Edition 17 - October 2008

PLEASE TAKE ONE FREE/GRATIS No. 17 - www.mexicoliving.info

October / Octubre 2008

REAL ESTATE SPECIAL EDITION • Mexican Real Estate: Risk vs. Reward • US Recession and the Impact on Mexico

S E G A P W IDE O L YEL INS

2 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 3

WELCOME TO NORTHWEST MEXICO

Table of Contents

EACH SECTION IS COLOR CODED ON THE RIGHT MARGIN

Mexico Living Publishing Team San Felipe: 686-230-9933 Puerto Penásco: 638-388-5004

USA: 800-576-0919 Ext. 3 Ensenada: 646-192-6965

Website: www.mexicoliving.info Email: info@mexicoliving.info Mexico Living is a guide committed to promoting Northwest Mexico to the limits of our abilities and to provide a valuable resource to visitors and residence of Northwest John & Rachel Pack Mexico. We highlight the amazing natural beauty, friendly people, opportunities and lifestyles of one of the most unique places on Earth; and to showing that Northwest Mexico is a great place not only to visit and play, but also to live and work – a place to call home.

Published by John Benjamin ______ Pack Publisher/Editor John Pack, john@mexicoliving.info Publisher Rachel Pack, rachel@mexicoliving.info

Associate Publisher Russ Black, Puerto Peñasco, russ@mexicoliving.info Associate Editor Naomi Black, Puerto Peñasco

Arts Editor Writers Robin Waters, Robin Waters, John Pack, digitaldesignsbyrobin@gmail.com Benjamin Eugene, Rachel Pack, Rita Pizarro, Gretchen Ellinger Golf Editor Hal “Paco” Clark, Ad Graphics bajapaco@gmail.com Lisa Shannon, adart@mexicoliving.info Sales Bill Maine Contributors bill@mexicoliving.info Denny & Sandi Flannigan Roberto Rodriguez, roberto@mexicoliving.info San Felipe Kathy Preppernau, San Felipe, Wine, Art kjprepp@mexicoliving.info

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

Distribution Betsy Aksamit, San Felipe Hilda Chong, Ensenada Carlos Duran, Rosarito Beach Gene & Darcy Jensen, Regional Jack Ragsdale, Regional

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

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

4 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

Welcome:

Letter to the Editor .......................................... 5 Welcome to the Northwest ............................. 6 Regional Map ................................................. 7

Calendar & Events:

A Night of Romance & Music ......................... 9 Calendar Dates............................................. 10 Tide Calendar ............................................... 11

Cover Feature:

Real Estate: Risk vs. Reward ........................ 14 US Recession .............................................. 17

Rosarito Beach:

Welcome to Rosarito Beach ...................... 18 Rosarito Citizens Committee....................... 19 Rosarito Dining ........................................ 20 Punto Colonet ............................................. 21

Ensenada:

Welcome to Ensenada .............................. 22 Ensenada Dining .......................................... 23 Ensenada’s Bright Future .............................. 26 Ensenada Yellow Pages ................................ 29

San Felipe:

Welcome to San Felipe ................................. 30 San Felipe Dining.......................................... 32 La Perla del Mar ........................................... 34 An American in Baja ..................................... 37 Dr. Jason Orthodontic .................................. 39 Redwagon Property Management ................. 44 San Felipe Management Services ................. 45 SeaMexico Realty......................................... 48 San Felipe Yellow Pages ............................... 51

Puerto Peñasco:

Welcome to Puerto Peñasco ........................ 56 Eating off the beaten path ............................. 58 Century21 Sand & Sea ................................. 59 My House in Puerto Peñasco? ..................... 61 Bella Vista .................................................... 62 Palacio del Mar ............................................ 63 Real Estate in Puerto Peñasco ...................... 64 Land Development ....................................... 65 Puerto Peñasco Yellow Pages....................... 67

Back Pages:

Real Estate Green Sheets ............................. 68 Classified ..................................................... 70

WELCOME TO NORTHWEST MEXICO

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We hope the edition will give you additional ideas and provide you with answers to some of your real estate questions.

[Translated] Do you plan to publish some of your articles in Spanish? I enjoy reading the magazine each month, but my Spanish is better than my English. Arturo L., Ensenada At this time we are not prepared to publish in Spanish. We do hope to offer both English and Spanish online in the first quarter of 2009. Our goal is to provide useful information to English-speaking visitors and homeowners, both as a guide to attractions and activities, and as a resource for those living in Mexico.

