirements: http://travel. state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html Get your bir th cer tificate: http://www.cdc.gov/ nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm

BORDER CROSSINGS • San Diego, California (San Ysidro) – Tijuana, Baja California • Otay Mesa, California – Tijuana, Baja California • Tecate, California – Tecate, Baja California • Calexico, California – Mexicali, Baja California • Andrade, California – Los Algodones, Baja California • San Luis, Arizona – San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora • Lukeville, Arizona – Sonoita, Sonora • Sasabe, Arizona – Altar, Sonora • Nogales, Arizona – Nogales, Sonora • Naco, Arizona – Naco, Sonora • Douglas, Arizona – Agua Prieta, Sonora WHAT DO I NEED TO ENTER MEXICO? You are required to get a tourist card (tourist visa) if you are planning to stay more than seventy-two hours, or if you plan to travel south beyond Ensenada, San Felipe, or Puer to Peñasco.

Tourist visas are available at all border crossings and are 21.65 USD. You will have to pay a bank and return to have your visa stamped.

WHAT CAN I BRING INTO MEXICO? DO NOT BRING GUNS OR DRUGS INTO MEXICO. You will go to prison. Do not bring such quantities of anything that it may look like the item is for resale. As a tourist, your personal luggage and other merchandise must not exceed the allowed exemption of 50 USD per person.

Allowed items include: personal things such as, new or used clothes; shoes; toiletries (quantities not for resale); and no more than two used spor tsequipment items. You can also bring in two car tons of cigarettes; fifty cigars or 2.2lbs of tobacco (1 kilo); one liter of wine or hard liquor; twelve rolls of film; a computer; camera equipment; and one musical instrument, as long as you can carry it— really, that is the law.

Medicine for personal use is also allowed.

Note: Be careful not to bring a large quantity of your prescription medication. Mexico has laws concerning prescription drugs.

If you carry more than the equivalent of 10,000 USD in foreigner currency (or the equivalent in

checks, and/or other monetary instruments), these must be declared.

If you are bringing more than 50 USD wor th of merchandise per person but not more than 1,000 USD, you may declare it by driving into the customs facility thru the declaration lane (carril de declaración). You will need to fill out some documents and determine the value of your merchandise. The duty is usually between 15% and 25% of the value of the merchandise and must be paid at a nearby bank (usually located near customs). Once your duty is paid, you’ll need to show customs the receipt of payment and you’ll be on your way.

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 ar ts and crafts, including handcrafted furniture, are duty-free and do not count toward the 800 USD limit.

MINORS IN MEXICO Mexican law requires that any non-Mexican citizen under the age of eighteen depar ting Mexico must carry notarized written permission from any parent or guardian not traveling with the child to or from Mexico.

TOURIST TRAVEL U.S. citizens traveling as tourists beyond the border zone or entering Mexico by air must pay a fee to obtain a tourist card, also known as an FMT. The fee for the tourist card is generally included in the price of a plane ticket for travelers arriving by air.

BUSINESS TRAVEL Business travelers must complete and submit a form (Form FM-N) authorizing the conduct of business (but not employment) for a thir ty-day period. Travelers entering Mexico for purposes other than tourism or business or staying for periods longer than 180 days require a visa and must carry a valid U.S. passpor t. U.S. citizens planning to work or live in Mexico should apply for the appropriate Mexican visa (FM3, FM2) at the Mexican consulate nearest your city in the United States, or through the immigration professional in your area.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 7

VEHICLE PERMITS

Tourists traveling with their vehicle beyond the border zone nor th of Ensenada, San Felipe or Puer to Peñasco must obtain a temporary impor t permit or risk having their vehicle confiscated by Mexican customs officials.

GENERAL SAFETY

The Depar tment of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling in Mexico or any foreign country. Depar tment’s travel web site (http://travel.state.gov/index.html) where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Aler ts can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security outside the US, toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

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.

LO C A L B A J A S E R V I C E - C A L L T O D AY

San Felipe 686-577-0050 San Diego 001-619-920-2292 www.sanfelipehomebuilder.com

General Contractor WE DO IT ALL, FROM START TO FINISH

SAN FELIPE

HOME BUILDERS

• ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES • CUSTOM HOMES

WE CAN BUILD YOUR BAJA DREAM HOME TO AMERICAN CODES

• INTERIOR DESIGN & FURNISHINGS • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

LOCATED AT

USA 1-619-342-2183 MEXICO 661-614-1434 8 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

CLZ Chetumal 228 Mar Del Coral Y Mar De Corte San Felipe, BC, CP 21850

• REMODELING •

HOME REPAIRS

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 9

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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.

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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 646176-3344, located at 1442 Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas or Renta-Car Ensenada at 646-176-3344, located at 582 Lopez Mateos.

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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.

If you’re interested in visiting Ensenada, but not doing any driving you can contact Eaton International Tours and Passenger Services. San Diego pick and return. Fast and secure. Call 619-479-1536 / 646108-8538.

Taking The Bus from San Diego is another option.

I 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: 800-2312222). 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. The Ensenada Airport is for private and military only. No commercial flights.

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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.

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The San Felipe Arches monument at the entrance of town, 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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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

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. Whether you’re looking for a banana boat rides, beach bars, and crowds or an isolated paradise to share with someone special - San Felipe has it.

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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WHAT DO I NEED?

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

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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.

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GETTING TO SAN FELIPE

can obtain a tourist card in Mexicali at the Aduana (Customs) office building located just left of the border gates. Parking is available on the street, across near the bank (which is where you will be going after customs. Tourist visas are no longer available in San Felipe.

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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.

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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

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Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 13 www.mexicoliving.info

Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

Sunset painted cloud formation with silhouetted palm trees in the fore ground looking west over the Sea of Cortez in Puerto Penasco, Mexico - By James Cottingham PUERTO PENASCO 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. However, U.S. Border Patrol agents advise 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! Puerto Peñasco is has new fuel docks and other boat-related developments as part of the country’s ‘Escalera Nautica’ efforts, which call for a chain of ‘tourist-class’ marinas sprinkled up and down the Baja coast in an effort to promote nautical tourism.

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, and more are 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 timeshares.

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 PENASCO FLYING Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) now has flights to and from Los Angeles (LAX), twice daily; one leaves Puerto

14 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

TAKING A SHUTTLE If you want get to Puerto Peñasco and don’t want to drive, you can consider taking a shuttle for fast trouble free travel.

Head out to Rocky Point (www.headouttorockypoint. com) is offering 15-person chartered vans to Puerto Peñasco out of Phoenix. Also, Kona Shuttle (www. konashuttle.com), which offers $179 roundtrips from Tucson and Phoenix in their Mercedes-Benz mini coaches. Both companies are based out of Phoenix.

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.

RULES TO KNOW

Here are a few basic rules to follow to avoid trouble: • NO drinking and driving vehicles of any kind including ATVs. • No drinking under 18 years of age.

• All vehicles are prohibited on the beach.

• No riding ATV’s after dark, on the beaches or on Blvd Juarez.

• Fireworks in designated areas until 10:00 PM • No possession of drugs, guns or weapons.

• Speed limits (25 MPH) and drivers must be 16 Photos by Robin Waters years old.

Peñasco at 11:40am, and arrives in LAX at 12:10pm and the other leaves Puerto Peñasco at 4:30PM and arrives in LAX at 5:30PM, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sundays.

DRIVING 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. 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 travel west on I-10 to State Route 85, continue southbound on SR 85 to Gila Bend and 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, take 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 and turn left at a sign stating “Mexico” and “SR 85 South” just past the McDonalds.

Continue southbound on SR 85 through Ajo, Why and the Organ Pipe National Monument to the border at Lukeville, Arizona.

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 Sonoita. 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.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 15

CALENDAR & EVENTS

Wine & Margaritas Raffles 14th Annual Salsa Contest Chile Eating Competition Ms. Chile Pepper and Señor Salsa Contests.

WEEKLY CALENDAR EVENTS ENSENADA BAJA CALIFORNIA Tuesday: Jazz Cafe - Cine de Arte Wednesday: Jazz Cafe - Trivia Thursday: Jazz Cafe - Jazz Friday: Jazz Cafe - 8pm Salsa dance classes Saturday: Jazz Cafe - Oldies but Goodies The live music of “Nuevo Concepto”

THE ORIGINS OF CINCO DE MAYO

A unique, unofficial Mexican & American holiday to celebrate heritage and pride.

Cinco de Mayo, or “5th of May” in English, is primarily a regional and not an obligatory federal holiday in Mexico. The date is observed in the United States and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. A common misconception in the United States is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day; Mexico’s Independence Day is actually September 16 (dieciséis de septiembre in Spanish), which is the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico.

The holiday commemorates an initial victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. However, this Mexican victory at Puebla only delayed the French invasion of Mexico City; a year later, the French occupied Mexico. The French occupying forces placed Maximilian I, Emperor of Mexico on the throne of Mexico. The French were eventually defeated and expelled in 1867. Maximilian was executed by President Benito Juarez, five years after the Battle of Puebla.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has taken on a significance beyond that in Mexico. Commercial interests in the United States have capitalized on the celebration, advertising Mexican products and services, with an emphasis on beverages, foods, and music. The date is perhaps best recognized in the United States as a date to celebrate the culture and experiences of Americans of Mexican ancestry, much as St. Patrick’s Day, Oktoberfest, and the Chinese New Year are used to celebrate those of Irish, German, and Chinese ancestry, respectively. As a result, the holiday is observed by many Americans regardless of ethnic origins, especially in cities and states where there is a large population of Mexican ancestry. Although 16 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

it is not an official holiday, many cities Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín with large populations (March 24, 1829 – of Mexican ancestry September 8, 1862) was honor the day as a a general in the Mexican symbolic representation Army, best known for his of Mexican pride and 1862 victory against the as a representation of a French invading forces culture that blends both in the Battle of Puebla Mexican and American on May 5 (the Cinco roots.

Celebrations de Mayo). Shortly after tend to draw both from his famous victory, he traditional Mexican contracted typhoid fever, symbols, such as the of which he died at the Virgin de Guadalupe, age of 33. and from prominent figures of Mexican descent in the United States, such as César Chávez.

MAY CHILI COOK-OFFS

A chili cook off is the only contest where spectators and competition both participate to heat things up and relief comes in the form of a frosty cold cervesa; a slice of heaven. During May, chili aficionados all across northwest Mexico will be feasting and fiesta’in (made that up) on the finest chili Mexico has to offer.

In San Felipe on May 3 at The 6th Annual International Club de Pesca Chili-Cook Off at the end of Mar de Cortez, downtown. This is an event worth getting your tickets in advance. This chili cookoff draws the best chili chefs in the area, each with their winning chili recipes, plus lots of great music, incredible weather and beach fun.

In Ensenada, on May 10, the 31st Annual J.D. Hussong Baja Internacional Chile Cook-off with Masters of Ceremonies Brent & Gina BeSaw, Live Acoustic Rock, Pop & Original Music by Scott BeSaw & Friends Line Dancing by the Baja Chili Peppers of Punta Banda Folkloric Dancers Regional Foods Beer,

SAN FELIPE Monday: Fandangos - “9-Ball Tournament 6:00PM Tuesday: • Jimmy’s BB&G - Karaoke with “The Sing Out Sisters” • Fandangos - Darts 7:00 PM • Al’s Backstreet - Darts Wednesday: • Jimmy’s BB&G - “Bunko” & “Ladies Night” • Al’s Backstreet - Live Music Thursday: • Fandangos - Live Music of The Beach Bums • Jaunito’s (El Dorado) - “Name That Tune” • Los Arcos - Bingo & Lions Meeting (2nd & 4th Thurs.)

• Lighthouse Rest. - Live Music by Ed G. Friday: • Jimmy’s BB&G - Live music “Agave Blues” • Los Archos - Karaoke • La Vaquita - Live music “Vatos Locos” 6:00PM Saturday: • Jimmy’s BB&G - Live music of “Agave Blues” • San Felipe Fine Arts Association - art show 2nd Sat. of every month at Rosarios Art Studio - on the highway in the Ejido. 10-4 Sunday: • Fandangos - Arcade Bowling 2:00 PM • Los Archos - Live Music PUERTO PEÑASCO SONORA Thursday: JC`s Bar - 3:00 PM Darts Tournament Friday: Dugout - 7:00 PM Billiards Tournament

Saturday: Oldies Bar - 7:00 pm Live Pop Rock Music LIST YOUR EVENT: mexicoliving@gmail.com.