How can I get back issues of the magazine? I would also like to know if it’s possible to get multiple copies of the magazine. We think it is a useful tool in our real estate office in the United States. We have many people ask us about Mexico and your magazine is the perfect way for us to easily tell them about it – we just hand them Mexico Living. The problem is that I can’t let clients keep a copy because I don’t want to give mine up. Keep up the good work. - Tony B., Phoenix Thank you. Yes, all the back issues are available for purchase online (mexicoliving.info). Additionally, all back issues can be downloaded free of charge and viewed from a computer or printed locally. This is a great way for advertisers to print one-sheets for their clients. If you require larger quantities of the guide for handout at your office, you can purchase them at cost by contacting us.

The “Moving to Mexico” issue was great, but I was hoping for a cost of living comparison. My wife and I are considering the move, but really don’t know what it’ll cost. - John & Linda C., Huntington Beach Our December edition is all about shopping and the cost of living. We will be providing a comprehensive cost comparison between the US and Mexico, including real estate, household items, personal items, groceries, and more. We will have direct brand comparison as well as provide comparisons of Mexican alternatives to common US products.

SEND US FEEDBACK

Do you have a comment, complaint, compliment? You can send directly from our homepage www.mexicoliving.info or you can email editor@mexicoliving.info.

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Name on Card____________________ CC No.__________________________ Ex Date______ CVC (3 digit #)______ Payable to: John Benjamin Pack Mail to: John Benjamin Pack PO Box 0919-460 Calexico CA 92232 Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 5

WELCOME / BIENNVENIDO

Thank you for the information regarding moving to Mexico. My wife and I have been recurring tourists for many years now, but with the way the housing market is, we’re seriously considering making the big move. Your magazine is a real motivator. - Jim & Lisa H., Riverside

WELCOME TO NORTHWEST MEXICO

NORTHWEST MEXICO GUIDE

Rosarito Baja California, www.rosarito.org Located 20 miles from USA. 011-52661-612-5222, 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

photo by Ron Saunders

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) 7752417; www.tijuanaonline.org.

T

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

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

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

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

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

TOURISM & VISITOR INFO Detailed information can be obtained from the following tourist offices: Mexico, visitmexico.com Baja California, State Tourism www. discoverbajacalifornia.com & www. turismobc.gob.mx 011-52-664634-6330, -634-6918, -634-6574, or toll free from the U.S. (888) 775-2417 Ensenada Baja California, www. enjoyensenada.com Located 62 miles from USA 011-52-646-172-3022, or (800) 310-9687; www.enjoyensenada.com 6 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

Mexicali Baja California, mexicaliturismo. com/cotuco/prueba/ingles. Mexicali is the capital of the State of Baja California.

Located at the US border.

Sonora State Government http://www.gotosonora.com/ 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.

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 Puerto Peñasco. Tourist visas are available at all border crossings .

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

WELCOME TO NORTHWEST MEXICO Yuma San Diego Mexicali Rosarito Beach

Ensenada

SEA OF CORTEZ Gulf of California

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 sports-equipment items. You can also bring in two cartons 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.

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 worth 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.

San Felipe

Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point)

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.

WHAT CAN I TAKE HOME?

You can bring back 800 USD of duty-free merchandise per person, per month, including one liter of alcohol.

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

BUSINESS TRAVEL

Business travelers must complete and submit a form (Form FM-N) authorizing the conduct of business (but not employment) for a thirty-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. passport. 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.

VEHICLE PERMITS

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

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 7

WELCOME / BIENNVENIDO

PACIFIC OCEAN

NORTHWEST MEXICO CALENDAR & EVENTS

H

EST ALL AROU B N E

KARAOKE

D

T

The Lighthouse Restaurant Presents

with

The Singout Sisters

& Chuey

EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT FROM 6PM - 10PM

Let’s party and be the star that you are!

DON’T MISS OUT:

Shuttle Service from El Dorado PEMEX available, call 686-147-9432 ask for Rodger

San Felipe Baja California

8 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

NORTHWEST MEXICO CALENDAR & EVENTS

A Night of Romance & Music in Puerto Peñasco

Evening seems to fade more gently in Mexico, The music does not disappoint, as it is a mixture when everyone comes out to enjoy the coolness of of Mexican Cumbia, Cuban, and Caribbean. Off to the the evening. Vendors set up their carts at the edge side, two ladies are dancing with their babies. One man of the square, preparing tacos, hotdogs, churros, or gets up and starts his crazy dance; he has so much papas fritas. Another vendor with balloons arrives, as energy! He soon finds a partner and they swirl back well as the ice cream man with his little cart and bell. and forth on the concrete. Other people are dancing, Families head to the zocalo. The children are occasionally interrupted by small boys bicycling across giddy with energy, ready to run free up the steps of the floor. People come and go, continuing a stroll along the gazebo, laughing as they race across the wooden the Malecon or heading off to their dinner plans. I sit floor. Older couples stroll under the flickering shadows and watch and am mesmerized. Here at the Malecon of bougainvilleas and palms. Young couples in love sit on this Sunday night, I unexpectedly found a romance together on park with evening in benches, speaking Mexico again. in low tones. This This was not is my romance the first time I with Mexico as was pleasantly day slowly fades surprised by away, the sunset music at Puerto taking its place, Peñasco.

Last eventually turning year, we attended into the black of Jazz by the Sea. night. As darkness It is great to see envelops us, that this event everyone drifts appears to be an back to the casa. annual event, as it I am in Puerto View of Sandy Beach from across the bay in Old Port. is a featured event Peñasco, hardly this October 4th. a colonial town of Old Mexico. And yet, one summer What a fantastic evening of Latin jazz, food, and wine. evening, we were invited to go to the Malecon at sunset The venue was outside and informal, but with subtle to hear live music. On a hot and humid Sunday night, classy touches of white tablecloths and wine glasses.

I discovered that this tradition is alive and well here in As always, the stunning sunset over the water made tourist-trodden Northern Mexico! for the perfect backdrop.

It was just as it should be, with strolling families, In July, I joined the Uncommon Women on energized children, young couples in love, older Common Ground for a sunset cruise. (Just to get it couples sitting quietly, and the young people flirting straight, I have no aspirations of being in any real way and laughing. The vendors with their various snacks, “uncommon”; however, being just a “common woman” the ice cream man with his cart, and even the girl sounds a little uninspiring.) These ladies are pretty selling balloons were all there. As we arrived and I saw great, and we had a blast that evening. The highlight the band set-up, complete with conga drums, I realized of this cruise was when one of the truly “uncommonly the music might just be perfect. The band plays not talented” daughters got up and performed some very on a bandstand, but out on the edge of the road. Up beautiful belly dancing just as the boat turned around the concrete tiered steps are hundreds of townspeople and the sun set in the sky. To dance on a boat is, to and families mingling with all of us: the foreigners, the me, true talent. Once again there was another great tourists, and the visitors. moment of dance, music, and sunset!

In this is a beach town, our backdrop is simply Tradition, music, and talent are all alive and well here over-the-top: a stunning sunset over the water as the in Puerto Peñasco. I eagerly await the next unexpected sky turns from pastel pinks and blue to deep, intense moment when music blending with a sunset makes fiery reds and orange. Added to this are small fishing or me love this place a little more. pleasure boats on the water, an assortment of sunset cruise boats in every size and shape, including a pirate “JAZZ BY THE SEA”, October 4; for more ship with its fireworks display, and the grand concrete information call 1-877-843-3717 columns and colored lighting of the boardwalk itself.

Here the stage is set for a romantic evening.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 9

CAL ENDAR & EVEN TS

by Naomi Black

NORTHWEST MEXICO CALENDAR & EVENTS

NORTHWEST CALENDAR

Mexico Shouts Mexicanos, viva México Independence Day (September 15-16) Puerto Nuevo Wine and Lobster Festival The festival comes complete with folkloric dancers, mariachis and live music from bands from Tijuana and Rosarito. Most of Baja’s wineries will be there alongside Tecate and other beer companies. There are contests between the restaurants, even a contest where waiters run all around the village carrying a tray with three glasses and a bottle of wine. The festival is open to the public; visitors will be able to buy a ticket for a lobster dinner. www.puertonuevolobster.com.

Puerto Peñasco Bath Tub Races Bath Tub Races held annually at JJs’ Cantina, located in the beautiful Cholla Bay. has long been a tradition on the beach at low tide along with bikini and best tan contest always bringing on laughter and fun times.

October 25th. http://www.jjscantina.com/ Ensenada International Surf Fiesta International Tournament of surfing, sanctioned by the ASP (Surfing Profesionales’s Association) for its initials in English), world circuit organization Surfing’s, which will gather renowned surfer’s from Mexico and Southern California, USA. Two days of arduous competitions in

10 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

the this surf hot spot beach. A purse of 25,000 $ USD in cash is up for the taking. Ricardo Domínguez Production, (858) 586-9173 USA, surfiesta@yahoo.com San Felipe ZAPP Howl-oween Masquerade Ball Halloween is a big deal in San Felipe. Last year, many parties and events happened in town during Halloween.

For instance, the Tattoo Rose Cafe’ held an art exhibition

by Adrena Joyce, with great “Day of the Dead” paintings and great food and costumes. Michael and Gail Gates hosted a fabulous costume party, and Denny and Sandi Flannigan had their Halloween bash at El Dorado Ranch; there was so much Halloween spirit and mystery that night---not to mention some really cool costumes, too.

This year, ZAPP is onboard with a “HOWL-OWEEN MASQUERADE BALL & DANCE PARTY” at the BeachComber on the Malecon, Friday night, October 31st, from 7-11 p.m.---slated to be the scariest and most enjoyable event of them all! The event is complete with live DJ, emcee, delicious hors d’oeuvres and seasonal treats prepared by Chef Mark and donated by Sundance.