Include event name, dates and times, description and contact info.

MONTHLY CALENDAR EVENTS NATIONAL DATES & HOLIDAYS May 1: Dia de Trabajo - Labor Day - National appreciation day of all the many workers of Mexico that have gone before, and today make the country the special place that it is.

5: Cinco de Mayo 10: Dia de las Madres / Mother’s day in Mexico 11: Mother’s Day (US) 17: Armed Forces Day 26: Memorial Day observed (US) ENSENADA BAJA CALIFORNIA May 2-3: Cabalgata Vaquera El Alamar in the Sierra de Juarez 10: J.D. Hussong Baja Internacional “CHILI COOKOFF”. http://www.hussongs.com/chilicookoff.html 11: Fiesta of the Flowering Vineyards in Ensenada’s Wine Country. fiestasvendimia@hotmail.com 25: 6th Annual Festival del Caballo, Arte y Vino in Ensenada’s Wine Country 30-June 1: 40th Tecate SCORE Baja 500 in Ensenada. www.score-international.com SAN FELIPE BAJA CALIFORNIA May 3: 6th Annual International Club De Pesca Chili Cookoff at De Pesca - 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2008. Contact Joseph Malek (686 203-8230) or Elayne Caldwell (577-2649 or e-mail at caldes@ prodigy.net) at Club De Pesca.

3: 6th Anual Torneo de Pesca Deportiva 23-25: Code Tecate Race “VW AUTOPARTES NIGHT RACE” LAGUNA SALADA 24: Laguna Percebu Poker Run PUERTO PEÑASCO May 1-2: Sand Drag Races at Sandy Beach. Watch the racers in their sand rails roar down the beach.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 17

Museum on their annual tour of Puerto Peñasco’s tide pools and mud flats. Call 520-883-3025 13-14: Sailboat Races is a JJ’s Cantina/Cholla Bay area event that fun for all. Participants & spectators having a good time all day.

4 - 6: CODE Off Road Mexicali 500 www. codeoffroad.com.mx.

HIPPIES RULED THIS PAST WEEKEND IN SAN FELIPE, CELEBRATING PEACE, LOVE & PETS

(31 01 N, 114 49 W)

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by Steven Forman

San Felipe, B.C.

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1-7: Mayan Culture Appreciation Week is a celebration and remembrance of Mexico’s pre-conquest culture.

6: One Club Open Golf Tournament in Cholla Bay out on beach in front of JJ’s Cantina. Bring a golf 10 iron, a ball and a good attitude.

8: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s Marine Life Tour. Join naturalists from the Arizona-Sonora Desert

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The comics went home, the bands broke down and left, Tootie is back home in San Diego in fresh hair and makeup.

The boxing event at the Rockodile is over and Shane Brown is working on his next event. Even the Tecate girls have put their clothes back on by now. Moondogg, our Hippie bus, cool as he looked, is back in the Flannigan’s driveway, resting up for Woofstock ‘09.

At the time of this posting, we estimate that the Woofstock Project, including Bitchy Bingo, raised upwards of $25,000 for San Felipe Animal Rescue, and Eileen Cremata, SFAR’s favorite chiropractor from Oakland CA, a big SF Animal Rescue supporter

won a round trip cruise for two to the Mexican Riviera, and we’re extremely happy for her.

Thanks to the entire community for all the support, money, sponsorship and donations. Awesome, special, over-the-moon thanks to Vickie & Darryl Silva, Heather Penrod, Nancy Murphy, Vicki Rama, Ronda Walpole, Sam & Diane Grubb, Clyde Haas, Laurie Braal, George Libreros and Canaco, Derek Wille and Denny & Sandy Flannigan, all my N/A buddies, Vatos Locos, Agave’ Blues Band, Hal Radinsky, not to mention the 40 or so other silent heroes that worked this event. It was fantastic, it was chaotic, some of it worked really well, some of it didn’t work at all, but all and all, the planners and organizers of the entire Woofstock event, including Bitchy Bingo need to take a BIG bow. Thanks San Felipe. We have grand fundraising plans already in place for next Season! Don’t miss our November Event! Read Steven’s new column next month in Mexico Living Magazine and be sure to read his blog online.

THE ALL NEW ADVENTURES of Baja Desert Dog

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

USA PASSPORT UPDATE LAND AND SEA TRAVEL The following information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website. www.dhs.gov JANUARY 31, 2008 U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

JUNE 2009 Passports may be required

18 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 19

Top Reasons Why You Should Learn Spanish

ust in case you need to reassure yourself J towards making the decision to learn the beautiful Spanish language, here are 10 solid reasons why you should go ahead and take this life changing decision.

1. Spanish is the 4th common spoken language worldwide Spanish speaking residents can be found in pain, the United States, Venezuela, Argentina, Chile, Equatorial Guinea, the Philippines, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, Colombia, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

In figures, this accounts to 1/3 of a billion speakers worldwide!!

2. Learn Spanish to enhance your travel experiences. If you decide to visit exotic and tropical countries like Venezuela, Argentina, Chile or Spain, knowing Spanish will be a great benefit to you.

Knowing to speak Spanish will allow you to get close to the locals and get access to insights that a non-speaking Spanish speaker would never have.

Your visit and stay will be more pleasant much more enjoyable when you can communicate the local Spanish language.

3. Learn Spanish to improve your own language The origin of Spanish comes from the Romance language family of languages where its roots are primarily Latin. The English has many words derived from the Latin language and hence knowing Spanish would help speakers of English broaden their vocabulary. Those who are into science, medicine and law will have come across some Latin terms as the many centuries of Roman rule has left their mark linguistically.

4. Learn Spanish to avoid the Diseases! Studies concluded that learning and using 3 varied languages reduces your chances of getting the dreaded Alzheimer’s disease. Studies show that bilingualism 20 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

enhances mental abilities in people across all ages.

Studying a different language improves your memory and slows down age related mental acuity. Besides that, studying another language improves your critical thinking skills as you learn to see things through a different lens.

5. Spanish is becoming a very important business tool If you could expand your business to the 350 million people whose mother tongue is Spanish would you do it? I guess you would jump into it without blinking an eye. This is why having a command in Spanish is crucial because not only do you have access to a 350 million Spanish speaking market but Hispanic consumers are also the fastest-growing market segment. You will definitely have the edge if you know a second language because Globalization is inevitable especially now with the Internet making its way into the lives of people around the globe.

6. Appreciate Spanish art, music, literature and film even more Foreign films are becoming very popular these days but most of them are dubbed to suit the market that it’s being promoted. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to watch the film in its original context without having to worry about the subtitles and whether the translation of the film is accurate?

If you know Spanish, you will double your enjoyment while watching films like Belle époque (1993), The Sea Inside (2004) and All About My Mother (1999).

It really makes a difference watching a film in its original language. Learning Spanish will also allow you to get into the minds and times of some great Spanish writers like Miguel de Cervantes who wrote Don Quixote which was written in the 16th century but still continues to fascinate and inspire current audiences.

7. Learning Spanish makes acquiring the next foreign language easier It is not easy to master second language. You need to put in a lot of hard

work, perseverance and practice to master a language. All this effort makes the task of learning another language easier by comparison. You tend to develop a set of mental, social and cultural skills and this awareness caries to other languages

Photo by Ron Chapple

learned. Languages from the Romance family like Italian, French and Portuguese will be much more easy to learn because the will seem like “cousin” to Spanish!

8. Lend a Hand to Others If you like to help people, knowing Spanish will allow you to help both Spanish speakers who can’t speak English and English speakers who don’t speak Spanish. As you are aware, the living standards in many Spanish speaking countries are rather low and therefore there are a lot of people in serious need of aid and care in these countries. Learning Spanish will help and prepare you if you intend to go to these countries to extend some aid and care personally.

9. To improve employment potential How many times have you filled in a recruitment form and been asked to list down all the languages you know and rate your command level of it? All the time, am I right? Well, this clearly shows that to know second language is vital if you want to have an edge over other applicants. Studies have shown that you are more likely to land a job of your dreams if you speak another language than if you are monolingual. Most jobs these days require you to have some basic proficiency in another language.

10. Learning Spanish is fun! Learning Spanish besides opening up lots of opportunities for you can be one of the most enjoyable things you will ever do.

Whatever your motivations are, learning Spanish will definitely benefit you for the rest of your life.

Call Margaret Realty Congratulations Glenda!

Reader’s Choice

Best Real Estate Agent in San Felipe Come in and let me help you find your Dream Home! We were the first in San Felipe and have been serving our clients for 25 years.

From the US Call: 011-52-1-686-577-1156 Or Email me at:

Glenda@Callmargaretrealty.com Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 21

Escala Náutica - The Nautical Ladder

By Hal (Paco) Clark

Photo by Rachel Pack, others photos as indicated.

Map drawn by John Pack

T

he Sea of Cortez region has very high potential these areas have populations of more than 100,000 for nautical tourism but lacks the facilities and people. The remaining 22 facilities will be in regions maritime infrastructure with populations of less required to serve pleasure than 15,000, including boaters. Escalas Náuticas some with populations of was conceived as a way less than 100. of realizing the tourism The ports of call will potential in the Sea of provide the following Cortez region. San Felipe, basic services: moorings, Ensenada and Puerto ramps and dry storage, Peñasco are three ports water, electricity, of call that will serve telephones and satellite nautical tourists. television service, fuel, Escalas Náutica pump-out facilities, and (Nautical Ladder), as facilities for the collection some like to call it, Victor Parra, local manager for SINGLAR who are operators of and disposal of wastes. the facility, showing the region on the map in the new office will ring the entire Baja complex. Photo by Paco Clark Some will also offer peninsula from Ensenada migration, customs to San Felipe, and then and port services, travel down the mainland radio communications, coast south to Puerto emergency assistance, Vallarta in the state of towing, provisioning, and Jalisco. minor repairs and spare In all, 29 facilities, parts. There will even be each roughly 120 nautical an “overland bridge” to miles apart, will make allow the transport of sea up the Nautical Ladder. going vessels between Fifteen already exist: the Pacific Coast port of four marinas which are Santa Rosalita and Bahia currently in operation and de Los Angeles on the eleven which need to be Sea of Cortez. renovated or expanded. Nice large fuel docks at Puerto Peñasco harbor. Photo by Robin The National Trust Fund Fourteen will be new Waters for Tourism Development and five of these will be (FONATUR) was formed mobile vessels or platforms providing basic marine by the Mexican Congress in 1973 to develop services.

Mexico’s tourism industry, address ecological and The plan calls for seven facilities in urban areas, economic issues, and to attract foreign and domestic regions with populations above 15,000. Five of investment in tourism. It estimates that 76,400 22 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

New San Felipe slips. Photo by Paco Clark

Sign in front of Port Captain offices. Photo by Paco Clark

boats will cruise the Baja coastlines by 2010 and that by 2014 the region will host 5.4 million nautical tourists, a huge increase compared to the estimated 8,600 small boats currently visiting. It is hoped that the marinas will spawn additional development of lodging, shops and other services to bolster local economies. Roads and airports along the route will also be upgraded. An example is the current upgrade of Highway 5 from Mexicali to San Felipe from two to four lanes.

Of course, not everyone is on board. Some ecological activists call the plan a blueprint for disaster, because it potentially threatens what the late great marine biologist Jacques Cousteau called “the aquarium of the world”.

The San Felipe Marina fuel and courtesy docks are now complete, and are open for business this month, according to Victor Parra, local manager for SINGLAR who are operators of the facility. He added that the upgraded facilities in Puerto Peñasco have just opened. These two rungs in the ladder should immediately bring boaters, water sports enthusiasts, vacationers and retirees to this beautiful part of the Sea of Cortez.

Nautical Ladder

San Diego 82

Escala Náutica

MEXICALI

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Puerto Penasco

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Cabo Colonet BAJA CA

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114

State Capital

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Punta Baja

SONORA Nautical Ladder

San Luis Gonzaga 109

67

Pto. Canoas

Distance (Nautical Miles)

HERMOSILLO Bahia Kino

85

Santa Rosaliita 128

113

Bahia Los Angeles 133

Bahia Tortugas

101

San Carlos Guaymas

88

Santa Rosalia

46

Mulege

115

110

Map Illustration

By John Pack

Punta Abreojos 283

136

San Juanico 160

138

124

Pto. Loreto

SINALOA

132

Topolobampo BAJA SUR

117

128 115

Pto. San Carlos

Altata

CULIACAN

153

For more info,

visit FONATUR at: www.fonatur.gob.mx/mardecortes/

184

245

LA PAZ 145

Cabo San Lucas

133

Mazatlan 195

60

Teacapan

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 23

Offshore Excursion in Puerto Peñasco Words and photos by Charlie & Leticia Luse

is also a favorite spot for scuba divers as they are only at the 50-70 foot level.