There are dance and costume contests with great prizes to be won. Adrena Joyce will debut her new collection of “DAY of the DEAD” paintings. All this is in an effort to raise funds for ZAPP’s 2009 Spay/Neuter Project. Come on, join us and let’s party! Tickets are just $20. Do not miss it! We look forward to seeing you.

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”

•

NORTHWEST MEXICO CALENDAR & EVENTS

Al’s Backstreet Bar: Football Pool (drink & food specials) (4:00 PM)

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

SAN FELIPE BAJA CALIFORNIA

MONTHLY CALENDAR EVENTS

•

ROSARITO BEACH BAJA CALIFORNIA

Monday: • •

Juanito’s Cantina at El Dorado Ranch: Dollar Night (beer & buffet) + Monday Night Football Al’s Backstreet Bar: Monday Night Football (50 cent beers & appetizers) with Football Pool (4:00 PM) Miramar Bar: 9-Ball Tournament (6-9 PM)

Tuesday:

October 4 - The Beach Motocross Series Round 2. More info: 619-819-6323 or 661-612-2525 October 12 - Rosarito Shooting Club “Standard Gun Tournament” Contact the Shooting Club Range at 661-612-1028

•

Lighthouse Restaurant: Karaoke with Singout Sisters & Chuy (6 -10 pm) El Dorado Ranch: Ladies Golf Day

October 12 - Puerto Nuevo Lobster Festival. Puerto Nuevo, for more info: 661)-612.0700

• •

Lighthouse Restaurant: Happy Hour All Day Miramar Bar: 8-Ball Tournament (6-9pm)

Thru October 1: “Presencia (Presence)” Collective Art Exposition. Call (646)151-1084

•

Los Arcos (Happy Jackass): Bingo (2:00 - 4:00 PM) - Lions Club meeting (on the 2nd and 4th Thursday) El Dorado Ranch: Men’s Golf Day

•

Wednesday: Thursday:

•

Friday:

La Vaquita: Live Music with “Vatos Locos” (6:00 pm start) Lighthouse Restaurant: Sushi Night and Live • Music with Eddy G Los Arcos - Karaoke w/ Mac & Nan - 6pm • Juanito’s Cantina at El Dorado Ranch: Live music • with the Reflections & $12 Filet Mignon special (6-9pm) Saturday: • La Palapa Poolside Bar & Grill at El Dorado Ranch: Live Music with Lobos del Caribe (4-8pm) • La Vaquita: Live Music with Eddy G. (6:00 PM) • Miramar Bar: Live music and dancing featuring cumbias • Los Arcos - Karaoke w/ Mac & Nan - 6pm •

Sunday: • •

Lighthouse Restaurant: Kids eat for 20 pesos Los Arcos (Happy Jackass): Nascar Fantasy (2:00 )

ENSENADA BAJA CALIFORNIA

October 3 & 4: 45th Annual San Diego-Ensenada International Yacht Race. Call U.S. tel. 619-222-0438.

October 4 & 5: 4th Annual Entijuanarte Festival of Art in Tijuana. (664)674-6957 Thru October 9: “Origenes (Origins)” Painting Exposition by Armando Franco Armando Franco, Call (646)151-1084l October 11: First Annual Oakland-Ensenada Blues and Jazz Festival General admission is $45dlls. ($40dlls. in advance), VIP seating $50dlls. Info & tickets: José Amate, Call tel. (646)176-6759 or U.S. tel. 619-8199369 October 12: Día de la Raza (Columbus Day in Mexico) October 12: Real del Castillo Festival 10am-8pm: Celebrate the anniversary of this historic former gold mining town Call Beatriz Toboada, tel. (646)178-6038.

October 12: 30th Anniversary Ensenada Seafood Fair 1-9pm: contact CANIRAC, tel. (646)174-0448.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 11

CAL ENDAR & EVEN TS

WEEKLY CALENDAR EVENTS

NORTHWEST MEXICO CALENDAR & EVENTS Thru October 15: “Un Canto a los Desiertos Fértiles (A Chant to the Fertile Deserts)” Painting Exposition by Rubén García Benavides CEARTE. Call (646)173-4307 & (646)173-4308.

Thru October 16: Graphic Art Exposition Engravings by Tijuana artist Elena Pomar are on display Instituto de Cultura de Baja California. Call tel.

(646)177-3130.

Thru October 26: “Mezcla de Maestros: Masters of Mexico’s Past and Present” Art Exposition. Info: Jardín Las Veredas, tel. (646)155-3239; e-mail Thru October 28: “Album de Familia (Family Album)” Photography Exposition Free admission. Info: CEARTE, tels. Call (646)173-4307 & (646)173-4308.

October 26: Daylight Saving Time Ends (Mexico) October 31: Halloween

SAN FELIPE BAJA CALIFORNIA

Oct 3rd-5th: Code Tecate Race in San Felipe: “Mexicana Logistics 300” Oct 11th: * San Felipe Too Much Fun Pete’s Camp Poker Run (km166) at 9am, and the Poker Run begins at 10am. Visit www.petescamp.com or call (951) 6946704 for registration and information.

Oct 12th: Dia de la Raza – “Day of the Race” celebrating the Hispanic heritage of Latin America and all the ethnic and cultural influences that make it distinctive.

Oct 13th: Columbus Day (US Holiday) – US Holiday celebrating Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the New World.

Oct 13th: Columbus Day pig roast at Juanito’s Cantina in El Dorado Ranch.

Oct 14th: Full Moon Mixer at El Dorado Ranch.

Oct 15th: Golf Scramble at El Dorado Ranch.

Oct 17th: Cigar Night at Red Lobster Restaurant, call 577-0483 for more info.

Oct 18th: Water Volleyball Tournament at La Palapa Poolside Bar & Grill in El Dorado Ranch.

Oct 24-26th: * The 4th Annual Charity and Celebrity Golf Classic at El Dorado Ranch. For more information contact the Universal Golf Foundation at (686) 576-0517 from Mexico, or (800) 404-2599 ext. 4417.

Oct 25th: Halloween party for kids at El Dorado Ranch.

Oct 31st: Halloween costume party for adults at Juanito’s Cantina in El Dorado Ranch featuring: treats, good food, prizes, and a lot of fun for all participants.

Oct 31st: * 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m: “Howl-o-Ween” Masquerade Ball & Dance Party for Pets and their Folks.

707-320-4969 from the U.S. or 577-2708 from San Felipe. Cost $20. * indicates Editor recommended

PUERTO PEÑASCO

October 4 - “Jazz By The Sea” More Info. Call 1877 843 3717.

October 5 - “Rocky Point Challenge” (Fleet Off Tucson, Arizona). At Playa Bonita Resort. Residents Of Tucson Sail. The Waters of Rocky Point. More Info. Call: 1-888232-8142.

• Angler Of The Year Tournament (Phase 3) The 5th, 6th And 7th. At Cholla Bay. More Info. Call: 638-3832785 • Beach Volley Ball Tournament At Playa Bonita Resort.

More Info. Call: 858 538 4143 October 25 • Bathtub Races At Cholla Bay More Info. Call: 638 383 2785 • Over The Line Softball Tournament At Cholla Bay More Info. Call: 638 383 2785

LIST YOUR EVENT: mexicoliving@gmail.com.

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

THE ALL NEW ADVENTURES of Baja Desert Dog by The Flannigans

12 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

NORTHWEST MEXICO CALENDAR & EVENTS

San Felipe, B.C.

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Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 13

CAL ENDAR & EVEN TS

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Oceanografía Física

COVER FEATURE

MEXICAN REAL ESTATE:

by Tom Kerr

What to know before buying in Mexico

T

he cross-border real estate game is evolving quickly and dramatically. Brave or foolhardy souls who bought Mexican land in days gone by routinely assumed nerve-wracking and often catastrophic risks. But these days it may be more financially risky to procrastinate about buying property south of the border, because prices are still attractively priced but may soon be out of reach.

Foreign investment into Mexico now averages about $20 billion a year, and much of that capital infusion goes directly into real estate. Price appreciation is robust in locations throughout the country. Seven million North Americans travel to Mexico each year and the State Department estimates that about 400,000 live there permanently – nearly double the amount that did so just 10 years ago. In fact, many Americans who used to reside in San Diego, for instance, now commute to work from permanent homes in Mexico. They enjoy California earning power and the relative strength of the dollar, but simultaneously take advantage of Mexico’s more desirable locations, customized architecture, and bargain home prices.

14 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

In May of this year representatives from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) met with Mexican Embassy officials in Washington, D.C. to discuss the housing market and its relationship to buyers in the USA. Antonio Ortiz-Mena, Head of Economic Affairs for the Embassy, explained that housing prices in Mexico are continuing to gain in appreciation, but have not gotten ahead of inflation as they tend to do in typical “boom and bust” cycles. That economic pattern indicates that Mexico now offers stability not seen in other countries, while representing excellent sustainable returns on investment.