The island has been a bird sanctuary for the past 20 years, and there are some 60 species of birds, with the Brown Booby as the most abundant.

This is an excellent fishing bird, able to gracefully plunge into the water from high in the air to catch fish. An enormous variety and number of birds can be seen on the rocks and flying about the island.

Mixed in are many pelicans as well. While touring the perimeter of the island, one cannot miss the distinct appearance and smell of guano*. The guano reflects solar rays and works to keep the island cooler than normal.

Puerto Peñasco Offshore Excursion- By Charlie & Leticia Luse Photo: Group of Sea Lions by Shore - Leticia Luse

wenty-two miles from Puerto Peñasco is T “Bird Island”, a popular spot for tourists and a favorite destination of Del Mar Charters. “Bird

sea lion with a portion of a fish net around its neck. At times, when they are chasing fish, they run into fishnets and even though they normally menplunge from ‘Checkpoint Denny Flannigan Island” is the name used by locals and tourists, Ourcan through theCharlie’. net, a portion of the net soldiers between Mexicali San and Felipe. but the actual name of the island is Isla San Jorge. andcan be caught around theirand necks can cause It is located just seven miles from shore at its death later as the sea lion grows. closest point.

Only a 45 minute cruise from the harbor, with the four main peaks that rise out of the water visible from about the halfway point —the highest is approximately 206 ft above sea level.

As we approached the island, the barking noise of the California Sea Lions was prevalent above all else. For such a small island ---maybe ¼ mile in length and a few hundred yards across, there are enormous numbers of sea lions; the last estimated count was 2400. It became rapidly apparent that, Photo by Leticia Luse even though one would think the primary thing to see on the trip would be birds, the sea lions take precedence and it was easy to become enthralled The island is volcanic in origin, with a very with their presence and actions. They truly rocky shoreline, steep cliffs and rugged terraces. command your attention.

At one end, there is a smooth area where students can camp, as they are the only ones permitted on the island. Tourists are not permitted to go ashore to walk on the island. During World War II, the US Navy occupied the island and used it as a lookout for possible Japanese submarines. There is a very obvious “rock bridge” that they built to permit walking between the highest end and the adjacent peak.

Once at the island, passengers can enter the water to swim and snorkel, or just soak up the environment with refreshments provided on the tour. The water temperature was a brisk 66 Photo by Leticia Luse degrees, but one hardy passenger donned snorkel equipment and swam among the sea lion pups. Del The males and females remained on the rocks Mar Charters provides the snorkeling equipment, and near the shore, but the young pups would as well as ponchos to use when the air is cool, swim out in schools of maybe 10-12, surrounding for the ride out and back along with soft drinks, the boat—with their barking, jumping, and playing water, burritos, ready-made margaritas and beer. taking center stage. The large males, with their Not far from the main island is a small island loud barking, could be easily heard and we were called “widow maker” as, during high tide, it can told that it sometimes appears as if they are calling become obscured and has been the culprit in the the young ones back to shore. We also saw one sinking of a couple of boats that hit its rocks. This 24 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Photo by Camhi Franck

Two trips a day are made and Del Mar can be contacted at the local Puerto number of 638-3832802 or, in the US. at 520-407-6054, web site www.delmarcharters.com. Price of the trip is $90 for adults and $70 for children, with a capacity of 12 persons on the boat. If the water is very rough, the trips are cancelled with a full refund.

There are other offshore excursions, but we highly recommend the trip to “Bird Island”. * Any excrement from birds, seals, or bats, with value to humans as fertilizer, may be referred to as guano. The term originated in Peru, to differentiate useless bird droppings from the nutrient-rich waste of cormorants, pelicans, and other sea birds.

Charlie Luse is a real estate broker and full time resident of Puerto Peñasco. Charlie owns Buena Vista Real Estate and Property Management and can be reached at 638-110-4127.

Photo by David Bate Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 25

Traveling to Baja California, Mexico

by Mikhail Tuknov

Natalie Gulbis and Lorena Ochoa, Evian 2007 - by Isogood exico is a country that has always occupied a special place among the world’s most M popular tourist destinations and some of the world

most popular attractions and activities from surfing to golfing. Its many treasures are of course known and loved by the countless thousands of people who have already experienced them, but Mexico has a way of enticing even those who have not had the opportunity to visit the country yet.

There are several places in Mexico that have contributed to the charm and allure of the country, among them: Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta and Mexico City. All of these have done their share in building the “Mexico mystique� and are definitely some of the

26 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

more worthwhile places to visit in the country. There is however another area that somehow stands apart from all the rest and that is the area known as Baja California.

Baja California is a peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean from the southern end of California. As you may well imagine given this location, Baja California is gifted with spectacular seascapes, making it an ideal destination for myriad different water based leisure activities. In fact, the area has attracted thousands of surfers and sailing enthusiasts over the years, in addition to the hordes of college students from the U.S. who have made Baja California their unofficial home away from home during spring break.

The water is by no means the only place to have fun in Baja California. In fact, with the sheer number of things to do and places to see, you may find yourself overwhelmed if you try to take them all in! The best thing to do is to plan your visit around one or two major activities–diving or whale watching for example–and plan for smaller, shorter deviations throughout your stay. Of course, if you are up to the challenge you may just decide to see as much of the area as you possibly can!

We’ve already mentioned the water and how much fun you can have in or around it: there’s scuba diving, fishing, wind surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and even just lounging around in the sun and sand.

There are other things to do in Baja California without even having to get wet however. For starters, there is cycling or even mountain biking. The highway that stretches from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas is a particularly popular route and attracts many cyclists every year. If you are interested in traveling the less beaten path, you can ride south from San Felipe on the Sea of Cortez side that will test the limits of both you and your bike! Of course if you want to get around at a slower pace, you can always go for a hike on the many trails in the San Pedro Martir National Park or in the Sierra Lagunas.

We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of all the treasures that lie in wait for you in Baja California.

Visiting this naturally rich and diverse spot will surely unearth a lot more for you to discover.

• • • • • • • • • •

White Filling Tooth Whitening Metal and Porcelain Crowns Cosmetic Dentistry Root Canals Extractions Permanent Bridges Removable Partials Dentures Implants

California Dental Spa is proud to provide a new service to our valued patients.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery services: • • • • • • •

Wisdom and impacted tooth removal Dental implant placements: to replace missing teeth or provide a stable base for detures Bone grafts to restore quantity and quality of bone prior to implant placement Apical surgery: removal of root tip infection Oral pathology: cyst and tumor removal, biopsies Traumatic facial injury treatment Under and over bite correction surgery

Marco Antonio Mora Rubio D.D.S. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Services will be available Saturdays in our office.

Please call for appointment: 577 07 08.

ãWAYSãTOãWORKãUPãANãAPPETITE ã ãDELICIOUSãWAYSãTOãSATISFYãIT If you’ve ever experienced the acclaimed Las Caras de MÊxico championship golf course at El Dorado Ranch, you know that playing 18 sun-drenched, seaside holes can really get your appetite going. So after you’ve conquered the back nine, be sure to make time for a satisfying meal at one of our restaurants. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be treated to a flavorful, filling meal in the delightfully relaxed setting that made Baja famous.

JUANITO’S CANTINA

LA PALAPA BAR & GRILL

Steak, Seafood & Mexican Specialties 686-200-4084

Casual Mexican & American Cuisine 686-200-4083

LA LANGOSTA ROJA

THE PAVILION

Gourmet Italian Cuisine 686-577-0483

Gourmet Global Cuisine 686-577-0022 (ext. 4122)

For tee times, call 686-577-0088 x4052 or visit www.eldoradoranch.com.

Seaside Resort. Condos. Homes.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 27

Gulf of California A Destination to Discover and Protect

By Alexi Holford

Photo by David Schrader

The Gulf of California, also called the Sea of Cortez, lures travelers from the United States in increasing numbers.

V

isitors explore its treasures through sailing, diving, swimming, and sport fishing. Impressive vistas, turquoise waters, an appealing climate, and compelling opportunities to experience local culture and cuisine continue to entice a constant flow of travelers. But how locals and tourists alike choose to enjoy this unique place may determine its very future.

Described by Jacques Cousteau as “the world’s aquarium,” the Gulf of California is one of five marine ecosystems in the world with the highest productivity and biodiversity. Blue whales, fin whales, California gray whales, hammerheads, marlin, and whale sharks all pass through this area during their migrations. Also seen here are five of the eight species of sea turtles: the leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead, Pacific green, and olive Ridley. Giant Humbolt squid, which can measure longer than seven feet and weigh more than 100 pounds, can be found there in the spring for feeding and spawning.

The Gulf has a unique set of habitats: the shallower northern end hosts rich intertidal areas along the coast, and tropical mangrove forests and coral reefs can be found in the southern basin that opens into the Pacific. The patchwork of relatively isolated habitats is the driving force behind the high number of endemic species in the Gulf of California. In other words, this secluded sea has one of the greatest numbers of species that are found nowhere else in the world. Because of its unique conditions, the northern region of the Gulf of California boasts more endemic species than the southern part of the Gulf.

28 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Home to Unique Species The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is the smallest of all cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) and the only porpoise endemic to Mexico. This cousin to the dolphin inhabits the northern end of the gulf and has the most restricted range of any cetacean in the world. The vaquita is critically endangered, with only a few hundred individuals remaining—perhaps as few as 150. An estimated 40-80 vaquitas are lost each year when they are trapped in fishing nets and drown. Other threats to the vaquita include the degradation of its habitat because of contamination of the water in which it lives.

The totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) is another endemic species that is found only in the northern region. Totoaba are historically large fish, once having measured at well over 200 pounds. At present these steel-blue fish only reach half that size. While they once swarmed the Northern Gulf in thick schools, totoaba now face potential extinction due to over-fishing and the loss of habitat in the Colorado River Delta (the upper region of the Gulf of California where the Colorado River ends its journey to the ocean). As this important mating area for totoaba declines, so do the fish.

As Mexico’s most important fishery region, the Gulf of California provides seafood to locals and for export to other countries. This region is Mexico’s biggest producer of shrimp. But gillnet fishing from pangas (small boats) and large-scale trawling from industrial vessels combine to pose serious threats for endangered species and to the health of the fragile seabeds that are the foundation of this vulnerable ecosystem.

A Geologic Gem

Seeking Solutions

About 12 million years ago the Baja California Peninsula began to separate from the Mexican mainland, creating the Gulf of California. The only inland sea in the Eastern Pacific, it is the youngest of all ocean basins and one of the most rapidly growing. Stretching 868 miles from one end to the other and 130 miles across at its widest point, the Gulf is getting wider every year.

More than 900 islands in the Gulf of California provide important nesting sites for thousands of seabirds. Most of the islands were formed when they broke off from the peninsula. Author John Steinbeck called the Islas del Golfo de California in the north-central portion of the Gulf “the Galapagos of Mexico” in his Log of the Sea of Cortez (1951).

The Southern Gulf has an archipelago of channels, basins, and two large islands—Angel de la Guarda and Tiburon. South of these islands, the Gulf increases in depth towards the mouth, with deep basins reaching nearly 10,000 feet into the earth.

The Gulf of California is fed by the Colorado River to the north. The 1,450 mile long river stretches from high in the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming through Utah and Colorado, into Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona, descending into California, and ending its life as a river when it drains into the Gulf. Along the way, the water is harnessed by dams to generate power and diverted into aqueducts for many purposes, primarily agricultural and as a source for municipal water supplies. There have been more than a few years of drought and high water usage in which the river has been reduced to a trickle before reaching the delta.

What many do not realize is that how we choose to enjoy this unique resource may determine its very future. On your next vacation to Baja, try an ecotourism program or explore options like camping on the beach.

You can also support conservation programs designed to protect this important ecosystem, such as the one between the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California and World Wildlife Fund. The Aquarium/WWF conservation project is designed to not only protect the environment, but also the lives of the local peoples who have relied on the region for generations. The partnership will work towards solutions to protect this valuable marine resource for the benefit of the animals that live there, the people that depend upon them, and future generations.