What may be more profound and significant is that, according to notes from the meeting posted on the official NAR Web site, Mexico “may also consider recognizing the US Real Estate license in Mexico.” Meanwhile the Embassy is working with both AARP and Medicare to discuss how to facilitate the transition to Mexico for American retirees. The Embassy plans, for example, to launch a test project in nearly a dozen cities to find out more about how to make moving to Mexico more seamless for citizens of the USA. Fueling these kinds of initiatives is the historically unprecedented fact that Baby Boomers are migrating into Mexico in astonishing numbers in search of an affordable and more charming alternative to increasingly expensive life in the USA. For many who are anxious about their prospects for retirement – thanks to years of lackluster stock market returns, plummeting home equity, and skyrocketing health care costs – Mexico may be the only option that makes decent financial sense. But our southern neighbor is in many ways the superior choice. Mexico offers a rare combination of pristine natural resources, beautiful but conveniently located destinations, colorful and interesting cultural assets, excellent schools, talented architects and builders, a cheap cost of living, and next door neighbor proximity to friends, relatives, or second homes back in the USA. Baby Boomers (those persons born after 1945) make up almost 30 percent of the American population. There are 78 million in the USA and the first of them turned 60 in 2006, representing the largest-ever segment of American society to hit retirement age. The purchasing power of this powerful demographic is peaking at a time when Wall

COVER FEATURE

investment. Now there are two legitimate and easy ways to circumvent the problem, and those are 1) the use of a Bank Trust and 2) corporate ownership.

• The Bank Trust or Fideicomiso Several major Mexican banks can create the Trust (Fideicomiso) in exchange for set-up and annual maintenance fees. Rather than give direct ownership to the foreign buyer, it establishes a bank-managed trust account to hold the legal title to the property on behalf of the foreigner.

Trusts can be established for 50 years into the future and renewed at any time. The costs to set up the trust vary, but average $500-$800 plus about the same amount in annual maintenance fees. The property buyer is granted all rights of enjoyment of the property including the ability to remodel, mortgage, sell, or leave the property to heirs. Bank trusts are established by a Mexican attorney, the forms are standardized, and the procedure – which usually happens at closing – is routine, thanks to the large number of foreign property owners.

• The Mexican Corporation Ownership of property through a Mexican corporation is another excellent option. As long as at least two people – for example, a husband and wife – are in the corporation, it can be wholly owned by foreigners. Once incorporated, the corporation can own property outright, completely eliminating the need for a Fideicomiso trust. Corporations can also legally rent and lease property, which is advantageous for those who want to divide their time between the USA and Mexico or who want to buy now but not live in the property until a future retirement date. Establishing the corporation is a relatively simple process that takes about six weeks and costs around $2,000.

Continued on page 70 Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 15

COVER STOR Y

Street and the real estate market are both in complete turmoil and lack the stability to promise reliable investment quality. But American confidence in the Mexican economy and the nation’s political stability is stronger than ever, and this new breed of youngat-heart seniors is not interested in retiring into a life of convalescence.

A National Association of Realtors study found that the 50-plus age group travels further distances than any other age group and spends more time vacationing now than they did a decade ago, when they were ten years younger.

They are more active, wealthier, and more interested in and experiences in different cultures than their aging predecessors were.

A recent AARP study found that they are, to put it bluntly, more adventurous.

They are not, however, reckless. The same AARP research also found that Boomers are prudent and careful when it comes to risk-taking, and that extends to their investment outlook and management of assets and finances. Lucky for them, changes in Mexican law have made it significantly safer and easier for foreigners to own property, and major U.S. companies have begun offering mortgages and title insurance in partnership with Mexico’s real estate industry. Such practices provide needed reassurance, security, and comfort to Americans considering purchases in a foreign country, because they can transact business with trusted institutions according to familiar terms, methods, and conditions.

Those planning to buy in Mexico should keep in mind that contracts are drafted in Spanish and – at least for now – real estate agents in Mexico are not required to be licensed. But many reputable brokerage companies –including such prestigious ones as Sotheby’s – have branches in Mexico and can guide clients and offer help with selecting competent and skilled local professionals including lawyers, building inspectors, and contractors.

The most important restriction to foreign ownership of real estate is contained in the Mexican constitution.

It states that foreigners cannot own property within 60 miles of the border or 30 miles from a coastline.

That used to be a compelling reason to avoid Mexico, but recently the rules have changed to encourage

COVER FEATURE

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OF MIND 16 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

Hwy 5, KM 181.3, Mexicali-San Felipe San Felipe, B.C. Mexico 21850

THE AFFECT ON MEXICAN REAL ESTATE

Technically, the United States economy is not yet in an economic recession, which is defined by two consecutive quarters of economic contraction/ negative economic growth. However, many economic indicators are already indicating that, at the very least, a significant slowdown is in place.

Compounded by the values of homes decreasing and US consumers facing a liquidity crisis, their financial reaches have been reduced significantly. So we must pause and ask the obvious question: How will tourism-based real estate in Mexico be affected as we enter the current economic slowdown?

THE AFFECT ON MEXICAN REAL ESTATE With a weakened US consumer, México is entering a period where affluent Mexican Nationals, Canadian buyers, and in some markets Europeans, will increase their influence. However, tourism from the US will remain strong increasing the demand for hospitality services. México’s attractiveness to US tourists only continues to increase as the Peso remains affordable, the Euro overwhelms the US dollar, and the cost of flying to Europe or Hawaii becomes more prohibitive.

Second-home buyers in México transition through various phases within a real estate life cycle. For many buyers, purchasing a timeshare or fractional interest is their way of transitioning from being tourists into purchasing a property outright. During the current economic slowdown, some low-end buyers are more likely to invest in time-shares or fractional ownership than full ownership during this recessionary cycle.

With the downtrend in home values in the US, it will be increasingly difficult to attract this low-end demographic to purchase until the market improves.

Through the duration of the US economic downturn, time-shares and fractional ownership will be strategic products that allow for continued capture of historical/traditional US investment. When the US buyer regains liquidity and the dollar regains its strength, this demographic of US buyers will be in a perfect position to purchase condominiums and homes.

COVER FEATURE

by Bruce Greenberg

It is important to distinguish among buyers in “drive-to” markets, such as Puerto Peñasco, Rosarito Beach and San Felipe, and the buyers from the rest of the Mexican tourist markets, or the “fly-to” markets. These drive-to markets cater to a demographic of buyers from the Southwest, with different characteristics from the majority of buyers in the other “fly-to” markets.

In the past growth cycle, Puerto Peñasco and Rosarito Beach both experienced rapid increases in the number of new developments. Since the market peaked in 2006, absorption in these locations has declined significantly, and they are somewhat oversupplied with condominiums. This rapid increase in the number of developments was due to speculation on the part of investors and unsafe real estate practices of developers. These speculators mimicked the condominium trend in Miami, Phoenix and Las Vegas, and allowed developers to continue with projects based on short term demand. Developments that accepted speculators reservations and were never built have created a publicity nightmare for Mexican real estate.

The fly-to markets, in contrast, have a much different dynamic. The most important distinction to be made among the fly-to markets is that they have the most diversity with regard to international buyers, and the most exposure to high-end buyers.

This is extremely relevant in the current cycle. Due to the strength of the Peso, the Euro, the Pound and the Canadian Dollar, these markets can offset the weakness of the US consumer by shifting the marketing focus to other demographics.

In many markets, developers will be competing on price more than any other factor. The effect of this, especially in markets with considerable inventory of product, will be a downward trend, or at the very least, stabilization of prices. However, in order for this to occur, developers will have to accept smaller profit margins on completed projects that are on the market, and proposed projects that are already in the pipeline. Well-established developers with proven track records and name recognition will gain an advantage during a difficult market.

In addition to competitive pricing, projects that offer a wide range of amenities will be a key driver of competition. Once prices have been adjusted to meet the current market, buyers will look to amenities in making their purchase decisions.

Bruce Greenberg of Valuaciones Montana Verde.

They provide market studies and feasibility studies that ensure developers achieve maximum success.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 17

COVER STOR Y

THE COMING U.S. RECESSION

TOLL BOOTH

ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA Pa c i fi c O c e a n

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TOLL BOOTH

Rancho Mision Descanso

18 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

Playas de Rosarito, or Rosarito Beach as it is referred to by non-nationals, is a city in the Mexican state of Baja California and is its own municipality.

It is located between the Pacific Ocean and coastal foothills, just 20 minutes south of the U.S. border in Tijuana and is a popular destination for tourist, snowbirds, and expatriates from the United States.

GETTING TO ROSARITO Toll-Road Directions: Immediately after entering Mexico merge into the right lane and exit at PLAYAS DE TIJUANA ROSARITO. You’ll see the border fence to your right as you travel west.

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

ATM/GETTING CASH Banamex, Bancomer and Bital have 24-hour-a-day ATMs that accept most U.S. bank cards all along the Tijuana - Rosarito Beach - Ensenada corridor. Only pesos are dispensed from these machines. Your account in the U.S. is charged that day’s Peso rate of exchange. Your account will also have about a $3.50 service fee deducted. Bital also has a ATM machine (Pesos only) in the AM/PM 24 hours Pemex Station on south end of Rosarito Beach.

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

Rosarito offers 20 miles of white sandy beaches with endless activities including golfing, surfing, fishing, horse back riding, or relax in spa, ATV riding, visit Fox Studio Baja, or enjoy any of the many nightclubs.

Rosarito is also the host to the third largest bike ride in North America, held twice annually.