Wherever possible, it is important for each of us to do what we can to make a difference. The Aquarium of the Pacific believes that becoming aware of the environmental challenges the Gulf of California and other places face is the first step.

Speaking up to your government representatives is another important step in the right direction. As long as we doing our best to reduce our impact on the Earth, we will be able to enjoy and benefit from these natural treasures from a long time to come.

Alexi Holford is the communications manager at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. If you would like to donate to the Aquarium/WWF conservation project, please contact the Aquarium’s development department at (562) 951-1617.

Photo by Dennis Sabo Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 29

PARADISE SHARED BY FEW A New Boating Boom in the Northern Gulf of California

By John Pack Aerial photos by Hal “Paco” Clark Aerodynamic Ultralight Flights proved the view, all other photos as indicated.

P

uerto Peñasco, Sonora and San Felipe, Baja finest boat builders in the world. The company’s California bookend the northernmost tip of boats are specifically designed for big water and the Gulf of California, known as the Sea of Cortez. already have proven their worth in the great Sea of Today, some 67 years after John Steinbeck first Cortez. Tenacity is boat number 17 off the production published “Sea Of Cortez,” the northern sea remains line, and was the personal boat of Sleekcraft’s owner. a paradise shared by few. Fishermen from the old Nauti One is boat number 54. Both boats are the same villages of San Felipe and Puerto Peñasco still go out with the exception of their power plants, or engines.

Nauti Too is a rare boat, one of only five to sea in trawlers, or produced, and built for speeds up to 150 miles per in pangas closer to the hour, which she could reach with the right engines. shoreline. But for the Right now she has three very reliable 502 cc gas most part, the northern engines that produce 500 hp each. This boat’s top Sea of Cortez has been speed on the right water, and with racing gas, is open ocean.

80 mph, which is not With the recent bad for a 38’, 10,000 improvements made to lb. boat. She was the the San Felipe marina personal boat of Great as part of Escala American Concepts’ (Escalera) Nautica, the owner, Eddie Morenz, Nautical Ladder, new boating who was a legend expeditions are available. in the offshore Capt’n Tolken’s Baja Express racing industry. His and Elite Fleet Charters both designs of hull and offer power boat excursions. engine combinations In addition, Mar de Cortez live in every high has sailing charters out of performance boat on San Felipe. the market today.

Capt’n Tolken’s Baja Brett Forrester Express offers custom charters and express shuttles Upper left: Brett Forrester, owner of Capt’n Tolken’s Baja recently described a across the 72 nautical miles Express. Below Brett works under the hood of Nauti Too! March outing aboard the Tenacity. “The between San Felipe and Photos by Robin Waters Puerto Peñasco. Owned by Brett Forrester, Baja Tenacity was out doing what she does best, getting Express has a small fleet of fast and sleek vessels. all the enjoyment and pleasure a boat can get in the The Tenacity, his flagship, first introduced his shuttle great Sea of Cortez. Onboard, several happy and service to San Felipe. She can make the run to Puerto satisfied clients were taking it all in. Over the radio Peñasco in two-and-a-half hours, and provides the that day came a distress call: ‘Mayday! Mayday! comforts of a full galley and seating capacity for 6-8 Is there anyone out there who can help us find the marina in San Felipe? We are broken down and are passengers.

Baja Express has a fleet of three boats with unique operating on only one engine, and need to find help!’ histories. Two, including the Tenacity, were built by Tenacity to the rescue!

On board that day was Mr. Fabian Velazquez, one Sleekcraft, which was and remains today one of the 30 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

of the management specialists of the FONATUR/ When asked what kind of trips Capt’n Tolken’s will SINGLAR Escala Nautica, San Felipe, BC. He directed offer in the future, Forrester says, “All kinds, all types. the boat to enter the harbor and tie up for evaluation. Some people have never been on a boat before, let The marina is important to both happy and not-so- alone a world-class offshore boat. The thrill is in both happy sailors. Mr. Velazquez learned firsthand how relaxing and going fast.” important his company’s role will be in the He also speaks about the San Felipe Marina, development of the area’s boating tourism, for saying, “(It is) all good and turning into a real full San Felipe and Mexico as a whole. service facility in the near future.”

“At the end of the tour, Like Steinbeck so Tenacity tied up at her slip many years ago, Forrester and was approached by sees the magic of the the disabled boat’s owner Sea of Cortez. He says, and passengers. Once I “A mystical force led me heard the tale of the boat’s here. I only listen and voyage, we decided to execute.” assist the passengers in any way possible.”

Also plying the Sea Brett continues. The next of Cortez are the boats morning the passengers of Elite Charters, which arrived at the docks and is also a new service; decided to split up the but the people behind voyage back to Puerto Pancho Villa, a 57’ Californian. Photo provided by Elite the company have vast Peñasco. Three of the eight Charters knowledge of both boating passengers decided it was better to cross the great and the Sea of Cortez, with over 10 years’ experience. sea on Tenacity than to chance another problem.

The company’s goal is to provide the best experience “As the Tenacity’s crew readied the boat, it was on the Sea of Cortez with the best fleet of yachts, clear that they were going to have a rough day at sea. which includes the Pancho Villa, a 57’ Californian The wind was 20 to 30 knots and the ocean was, with an extended deck for maximum space; the for lack of a better word, angry.”

DevOcean, a 38’ Mediterranean said Brett.

Sportfisher; The Sea Rocket, an However, knowing the boat offshore racing, thrill ride boat; and what she can handle, the and the Golden Gruper, a 32’ captain and crew decided it was Sportfisher. okay to go ahead and head for The Pancho Villa is owned Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point).

by Captain Ray Ramirez, a 100 “During the trip, the vessel ton Master Mate Captain who encountered a pod of whales received his Coast Guard training and several hundred dolphins, in Oahu, Hawaii. Ray has logged as well as a little white-knuckle, thousands of hours on the open ocean action.” Brett says ocean and intercoastal waters. with a smile.

He started boating in the late Forrester speaks as an 1960s in Southern California. expert. He has been involved in He is an avid fisherman, and boating for 25 years, including, enjoys taking clients fishing and among many other things, scuba diving. The Pancho Villa time as a Navy Pilot Rescue is excellent for large-capacity Swimmer/Diver, Colorado sport fishing and scuba diving Sheriff Department Dive Trainer, trips. It is also available for Underwater Investigator, High scenic sunset cruise trips.

Speed water rescue boat captain This yacht is owned by Captain and owner The DevOcean is owned by Ray Ramirez. Yes, that’s him riding a whale and operator, Delta Search shark! Photo provided by Elite Charters Chris Orosco. Although he is and Rescue high altitude, and new to the yachting industry, he underwater forensics specialist. has already traveled from Cabo San Lucas to Rocky He is happy with the progress of Escalera Nautica. Point on his yacht. The DevOcean specializes in long “They are doing a great job,” he says. “I am enjoying range fishing on the far reefs in Peñasco. Orosco working with Mexico’s tourist and nautical division is an excellent captain, and his crew also has vast very much.” By May he expects to be offering trips to knowledge of fishing deep water.

San Carlos, Gonzaga Bay and Bahia de los Angeles.

Continued on page 53 Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 31

The Vaquita Porpoise

By Allen Shaw

Photos by Alejandro Robles A calf is in the foreground; the adult just beyond it is as big as this species gets

At the tip of the Gulf of California, the fate of a small, endangered porpoise hangs in the balance.

(i.e., the bottom) of the body. What distinguishes the Vaquita from other porpoises are its relatively small stature and its geographical range. The Vaquita can e has been around for thousands, if not millions, be found only in the northern region of the Gulf of of years, makes his home exclusively in the California (Sea of Cortez), unlike the Harbor Porpoise Gulf of California and now has made the endangered which can often be found in most coastal waters in species list. The Vaquita Porpoise is believed to be the the Northern Hemisphere. most endangered of all small marine mammals, with The Vaquita Porpoise is one of the most secretive barely 150 individuals left in the world. As a result, the of all marine mammals. Very little is “known” about Vaquita Porpoise has made the Evolutionary Distinct the creature. and Globally Most information Endangered is deduced from (EDGE) list, the behaviors of and is one other porpoises. of the top For instance, the priorities Vaquita is never of many seen swimming conservation in pairs. In fact, campaigns. they are rarely But what is spotted in the the Vaquita wild at all. Unlike Porpoise? other porpoises, Isn’t it just the friendly a cousin of Harbor Porpoise the dolphin? in particular, Snapshots such as these vaquitas comprise almost the entire photographic And aren’t record of the species. the Vaquita there plenty has never been of those left? seen bow-riding a boat. This porpoise seems to The porpoise and the more familiar dolphin are intentionally avoid anything man-made. The Vaquita closely related in the sense that they are both marine is a leisurely swimmer and rarely breaks the surface mammals. But a porpoise is much smaller than a to breathe. Reportedly, a Vaquita breaching the dolphin. Also, the porpoise has flattened spade- surface has never been recorded. But since the shaped teeth and a rounded head. The dolphin has Vaquita is a marine mammal, it has to breathe air. more of a protruding snout. The smallest of the Very little is known about the reproductive cycle of porpoises, the Vaquita, rarely grows larger than 1.5 the Vaquita. It is believed the gestation period can be meters. Like the Harbor Porpoise which is the most as long as 11 months with new calves being born in easily recognizable porpoise, the Vaquita is medium- the spring. to dark-gray in color on the dorsal side (i.e., the top) The Vaquita Porpoise has never been hunted and light gray to almost white on the ventral portion directly. Their continued existence was confirmed

H

32 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

as recently as 1985 in a dedicated study. But the population is still declining. Vaquita Porpoises have been found trapped in the nets of fisherman who were not hunting the porpoise. The Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita (CIRVA) concluded in 2000 that between 40 and 80 Vaquitas are trapped in nets every year. Other reasons for the population decline include the increased use of pesticides, the reduced flow of freshwater from the Colorado River due to irrigation, and inbreeding. The rarity of spotting the Vaquita in the wild and the creature’s natural secretive tendency is a barrier to conservation efforts.

There are several organizations working toward preventing the extinction of the Vaquita Porpoise.

Because the same numbers of Vaquita porpoise, many organizations have placed the creature at the top of the conservation list, including the lists of the IUCN (The World Conservation Union), EDGE, and several other world and regional conservation agencies. Governments are getting involved as well.

The Mexican government has created a nature reserve covering the upper part of the Gulf of California and the Colorado River delta. Trawlers are banned from this region. In addition, there are several independent groups working toward the survival of the Vaquita.

Vaquita.org was set up specifically for these conservation efforts, and for anyone (individuals or governments) who wants to become involved.

Find us in front of San Felipe Storage

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 33

From Russia with Love Valentina Ragsdale

by Robin Waters

“M

agical, mystical, but still the design and arrangement of capturing the essence of all signs, displays, and seasonal the person or scene”, is just one exhibits for the center. of the accolades that Valentina During that time, Valentina Ragsdale has received about her was continuously drawing and paintings. She feels that “people Valentina Ragsdale painting, on canvas, on walls, are like waves, and no two are alike, but all and on floors. She exhibited often in local and have an inner regional galleries, and her por trait and custom b e a u t y ” . paintings clientele F l o w e r s , grew. Always loving seascapes and change, and urged por traits have on by her clients, always been she took on many her preferred interior design for genres, and commissions homes, she intends private

that “with just one look, my painting on your wall will give you a feeling of happiness, energy; and be something you will enjoy always”.

Valentina was born in Chelyabinsk, Russia, to parents that saw her ar t talent early, and sent her to a children’s ar t school at age three. She continued her painting and graphics education through Ar t College and, when she graduated as a professional ar tist, was offered a teaching position at that school. After teaching for a couple of years, she entered a university specializing in graphic ar ts and subsequently graduated in 1983. At the completion of her formal education, she took her creative abilities to a challenging position in a large shopping mall. She managed a staff of 20, and oversaw 34 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

hotels and restaurants.

It was during one of these assignments, at an American hotel under construction in Russia, that Valentina met Jack Ragsdale, her future husband. While they were dating, Jack told her that he had some proper ty in Mexico. After they were married, they came to San Felipe on a vacation, and on the way home Valentina star ted to design their future home in Mexico. In 2007, the Ragsdales lived in 3 countries – Russia, the United States and Mexico – before finally settling in San Felipe permanently. As with so many of us in Baja, Valentina is captivated by the sea, weather, sky and people of San Felipe. continued on page 36

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 35

When she is not painting on canvas, Valentina continues her 30 year career as an interior designer.

She offers murals, as well as computerized previews/vir tual tours of how a proposed room or building will look before the work begins.

Currently, that long dreamed of home is under construction, and will feature French ceilings, one of the products Valentina is licensed to install in Baja.

Valentina’s work is on exhibit locally at The Peoples Gallery and Jimmy’s Beach Bar and Grill. It can also be seen in galleries in Long Beach and La Jolla, California, as well as on her website, VALENTINA-RAGSDALE.com, and soon in her home/studio. Call her at: 686-1409646 or email: vragsdale@gmail.com for more information.

San Felipe

GAL L ERI E S

If you’re in San Felipe you have to visit Baja Nueva.

Baja Nueva is the result of years of design experience in Arizona and the decision to move and open a studio in San Felipe. Its a lovely shop with beautiful artwork, paintings, glass work, home accessories, candles, and gifts! Call for info Baja Nueva (686) 211-4676.

Luis Cogley Studio ............................. (686) 577-2944 People’s Gallery ................................ (686) 577-2898

Ensenada

Museum Of History ...............................(646) 177-0594 Regional History Museum ...................(646) 178-2531 Ex-Aduana Maritima ..........................(646) 178-2531 Science Museum ..............................(646) 178-7192 Estero Beach Museum ......................(646) 176-6225 Galeria De Perez Meillon ....................(646) 174-0394 Galeria De La Cuidad .........................(646) 177-3130

36 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Galeria La Esquina De Bodegas .........(646) 178-3557 Taller De Artesanos Indigenas............(646) 178-8780 Art Gallery / Studio Los Arcos .......... (646)-154-2066

Puerto Peñasco

Aleman Art Studio & Gallery ...............(638) 512-0669 Bermejo’s Galeria del Mar ..................(638) 383-3488 Casa Bonita .......................................(638) 383-5372 El Tenichee.........................................(638) 383-5421 Old Port Galería ..................................(638) 383-6321 Port O’ Call Studio..............................(638) 383-3243 Victoria Hormiga ................................(638) 383-3707

EVENTS & ACTIVITES

Ensenada Festival Nativa (Native Festival) is an annual events where natives of Baja California present their work to visitors of this exhibition. Participants perform elaborate skirts in traditional costumes. For more call Instituto Cuna: (646) 178-8780 or info@ adesu.org.

Closes May 15: “Abstracto 02 Colección ING (Abstract 02 ING Collection)” Art Exposition. A collective exhibition of more than three dozen paintings, lithographs and sculptures signed between 1961 and 1985 by more than two dozen of Mexico’s most distinguished artists in the Sala de Exposiciones of Ensenada’s Centro Estatal de las Artes (CEARTE) on the corner of Blvd. Costero (Lázaro Cárdenas) & Av. Club Rotario. Exhibition hours: 8am-8pm Mon.Sat., 11am-6pm Sun. Free admission. Info: CEARTE, tels. (646)173-4307 & (646)173-4308.

Closes May 21: “Gráfica Baja Californiana (Baja California Graphics)” Art Exposition. A collective exhibition of 32 engravings by Baja California artists in the Galería de la Ciudad in the northern end of the Riviera Cultural Center, Blvd. Costero (Lázaro Cardenas), Ensenada. The April 24 artist reception at 7pm is open to the public. Gallery hours: 8am-7pm Mon.-Fri., closed Sat. & Sun. Free admission. Info: Instituto de Cultura de Baja California, tel. (646)1773130.

The San Felipe Fine Arts Association hosts a monthly art show on the second Saturday of every month between 10AM-4PM at Rosarios Art Studio - on the Mex Highway 5 in the Ejido (north of town).

Watch for the sign on the west side of the highway.

ENSENADA/ROSARTIO LISTINGS

Coffee & Breakfast La Casa Antigua ......................... 646-175-7320 Mexican Amigos Cantina ................................ 661-61-32168 Hussong’s Cantina ................ 646-178-3210 La Puerta ............................ 646-178-3637

Steak & Seafood Costa Azul

...........................

646-154-2540 Fresh Seafood

Fish Market Since 1973 661-612-1253 Haliotis ................................ 646-176-3720 La Tertulia ........................... 646-174-6344 La Embotelladora Vieja ......... 646-174-0807 La Mansion de Ensenada ..... 646-178-3271 Brisa del Mar ....................... 646-108-4702 Broncos Steakhouse ............. 646-176-4900 Las Cazuelas ........................ 646-176-1044

Oxidos Cafe ..................................... 646-178-8827

........................(661) 612-1253 Vince’s Old Pier La Vendimia .............................(638) 174-0969

SAN FELIPE BAJA LISTINGS

American Los Arcos ............................. 686-577-2585 Jimmy’s Beach Bar & Grill .686-576-0454 Java Jitters BC Bistro ........... 686-114-7735 Blowin’ Smoke BBQ & Grill .................Coming Soon!

Coffee & Breakfast Baja Java .......................... 686-577-2465 Latin Fusion The Latin Garden

Coming Soon!

Mexican Jimmy’s Beach Bar & Grill .686-576-0454 George’s .............................. 686-577-1057 La Palapa Bar & Grill ...... 686-200-4083 Rancho Alegre ............................. 686-576-0648 Rice & Beans ............................... 686-577-1770 Rosita ................................... 686-577-1903 Taco Factory ......................... 686-577-2648 Spanish Miguel & Paco

38 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

........... ...... 686-209-6369

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

Fine Dining Baja Mar Restaurant Pavillion Restaurant

...... 686-577-2648 . ..... 686-577-0022

PUERTO PENASCO, SONORA

Mexican Betos Place ...................................... 638-383-5198 Cocodrilos ....................................... 638-383-6376 La Curva .......................................... 638-383-3470 Manny’s Beach Club ........................ 638-383-3605

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Steak & Seafood Backstreet Patio Grill ............. 686-139-7373 Baja Mar Steak House ............ 686-573-0202 El Nido ....................................... 686-577-1028 Jimmy’s Beach Bar & Grill 686-576-0454 Juanito’s Grill ........................ 686-200-4059 La Vaquita Restaurant ............ 686-577-2837 Lighthouse Restaurant .......... 686-577-2540 ............................. 686-577-2585 Los Arcos

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DINING GUIDE

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

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Chinese Rocky Point Chinese ........................ 638-383-5940

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Hotel & Lodging

Hacienda Don Jesus .............686-577-0080 Langosta Roja .............686-577-0483 .........................686-577-1333 Las Palmas .................686-577-1185 Riviera Hotel .......................686-577-1608 San Felipe Inn ...............686-577-1569 Marina Resort

PUERTO PENASCO, SONORA

ENSENADA/ROSARTIO B.C.

Ensenada has the accommodations to meet any level of comfort or amenities.

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.

sizes and needs, they can be found online at www. sanfeliperealestate.com or by calling 686-577-1431.

Another excellent option is Red Wagon Enterprises Services, offer a large variety of rental properties and big smiles, give Pam or Barbi a call 686-576-0081 or visit them online at www.sanfelipepropertyservices. com Bed & Breakfast Dolly's Bed & Breakfast ..............686-125-1555

RV Park/Parque de RV Baja Season RV Parks ..................661-628-6128 Motels/Moteles ...........................646-176-3245 Rudis Motel Ensenada Inn ...............................646-176-1361 Essence Spa ................................646-174-0816 Hotel El Joker ...............................646-177-5151 Posada Don Fernando ..................646-177-0127 Azteca Inn ....................................646-177-4015 Casa Del Sol ................................646-178-1570 Cortez..........................................646-178-2307 Best Western El Cid ......................646-178-2401 Hotel Corona Hotel ........................646-176-0901 Costa Azul ....................800-800-9632 Grand Baja Resort (Rosario)...... 1.877.315.1002 Hotel Coral & Marina ....................................................646-175-0000 San Nicolas Hotel .........................646-176-1901

RV Park/Parque de RV Club de Pesca ..............................686-577-1180 Rentals Casey’s Place ............................686-577-1431 Rancho del Sol .........686-231-4921 Redwagon enterprises Services...... 686-576-0081

SAN FELIPE B.C.

The beauty of San Felipe accommodations is there is more than people know. Larger more established resort hotels are available along the shore south of town, with smaller hotels in town on Mar de Cortez, Chetumal and peppered around town. Due to San Felipe’s large residential developments such as El Dorado, La Ventana del Mar and Playa de Oro, the real lodging secret is the vast number of private vacation rental homes. RV camping and beaching camping is also available.

Casey’s Place has a huge inventory of rental homes and condos available to meets most party

40 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Motels/Moteles ..............................686-577-1303 El Capitan Mini Posada de Don Jesus ...........686-577-0685 Motel El Pescador ........................686-577-2991 Posada del Sol .............................686-577-1727 Hotel Baja Palms Costa Azul El Cortez Goerge’s

...........................686-576-0276 ....................686-577-1702 ...........686-577-1055 ..............................686-577-1970

Discover for yourself why Puerto Peñasco Mexico is such a great place to stay. Whether beach camping or seaside resort, the views are always amazing. Watch the sunset drop behind San Felipe and San Pedro Martir, Baja’s tallest mountain. Puerto Peñasco offers choices of lodging from “this’ll work” minimalist accommodations that cost nearly nothing to the luxurious resorts, condos and hotels.

There are many hotels, condos and houses in Puerto Peñasco for rent. There are a wide range of hotels, some of the more popular are the Sandy Beach, Cholla Bay and Las Conchas areas. No matter what your comfort needs or tastes, Puerto Peñasco Sonora Mexico has something for everyone.

RV Park/Parque de RV Bonita RV Park .............................638-383-1400 Desert Oasis Resort .....................638-102-0222 Playa Bonita .................................638-383-2596

Providing Rental income for Homeowners since 1997 6000 Satisfied clients a year

Property Management & Rental

www.sanfelipe.bz

Rentals/Se Rente Casa Encanto Beach House..........638-383-4549 Cyndi’s Beachfront Home Rentals 638-383-5145 Cortez Beach Rentals ...................638-383-6209 Sylvia’s Condos ...........................638-383-5429 Twin Dolphins Rentals ..................638-383-3919 Motels/Moteles Alexander Motel ...........................638-383-3749 Baja Hotel ....................................638-383-6878 Balboa’s Restaurant .....................638-383-5155 Best Western/Playa Inn ................638-383-5015 Carmelita Motel ............................638-383-2570 El Faro Motel ................................638-383-2005 El Mirador Village .........................638-383-6333 El Ranchito Motel .........................638-383-5103 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 If you have question please call Mexico Living Customer Service USA 800-576-0919 Ext. 3 / Mexico 52-686-577-1377, 9:00AM - 3:00PM Mon-Fri. Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 41

N O RT H W E S T M E X I C O

R E A L E S TAT E & R E N TA L Greensheets Real Estate Listings - 43

Real Estate & Home Is It Safe to Buy in Mexico?

By Mikhail Tuknov

Mar de Cortez at the end of “El Malecon”

686-577-1903

We Welcome Visa & Mastercard

For foreign buyers, the subject of purchasing property in Mexico has been a source of much confusion over the years. One of the biggest misconceptions is that buying property in the country can be a long drawn out process with the risk of losing ownership an ever-present threat. While we’re not saying that buying real estate in Mexico is a walk in the park, keeping in mind a few important things will help you get through this process as smoothly and as safely as possible.

The idea that purchasing property in Mexico is difficult probably stems from several years ago, when foreign buyers were not allowed to purchase land that fell within the so-called “Restricted Zone”.

This area covers all land that is within 100 kilometers of the country’s natural borders, 50 kilometers within all coastlines, and certain parts of Baja California.

Things have changed a lot however and the Mexican government has since liberalized property ownership laws, allowing foreign buyers to purchase property even within the restricted zone. With these

policy changes, buying property in Mexico is not only possible but it is also easier and safer than ever.

The two most important things to consider when purchasing property in Mexico is a title insurance policy and a bank trust or fideicomiso. These two documents will guarantee that you get to enjoy all the benefits of property ownership with as little worry as possible.

A title insurance policy is simply a contract between the purchaser–or lender–and a title guarantor that protects the lender or owner against loss in case of a dispute in property ownership. Many reputable real estate companies will offer options for a title insurance policy when you purchase property in Mexico.

A bank trust or fideicomiso on the other hand is a contract between the lender–in this case the Mexican bank–and the property buyer. The lender in effect acts as a trustee for the buyer, and they are under legal obligation to follow all the instructions of the buyer pertaining to the property in question. While the lender holds the actual title to the property, the buyer gets to enjoy all the rights and privileges of ownership, including assigning other beneficiaries and even transferring ownership if he so wishes. A fideicomiso typically lasts for a maximum period of 50 years and can be renewed after this period is up.