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

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

ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA

The State President of the Citizens Public Safety Committee, Lic. Jose Carlos Vizcarra Lomeli, recently explained that Rosarito police Left to right: Adriana Garcia Torres, authorities have, Administrative Assistant; Lic. Ricardo as of late, greatly Moreno Villa, President; Yahaira Yarent Ramírez Leyva, Assistant to the President. improved. “That doesn’t mean their work is finished, on the contrary, there is still much to be accomplished. As citizens, we need to participate by placing complaints concerning abuse of authority, a practice we, as a society, are still very afraid to do,” he explained.

“We must not be satisfied with simply complaining about it. We need to address the problems and place complaints utilizing the proper channels,” he continued, “Many of the arrests of late, have been due

to citizens calling-in to report drug sales, or possible kidnapper’s movements. Calls that citizens have made have helped solve many of our criminal cases.” “(Some) police have earned their reputation as being complicit with criminals, and many of them have been expelled. It is up to us to be vigilant and work with the police and other authorities who are, for the most part, trustworthy and reliable,” he explained.

To that end, Rosarito now has its own Citizens Committee for Public Safety to help residents wade through the bureaucracy of public safety reporting as well as follow-up The newly-elected president of Rosarito’s Committee for Public Safety, Lic. Ricardo Moreno Villla, and six members of the community, most of whom are bilingual, are actively involved in helping residents, with a storefront office located just one block east of the Kontiki bridge, next to a Bimbo bread outlet, and is open Monday – Saturday. Phone if 661-612-7657 for more information. Anonymous numbers for reporting suspicious activity directly to the Mexican military are 686-557-1095, 686-6850297.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 19

R OSAR I TO BEA C H

Rosarito Citizens Committee Helps Residents with Security Issues Photo and words by Carlos Durán

ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Dining & Lodging Guide

Rosarito Beach’s “Vince’s Old Pier Restaurant” Over a decade of the freshest seafood in Rosarito.

Article by Carlos Duran

Nearly twelve years ago I took my mom for Mother’s Day dinner at the fish market/restaurant right next door to the present-day “new” Vince’s Old Pier Restaurant. New, old, guess I’m experiencing a “margarita” flashback.

It was a great culinary experience and have since made it a regular stop, whether to wine and dine visitors, or just stop-in for a relaxing appetizer and margarita.

The menu is mainly seafood, though they also offer a steak with shrimp or lobster. They have two large salt-water tanks where you can choose your own fish or lobster. It doesn’t get any fresher than that!

The bar area features a large screen TV and several tables for cocktails Visiting executives from port of while you wait for your guests and watch Monday Night Football while Long Beach/Los Angeles exploring enjoying one of the best margaritas on the planet. On the ground floor Punta Colonet megaport business is a large dining room with a stage where live music groups perform on occasion. There is also an outdoor terrace for dining, and a great place opportunities. Photo by Carlos Duran for people watching.

Most of the combinations come with a hearty fish soup that leaves you yearning for more. The tortillas are fresh and most plates are accompanied by rice and green salad garnished with a subtle homemade sauce.

Vince’s is located just two blocks north of the Rosarito Beach Hotel on the main drag, Benito Juárez Blvd. The prices are moderate and service is outstanding. I just talked myself into going, see you there.

DINING American Food La Bamba .......................................... 661-100-2560 Coffee & Breakfast Las Brisas Coffee ............................... 661-612-2546 Chinese Dragon Del Mar .................................. 661-612-0604 Costa Azul ......................................... 661-612-1189 Palacio Royal ..................................... 661-612-1412 Hua Mei ............................................. 661-612-5717 French Chabert’s ........................................... 661-612-1111 Le Cousteau....................................... 661-612-2655 Italian Portofino............................................ 661-612-2950 Bobby’s by the Sea ............................ 661-614-1135 Mexican Amigos Cantina.................................. 661-613-2168 Calafia ............................................... 661-614-9815 El Patio .............................................. 661-612-2950 La Cazuela Del Mole ........................... 661-612-2910 Los Arcos ......................................... 661-612-0491 Maria Sabina ...................................... 661-613-1532 Restaurant Azteca .............................. 661-612-1111 The Palm Grill (Puerto Nuevo) ............ 661-614-1203 Pizza Virgilio’s Pizza .................................... 661-612-1210 20 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

Dominos Pizza ................................... 661-612-5920 Steak & Seafood El Nido ............................................... 661-612-1431 La Guerita Restaurant ........................ 661-612-1019 Los Pelicanos .................................... 661-612-1757 Mariscos El Poder .............................. 661-612-5414 Siete Mares ........................................ 661-612-0774 Villa Ortega’s ..................................... 661-614-0706 Vince’s Old Pier ........................... 661-612-1253 Taco Shops El Zurdo ............................................. 661-612-7687 Macho Taco ....................................... 661-613-0630 LODGING RV