A fideicomiso is clearly a better option for foreign property buyers than a land lease agreement. A land lease will only allow the lessee limited rights to use the property. Any building that he constructs on that land for example will be the ownership of the landlord.

The lessee will not be allowed to sell the property either. A fideicomiso on the other hand guarantees the buyer total freedom of ownership so that he could do whatever he wants with the land. There are some other things to consider when purchasing property in Mexico. With these two important documents in your possession however, you should be well protected against any risk.

Welcome to

GREEN SHEETS 30,000 Readers Monthly REACH MORE FOR LESS Rosarito Beach, Ensenada, Puerto Penasco & San Felipe

42 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

• ROSARITO BEACH • ENSENADA

TEXT REAL ESTATE LISTINGS: All listings are $2 per line.

Each line is approx. 40 characters, up to 5 lines or 200 characters maximum. $10 minimum per listing per month.

One-Time, One-Year (or until sold) $100.

PRINT LISTINGS $10 MEXICO CALL 686-577-1377 USA CALL 800-576-0919 Ext. 3 FREE ONLINE LISTINGS: http://www.mexicoliving.info

• SAN FELIPE • PUERTO PEÑASCO

O N L Y $10 PER LISTINGS UP TO 5 LINES Get more info: www.greensheets.info

44 - Real Estate in Northwest Mexico

N O RT H W E S T M E X I C O

Developer & Real Estate News San Felipe Development Tours Opens Office in Town

San Felipe Development Tours has opened an office on Calle Chetumal between the Taco Factory and OXXO. San Felipe Development Tours office is a San Felipe Development Information Center where people can stop and get information on all the developments in San Felipe.

Instead of having to drive around and try to figure out what’s going on in San Felipe, you can stop and get all the information in one location.

We are providing a special service as we will offer 100% disclosure and unbiased opinions on the developments.

If the developer has a good history and track record, we will tell you. If the developer is known for cutting corners or not fulfilling promises, we will tell you.

If the project doesn’t have the proper permits, we will tell you. Our job is to make sure that you can make an educated and informed decision when it comes to your real estate purchase.

Some of the developments on the tour include Playa del Paraiso, Baja Diamante, Diamante Residencial, Casablanca, La Perla Del Mar, Playa de Oro, San Rafael, San Marino, El Dorado Ranch, La Ventana del Mar.

Featured Development: LA PERLA DEL MAR

La Perla Del Mar is a hidden gem. La Perla Del Mar sits on 12 beautiful acres with all home sites just steps from the beach. It sits in a cove like setting and actually has hot springs right out in the sea. It is a very quaint community and only offers 42 home sites.

Sales have been good and there are several owners just weeks away from starting to build. By the time you read this they should have all their infrastructure in to the home sites. There are only a few beach front home sites left in the development.

The project features a community center with indoor/ outdoor grill and party facilities, heated swimming pool, onsite restaurant and cantina and one of the few actual private beaches.

Andrew Wehe, developer of La Perla Del Mar said that owners may rent their homes but there will be very strict guidelines to maintain the privacy and exclusivity of the development.

Home sites in the development range from 4800 square feet to over 10,000 square feet.

This project is fully funded and is not relying on sales to complete the infrastructure and amenities. Prices start at $150,000. For information on La Perla Del Mar please contact us at info@sanfelipedevelopmenttours.com or call us at (480) 236-0741

Casablanca Begins Construction

Casablanca Developments has begun construction on the front entrance of their development.

The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

The construction is being done by Cani Construction.

Cani has built for Boeing and Costco so once again the developers are consistent in their commitment to quality.

They are a bit behind schedule at CB but only because they had to cut through some red tape.

They are also currently getting the engineering done on their beach retaining wall so that they can begin construction on that also.

Casablanca is a Mediterranean style community modeled after the Greek Island of Santorini and their amenities include: Indoor and outdoor heated pools, whirlpools, health spa and fitness center, beach front restaurant, mini golf and a great beach.

Diamante Residencial has first house under construction

California Construction is three quarters of the way through completing the first house to be built in Diamante Residencial.

Diamante Residencial has done things the right way.

Before the first house was ever started, they put in the water, sewer, electric and paved the roads. The bene fit of this to the buyer is that they can immediately receive their fideicomiso and begin construction right away. The beach area in front of Diamante is one of the few areas of San Felipe where dolphins swimming right at the beach.

The beach is gorgeous.

Diamante Residencial had their grand opening of their sales center on April 12. Call us for info and an invitation.

(480) 236-0741.

Diamante Residencial Gran Opening

Diamante Residencial had their “Official” Grand Opening launch party today. Diamante Residencial is a master planned community south of town and offers beautiful beach front and sea view home sites and future condos. Phase 1 has all the infrastructure completed such as roads, electric, water and sewer and home sites are ready to build on. Title can be transferred in as little as 60 days. California Construction built the first home which you see in the photos. The launch was a great success with a wide variety of visitors enjoying free tacos and margaritas and taking advantage of the grand opening discounts.

As always the local real estate community showed their presence searching for new opportunities for their clients. Margy Drew, sales manager for Diamante said that now that Phase 1 is complete they will begin Phase 2. The first thing they will build is the community center which consists of two tennis courts, parking, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and a restaurant with an area big enough for 300-400 people. There will also be a bar, pool tables, mezzanine and fitness center. They expect the construction to start late this year or first part of 2009.

ARE YOU LISTED?

Call us Today!

MEX 686-577-1377 USA 800-576-0919 Ext. 3 As little as $4 dlls a line !

Rosertio-Ensenada San Felipe-Puerto Peñasco!

• ROSARITO BEACH • ENSENADA

R E A L E S TAT E & R E N TA L Greensheets Real Estate Listings - 45 REAL ESTATE LISTINGS In Town, 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath $119,000. Remodeled, SAN FELIPE BAJA CALIFORNIA

San Felipe Beach Front Home Mexican style casita on the beach

$250,000 or Best Offer

Beautiful Mexican style casita on the beach. App. 1600 sq.ft.incl. front terrace. 2 bdrms, 2 full baths, large laundry room (with closet and trundle bed). Open design perfect for entertaining. Tile floors, Mexican brick archway divides kitchen, dining and living room area. Land lease from Club de Pesca. In San Felipe contact Francisco Sosa or Rosalina Ramos (686)577-0624 or US 503 784-0834. jbmmans@aol.com

80 x 80 Landscaped Corner Lot with Hitch Hiker Trailer; cyclone fence w/ gate to access the property. Water & Electric. $65k Call 805704 5547 or e-mail - melodya2004@ yahoo.com Ejido 80 x 80 corner lot. Lot w/ water & electric. $40k Call 805-704-5547 or e-mail melodya2004@yahoo.com Ejido 40 x 40 Lot w/ water & electric, $22k. Call 805 704 5547 or e-mail melodya2004@yahoo.com Ejido Half Lots 20 x 20 - Water & Electric, Lot361 split into 2 1/2 lots; 20 x 20 w/ water & electric. Asking $16K for each.

Call 805 704 5547 or e-mail melodya2004@yahoo.com Ejido 40 x 40 corner lot w/ electric $22K,Call 805 704 5547 or e-mail melodya2004@yahoo.com Ejido 6 lots hand cleaned and fenced, possible financing. $82,000 Please e-mail melodya2004@yahoo.com or call 805 704 5547 (Ref#B235&244) Ejido 40 x 40 Corner of lot of Blk 235. Hand cleared & fenced. $12K. Call 805 704 5547 or e-mail melodya2004@ yahoo.com Ejido 40 Corner of lot of Block 244, Hand cleared and fenced - $12K. Call 805 704 5547 or e-mail melodya2004@ yahoo.com 40 x 40 lot 1 block from power in Ejido. & cleared & fenced. $5K Please e-mail melodya2004@yahoo.com or 805 704 5547.

40 x 40 with Electric. Lot#397 Manzanatt #47. For more information Please e-mail melodya2004@yahoo.comor 805 704 5547.

Beach Cottage – Walk to Beach $44,900. Cozy 1 BR, 11/2 BA. Main Bathroom is extra-large with bear-claw tub & separate walk-in, tiled shower. Bill Maine, Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 Playa de San Felipe $95,000 Lot, 12mx30m. Unobstructed Sea View Lot. All city services. Teresa Hutt, Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 Brand New House – In Town $116,000. 2 BR, 1 BA. 7 Blocks to Beach & Downtown. Upgraded Kitchen w/Granite Counters, Private Patio, Garage. Great Buy!! Gary Gold, Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 In Town, 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath $119,000. Approx. 1,400 s.f., Upscale Kitchen, All Appliances, Prego Floors. Arturo Aguirre, Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611

• SAN FELIPE • PUERTO PEÑASCO

Partially Furnished, Wood Floors, New Bathrooms. Arturo Aguirre, Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611

Spectacular Sea View $125,000. 1 BR, 1 BA, Furnished.

Detached, oversized single garage (art studio). Joe Artale, Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 El Dorado Ranch, Los Medanos South $185,000. 2 BR, 2 BA, Turn-key Solar Home on two side-by-side lots, patio w/palapa & fountain. Mike Deegan, Amor Property, US 760494-3639, MX 577-0611 Large 3 Bedroom, 2-1/2 Bath, Turn-key $199,950.

Oversized Garage, 2 Lots, Outdoor Entertaining, In-Town.

Uria Amor, Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 5770611 2 Master Suites + Separate 1 BR Apartment $229,000.

Furnished with fantastic views of the Sea & Mountains.

Exceptional value! Teresa Hutt, Amor Property, US 760494-3639, MX 577-0611 Best Buy in Playa de San Felipe - Spectacular $299,000. 2 Master BR, 2-1/2 BA. Swimming Pool; Marina View. Arturo Aguirre, Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 Rancho del Sol $320,000. 3 BR, 3 BA. New kitchen & appliances, granite counters, 1 bedroom w/private bath & entrance, center atrium. Gary Gold, Amor Property, US 760494-3639, MX 577-0611 Villa at La Ventana del Mar $359,000 Very desireable Plan 1, 2 BR, 2 BA, Brand New Mike Deegan, Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 16th Fairway Villa at La Ventana del Mar - $499,000. 3 BR, 2-1/2 BA, Turn-key, 3-car Garage, Fireplace, s/s BBQ. Unobstructed views from all living areas! Nate Morace, Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 Great Condo Site – Sea View $575,000. RV Park, over 48,000 s.f. Two blocks to beach & downtown; 20 spaces, 4 bathrooms. Gary Gold, Amor Property, US 760-4943639, MX 577-0611 Playa de Oro – Steps to the Beach $580,000. 2 BR, 2 BA, Extremely Unique Home with Extensive Landscaping & Outdoor Living Areas, Completely Turn-key, Double Garage.

Nate Morace, Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 5770611 Playa de San Felipe – Better Than New, Fabulous View $699,000 Large upscale 4 BR, 2-1/2 BA home; Luxurious Great Room with Granite Kitchen; Separate 1 BR Apartment; Oversized double-car garage. This home MUST be seen!

Uria Amor, Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 5770611 House for Sale - 2 BR 1 BA 50 Yards from the beach!

Kitchen, living room, & backyard. KM 33 to Puertecitos Exterior is deorated with stone - very beautiful. Approx. 800 sqft $69,000 Campo La Roca Call Jaito (686) 179-4611 Solar powered home at El Dorado Ranch! 1 Lg. BR, living rm, dining rm area, lg. kitchen, 2 full BA - 1 in the garage, tankless hot water heater, & tiled roof. On premises: golf, lounge, tennis courts, pool, & more. Excellent condition! Only $120,000. Call (686) 576-0309 or sohnenschein1937@ aol.com.

Remodeled House and Business. 3 bedroom 3 bathroomon Highway 5 close to town $105,000 Terms? Contact Desert Mother Realty 686-577-2552 or bajadonna@gmail.com

Get more info: www.greensheets.info

46 - Real Estate in Northwest Mexico El Dorado Ranch, Rancho Del Sol 3, Mexican Hacienda Style. 3 BR 3 BA, fireplace, private courtyard, AC/ Heat, garage $295,000 Call Mx (686)131-0576 or US (715) 891-6209 E-mail: jspinner4@hotmail.com

230 acres, 1,468 of oceanfront, Ejido rights, common grd. $1,073,000. Desert Mother Realty 686-577-2552

El Dorado Ranch, Vista Del Mar, 3 BR 3 BA, Den, 2 fireplaces, & 2 stall garage. Great Views! Under construction w/o Cabintery $395,000 w/ Cabintery $425,000 Call Mx (686)131-0576 or US (715)891-6209 E-mail: jspinner4@ hotmail.com

9 lots in the ejido cleared $7,000 each. Contact Desert Mother Realty 686-577-2552 or bajadonna@gmail.com

Matomi Gonzaga Bay. Total Hectares 328(810 acres). 2,231 ft. ocean Ft. Property beautiful sandy beaches! Lots of green vegetation! $2,700K. Desert Mother Realty 686-577-2552 bajadonna@gmail.com Total 264 Hectares (652 acres). Matomi Ensenada Gonzaga Bay 2,281 Great beach front w/ Sandy beaches, foliage, view of Enchanted Islands. $ 2,200K. Desert Mother Realty 686-577-2552 bajadonna@gmail.com Hectares (1,200 ACRES) in the Pacific 18,699 FT. of ocean front property. Desert Mother Realty 686-577-2552 bajadonna@gmail.com Total Hectares 80 (198 acres) 738 ft. of sandy ocean frontbeach. Best campo in the area. $880K. Desert Mother Realty 686-577-2552 bajadonna@gmail.com 263 hectares of farming land, 1-1/2 hour from San Felipe, on the road to Ensenada great for farming or raising kettland.

Asking prince $1,500.00 hectar. Desert Mother Realty 686577-2552 bajadonna@gmail.com

46 -ONLY The ONLY Monthly to Northwest Mexico The Monthly GuideGuide to Northwest Mexico

Business Spotlight

116 acres, 2373 of oceanfront. $1,000,000. Desert MotherRealty 686-577-2552

Bunk house with 3 trailers - minumim income $2,000/ month or $99,000 Terms? Contact Desert Mother Realty 686-577-2552 or bajadonna@gmail.com ENSENADA BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO CALL TO POST YOUR LISTING (686)-576-1377 OR (686)230-9933 PUERTO PENASCO (ROCKY POINT) SONORA, MEXICO Single family home FSBO, $227,500 USD. Less than 2 years old, gated dev., w/planned pools, SPA with Medical Center nearly complete. 3 br, 2 ba, air/heat. Ten minutes from downtown and 5 min. from new plaza. Charlie LuseMex cell 638-110-4127, cglpuro@netscape.net Condos (2) in Las Cupulas, SFBO, $178,900 USD ea. for 2 identical condos in one building. 2 story, 2 br, 2.5 ba, completely furnished including all appliances. One is rented, other is vacant and never lived in. Less than one year old.

Santiago’s Ocean Services Over a Decade of Chartering in Puerto Peñasco

By John Pack

who flock here all year long. “We have the best beaches nearest Arizona,” says Esther, “and with the new highway about to open we will see even more coming from the California area.”

The Mexican government is spending a lot of money to improve Puerto Peñasco in order to draw tourists here. Now the new Nautical Ladder fuel station and docks are open to bring in even more, from over the

water. ale and Esther Donaldson have owned and When asked what could be done to improve operated Santiago’s Ocean Services since boating in the area, the Donaldsons said that they 1995 and have a proven track record of providing would like to see the shrimp boats relocate to other some of the best charter boat services in Puerto areas in order to bring back sport fishing like it used Peñasco (Rocky Point). Dale has over 25 years to be. Sport fishermen used to have to go out only of experience in the marine industry. Their staff seven miles for groupers, rather than the 20 to 30 are professionals and the miles they go now. captains and crew members Whether you’re a tourist, speak English, but the best one of the thousands part is these guys know of Americans who have where the fish are! made Puerto Peñasco their Their boats are sport second home, or one of the fishing boats and cruisers, “snowbirds” who flock here and thus are not equipped during the winter months, for long distance or overnight when you come here looking trips such as to San Felipe for good times, thrills, or San Carlos. Instead, their adventure and sightseeing, boats are geared toward the Donaldsons provide it fishing trips, Bird Island eco Santiago’s knows where the fishing is! all. tours, snorkeling excursions, Dale and Esther know dolphin and whale watching, dinner or margarita they’ve done it right. Their company offers longevity, a sunset cruises and, for some real excitement, they friendly English speaking crew, experienced captains, offer parasail rides, which give you a bird’s eye view great service, nice boats, etc., which account for of Rocky Point. about 68% of their business being repeat customers Santiago’s Ocean Services says safety is the or referrals. company’s #1 priority. Its fleet of boats are U.S. Come on down to Puerto Peñasco and experience Coast Guard approved for extra safety measures and the beautiful Sea of Cortez with a reputable charter boat are maintained regularly for your safety. All boats are service, committed to making your ocean excursion equipped with life jackets, ship to shore radios, flare safe and enjoyable, one you will always remember. guns, first aid kits, safety boats and lots of high tech fishing equipment.

Company info and contact: According to the Donaldsons, Puerto Peñasco Santiago’s Ocean Services is growing, with more and more commercial boats esther@santiagosoceanservices.com coming to the area, so the charter business is charters007@prodigy.net.mx becoming very competitive.

Arizona # 602-324-9558 or # 520-495-0218 Over the past 10 years, Puerto Peñasco has been Mexico # 011-52-638-383-5834 overwhelmed with hundreds of thousands of tourists

D

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 47

48 - Mexico’s Smart Yellow Pages

NORTHWEST MEXICO BUSINESS

Y E L L OW PA G ES

BEAUTY SALONS/SALONES DE BELLEZA Hair By Nancy .....................................(686) 573-2352

DOCTORS/DOCTORES Dr. Victor Abasolo ...............................(686) 577-1706

If you’re not listed, you’re losing business.

PHONE IN MEXICO

Mexico’s telephone network is one of the most well-developed in Latin America. Mexico offers a whole range of telephone services from simple land-line telephone services to high-speed internet (ADSL) services as well as the latest GSM mobile technologies.

DIALING INSTRUCTIONS:

USA to MX Cell Phone: 011+52+1+Area Code+(Tel #) USA to Mexico: 011+Area Code+(Tel #) Mexico to USA: 001+Area Code+(Tel #) MX Landline to MX Cell Phone: 044+Area Code+(Tel #) MX Cell Phone to MX Landline: Area Code+(Tel #)

ROSARITO BEACH/ ENSENADA DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE FRACCIONAMIENTOS Baja Mar Country Club ....................1-800-434-2252 ELEVATORS/ELEVADORES To The Top Elevators .......................... (661) 614-1434 FISH/PESCADERÍA Vince's Old Peir ................................... 661-612-1253 See ad on page 36 of the Restaurant Guide HOTEL/HOTEL See the Lodging Guide on Pages 40 - 41

ENTERTAINMENT/ENTRETENIMIENTO Name That Tune - Denny Flannigan......(686) 576-1683

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

Lilly Ana’s Day Spot ............................(686) 577-6253

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

CATERING Java Jitters BC Bistro ..........................(686) 114-7735

MX 411 (Spanish only)...................................040 Tourist Assistance Hotline ..............................076 Check Time....................................................030 Emergencies ..................................................060 Tourist Safety ...........................1-800-5903-9200

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

Licensed, CAD, Blue Prints, Graphic Design Rosa Lina Ramos Lazcano ..................(686) 184-6172 ARTIST/ARTISTA Andrena Joyce .......E-mail: andrenajoyce@yahoo.com Melody Ashley ....... E-mail: melodya2004@yahoo.com Robin Waters ......................................(686) 115-0526 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) 173-0424

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

SAN FELIPE ACCOUNTING/CONTABILIDAD CP Erich Zorr.......................................... (686) 576-0141 ALARMS/ALARMAS Del Desierto (SEE AD BELOW) ............(686) 577-1486 ARCHITECT/ARQUITECTO Freddy Hernandez ...............................(686) 946-7897

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

COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS/ ORGANIZACIONES DE SERVICIO A LA COMUNIDAD Club Las Amigas .................................(686) 202-0455 San Felipe Lions Club ..........................(686) 212-3599 San Felipe Rotary ................................(686) 576-0112 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE CONSTRUCCIÓN San Felipe Management Services ........(686) 576-0553

FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO MexQuest Mortgage Corp.................... (686) 211-9520 FURNITURE/MUEBLERÍA Muebles Coloniales Rosy ....................(686) 577-1214 GENERAL CONTRACTOR/CONTRATISTA GENERAL California Real Estate & Construction.(686) 576-0420 GLASS SHOP & GARAGE DOORS/VIDRIERA Y PUERTAS DE GARAGE Ka-Va Hermanos .................................(686) 147-3145

RENTALS/RENTAS See the Lodging Guide on Pages 40 - 41

RESTAURANTS/RESTAURANTES See the Restaurant Guide on Pages 36 - 39

FISH/PESCADERÍA Ruben’s Fish Market............................(686) 577-0810

COFFEE & TEA/CAFÉ Y TE Java Jitters & BC Bistro .......................(686) 114-7735 Tattoo Rose Cafe .................................(686) 577-6004

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

REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES Ensenada Remax ...............................(661)-612-1132

FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company .. ......................(686)152-5233

BUILDING MATERIALS/MATERIALES DE CONTRUCCIÓN Pro-Construction..................................(686)576-0430 Building Materials, Plumbing, Paint supplies Brick Block, Wood,, & Hardware. Delivery Services Call us!

MOTEL/MOTEL See the Lodging Guide on Pages 40 - 41

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

Northwest Mexico Business Directory - 49 San Rafael ..........................................(686) 576-0223 Playa San Rafael is a 64-acre community only 3/4 mile north of Playa de Oro. Calling from the USA (509) 280-75-17 Website: www.mexico-real-estate.us

AUTO REPAIR/REPARACIÓN DE AUTO Automotive PIT STOP ..........................(686) 173-0424 Km 183.3 Repair & Services-All electronic & Mechanical Reasonable rates. Call Now! BAKERY/PANADERÍA Panaderia Especial ..............................(686) 577-2948 BANDS/BANDAS Agave Blues ........................................(686) 184-9237 BARS/CLUBS Bar Miramar ........................................(686) 577-1192 Pool tables, Entertainment, And FREE WIFI Fandango’s .........................................(686) 577-0060 Jimmy’s Beach Bar & Grill ...................(686) 576-0454 Los Arcos - Happy Jack Ass..............(686) 577-2585

CONNECTING THOUSAND PEOPLE MONTHLY WITH SMART BUSINESS THROUGHOUT

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE CONSTRUCCIÓN Oscar Parra .........................................(686) 163-6514 Tafoya E. Hijos ....................................(686) 221-2424

GRAPHIC DESIGN/DISEÑO GRÁFICO GreetScape ........................................... 686-188-2393

CONSULTING-THERAPY/CONSULTA TERAPÉUTICA Inner Connection .................................(686) 202-1208 DENTIST/DENTISTA California Dental Spa ...........................(686) 577-0708 DEVELOPMENTS/FRACCIONAMIENTOS Casablanca .........................................(686) 157-1728 Diamante Residencial ..........................(686) 569-2347 El Dorado Ranch .................................(686) 577-0015 La Perla Del Mar..................................(760) 458-7602 Playa de Oro .......................................(686) 576-0223 Located Seaside of Highway 5, South of Km#179 Just 6½ miles North of San Felipe. USA (509) 280-7517 San Marino .........................................(686) 577-0611

GYNECOLOGIST/GINECÓLOGO Annel Becerra Prado............................(686) 577-6350 HEALTH & BEAUTY/SALUD Y BELLEZA Sea Star .............................................. (686) 577-6250 USANA Health Sciences ......................(686) 116-3982 Call Beth for all your suplemental needs like: nutritional supplements, skin care products, ask about RESET. elisabethan236@uasna.com 686-116-3962

NORTHW WEST MEXICO - AND GROWING! GET LISTED TODAY 1-52-686-577-1377 / 1-52-1-686-230-9933

50 - Mexico’s Smart Yellow Pages HEALTH & FITNESS/SALUD Y EJERCICIO KenSue Martial Arts .............................. 686-577-6023 Excerise, Taewaonndo, Mixed Martial Arts

Versoleil ..............................................(686) 576-0664

Northwest Mexico Business Directory - 51 Casey Hamlin.com ..............................(686) 577-1431 Francisco Romo ..................................(686) 577-1193

HEALTH & FITNESS/SALUD Y EJERCICIO Sqatts Gym ........................................... 686-125-1555

PRINTERS/IMPRESORAS Papeleria Copicentro ...........................(686) 577-1402 The Print Supplier ................................(686) 230-9933 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE PROPIEDADES Casey’s Place .....................................(686) 577-1431 Redwagon Enterprises.........................(686) 576-0081

HOME BUILDERS/CONTRATISTAS California Real Estate & Contruction ....(686) 576-0420 HouSing ..............................................(686) 577-0810 San Felipe Home Builders ....................(686) 577-0050 HOME CLEANING/LIMPIEZA DE CASAS Redwagon Proerty Managment ........... (686) 576-0081

LAUNDRY SERVICE/LAVANDERÍA Wash Tub............................................ (686) 577-2001

HOME IMPROVEMENTS/MEJORAMIENTO CASERO Baja Home Improvment .......................(686) 222-4507

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS LISTING HERE ONLY $4 PER MONTH YOUR BUSINESS IS WORTH IT yellowpages@mexicoliving.info

HOTEL/MOTEL See Lodging Guide Section IMPORT SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE IMPORTACIÓN San Felipe Storage Company ............... (686) 576-0432 INTERIOR DESIGN/DISEÑO INTERIOR Baja Nueva..........................................(686) 211-4676 INTERNET SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE INTERNET The Net ...............................................(686) 577-1600 LANDSCAPING/JARDINERÍA Mauricio’s Lanscaping ........................(686) 151-8002

LIFEGUARD/SALVAVIDAS San Felipe Lifeguards ..........................(686) 233-7730 Ask for Franscio LIQUOR/LICORERÍA Tecate Six - Julio .................................(686) 119-0030

Ron Saunders .....................................(686) 576-0007

Ph/Fax: 011-686-576-0077 E-mail: info@bajareflections.com Website: bajareflections.com PO Box #9011 PMB #151 Calexico CA 92232

LOCKSMITH/CERRAJERO Gomez Locksmith ............................... (686) 221-8337 24 HR Service, Professional Service. Homes, Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, English Spoken MASSAGE/MASAJE Casey’s Place (Massage) ....................(686) 577-1431

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

Victor Rodriguez Ratliff ........................(686) 573-0222

Mexico Living Magazine ...................... (686) 577-1377 San Felipe Newsletter ..........................(686) 577-2898 REAL ESTATE AGENTS/AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES Bill Maine ............................................(686) 231-4921 Gary Gold ...........................................(686) 211-9952 Kathy Preppernau................................(686) 210-4458 Katy Asimus .......................................(686) 211-5474 Nate Morace .......................................(686) 171-3257

Prestige Landscape and Maintenance ..(686) 170-8651 Your Paradise...My Passion

REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES Amor Property ....................................(686) 577-0611 Baja Ranch & Sea Realty .....................(686) 577-1304 California Real Estate & Construction..(686) 576-0420 Call Margaret Realty ............................(686) 577-1156

MEAT MARKET/CARNICERÍA La Vaquita II ........................................(686) 577-1718 MEDICAL/MEDICO Red Cross ...........................................(686) 577-1544 San Felipe Hospital ..............................(686) 577-0117 Ambulance..........................................(686) 577-0500 PEST CONTROL/FUMIGACIONES No listings at this time PHOTOGRAPHY/FOTOGRAFÍA

PIZZA/PIZZA Los Arcos - Happy Jack Ass ...............(686) 577-2585 Popeye’s Pizza .................................... (686) 577-1122 POSTAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS POSTALES Yetmail ................................................ (686) 577-1255

CONNECTING THOUSAND PEOPLE MONTHLY WITH SMART BUSINESS THROUGHOUT

Desert Mother .....................................(686) 577-2552 Desert Realty ......................................(686) 577-6336 Sea Mexico Realtiy (SMR) ...................(686) 576-0223 RECREATION/RECREACIÓN

NORTHW WEST MEXICO - AND GROWING! GET LISTED TODAY 1-52-686-577-1377 / 1-52-1-686-230-9933

52 - Mexico’s Smart Yellow Pages San Felipe Sailing-Call Felipe ...............(686) 114-3259

Telnor Phone Co ..................................(686) 577-1000 Water Company ..................................(686) 577-1022

RENTALS/RENTAS Casey’s Place .....................................(686) 577-1431 Rancho del Sol Vacation Home ............(686) 231-4921 Redwagon Rental Property ..................(686) 576-0081

VETERINARY/VETERINARIO Hospital Animal ...................................(686) 577-1688 PETS ..................................................(686) 577-2155 WASTE MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE DESHECHO San Felipe Disposal .............................(686) 121-1004 WELDING SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE SOLDADURA Waldo The Welder ...............................(686) 226-3127 WINDOW CLEANING/LIMPIEZA DE VENTANAS Pro Window Cleaning ..........................(686) 590-6594 TELEPHONE DIRECTORY / DIRECTORIO TELEFONIO

Sandollar Beachfront Condos ..............(686) 576-0081

P UERTO PEÑASCO

RESTAURANTS/RESTAURANTES See DINING GUIDE section

ARCHITECT/ARQUITECTO Punio Rivero ..................................... (638) 383-4710

ROOFING/TECHOS San Felipe Professional Roofing ...........(686) 590-6818

DEVELOPMENTS/FRACCIONAMIENTOS "Parayso" Desembembogue Devept.....(638) 388-5707

SAILING/NAVEGACIÓN Sail San Felipe - Felipe......................... (686) 114-3259

FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Platinum Capital..................................(602) 692-8523

SATELLITE TELEVISION & INTERNET/TELEVISION SATELITALES Y INTERNET Satellite Services/Servicios de Satelitales CSI Computer-Satellite-Installation............686-577-2928

REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES Buena Vide Real Estate .................. (638) 110-4127 Majestic Realty ............................. (638) 388-1120 Mexican Beach Developers............ (638) 383-8417 RESTAURANTS/RESTAURANTES See Restauant Guide Pages 36 -39

SCREEN PRINTING No listings at this time SHOPPING MALL/CENTRO DE COMPRAS La Plazita ............................................(686) 577-2119 SPANISH LESSONS/CLASES DE ESPAÑOL Kelly Walsh .........................................(686) 209-9564 STORAGE/ALMACÉN Lock Box .............................................. 686-576-0606 San Felipe Storage Company ............... (686) 576-0432

Continued from page 31

Elite Fleet Charters is introducing an offshore speed racing experience. The Sea Rocket, owned

by Randy Spiegel, is an exciting thrill ride. Elite also offers Bird Island sightseeing trips and coastal scenic tours. Spiegel’s Sportfisher, the Golden Gruper, takes small groups sport fishing.

Elite Fleet offers the following types of water sports services: half-day fishing from 8:00 am 2:30 pm, full day fishing from 8:00 am - 5:30 pm, overnight fishing to destinations such as San Carlos and San Felipe, long-range day trips, sunset cruises, Sea Rocket thrill boat rides, and parasailing. Their captains are fluent in both English and Spanish.

Their goal is to provide the best customer service so that their clients return to them every time they visit Peñasco.

Again, these services would not have been possible without the Escalera Nautica. Captains Ramirez and Orosco traveled from Cabo San Lucas to Peñasco and found its facilities and marinas to be the best.

They said that the Mexican government has done an excellent job of providing great marina facilities with fuel stations, clean bathrooms, showers and slips.

They report that Peñasco’s new facility is great, with fuel stations and restrooms.

Elite Fleet Charters says, “Our company prides itself on providing the safest, fun-filled experience.

We look forward to showing everybody a great time on the Sea of Cortez.”

For a different experience on the water, try a sailboat. Mar de Cortez advertizes its 36’ Trimaran, the Klanoki, as a way to see San Felipe’s many beautiful sites, some of which are best seen from offshore. You can charter the Klanoki for a day or a week on the Sea of Cortez, and enjoy the coastlines of Baja California and Sonora on your own personalized tour. Skipper Clyde Haas even offers sailing lessons.

Baja Express’s Forrester also invites visitors and locals to visit the sea. He takes the future of boating on the sea very seriously.

“We are the stewards of the northern Sea of Cortez,” says Forrester. “Let’s take care of it together.”

Capt’n Tolken’s Baja Express USA: (970) 210-1744 MEX: (686) 116-6977 San Felipe EMAIL: info@captntolkensbaja.com http://www.captntolkensbaja.com Elite Charters USA: (602) 324-9529 MEX: (638) 383-4963 Rocky Point EMAIL: panchovilla2718@att.net WEB: www.rockypointboattrips.com

Are you looking for a career change? Want to be able to afford to live and travel in Mexico?

We are looking for advertising executives to work in Ensenada, Mexicali and Puerto Penasco areas.

• • •

TATTOOING/TATUAJES Baja Ink Spot Tattoo & Body Piercing ...(686) 577-2538 TRANSLATION/TRADUCCIÓN Carlota Villagran B ...............................(686) 212-9951 TRANSPORTATION/TRANSPORTACIÓN Airport ................................................(686) 577-1368 Taxi Service ........................................(686) 577-1293 UTILITIES/UTILIDADES Electric Company (CFE) ......................(686) 577-1060 Propane Gas .......................................(686) 577-2373

Great earning potential.

Strong support team and training.

Work Independently

Travel, meet people, explore and earn a living at the same time.

686-230-9933

Only call if you are selfmotivated, computer literate and legal residence of Mexico (WORKING VISA, FM2, FM3)

CONNECTING THOUSAND PEOPLE MONTHLY WITH SMART BUSINESS THROUGHOUT

NORTHWEST MEXICO - AND GROWING! GET LISTED TODAY 1-52-686-577-1377 / 1-52-1-686-230-9933

DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 27 DIFFERENT DEVELOPMENTS IN SAN FELIPE RIGHT NOW? NEITHER DID MOST OF THE REAL ESTATE PEOPLE I TALKED TO.

SEE THEM AND THEN DECIDE WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU. WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT IS AVAILABLE YOU CAN’T REALLY MAKE AN EDUCATED AND INFORMED DECISION.

VISIT THE SAN FELIPE DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION CENTER BETWEEN THE TACO FACTORY AND OXXO RIGHT OFF THE MALECON.

VISIT US AT WWW.SANFELIPEDEVELOPMENTTOURS.COM 0R CALL (480) 236‐0741 or (686) 171‐6898

54 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

C L A S S I F I E D S PLACE ADS BY PHONE San Felipe: 686-577-1377

Puerto Penásco: 638-109-4771

USA Phone: 800-576-0919 Ext. 3 ENTERTAINMENT The BEST Karaoke in town at Juanito’s Cantina hosted

by Maria Arnold; Wed. nights 6:00pm. Come and sing like a STAR! WANTED Wanted all and any vehicles working or not $$$. Please call 686-173-0424 ask for Ray. JOBS REPORTERS - If you would be interested in writing about your community events, business, social, real estate, gardening, pets, medicine, health, sports, etc. etc. We want to hear from you! editorial@ mexicoliving.info. We are looking for people in Ensenada, San Felipe, Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point).

PRINTING SERICES NEED BUSSINESS CARDS OR BROCHURES? Go to www.theprintsupplier.com or 800-576-0919 Ext. 3 or 686-577-1377. DELIVERY TO SAN FELIPE.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 55

A

Real Estate

Dividable 8,300 m2 Parcel

Golf Course Villas

Beach Front - Puertecitos $235K

Starting at $359K

El Dorado Home Sites ...................................................................................................................... $ 23,000 San Marino Home Sites Starting at ................................................................................................. $ 29,950 Playa de San Felipe Lots from ......................................................................................................... $ 49,000 El Dorado Ranch Homes from ......................................................................................................... $ 80,000 New Construction Homes in Town Starting at ............................................................................... $116,000 In Town Condos Starting at ............................................................................................................. $108,900 Large Land Parcels Starting at ........................................................................................................ $120,000 La Ventana del Mar Golf Course Home Sites from ........................................................................ $135,000 New Playa de Oro Homes Starting at .............................................................................................. $375,000 Voted "Best Real Estate Broker 2007" - Thank you for your Support!

Sea View! 2 Bed, 1 Bath + Casita

Total Real Estate Services (T.R.E.S.) "For Sale by Owner" Packages Fideicomisos Mexican Corporations Developer Closing Packages 577-2307 From U.S. 760-890-4179 Garage + RV Parking $199K

U.S.760-494-3639 Mex. 577-0611 www.AmorProperty.com 56 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico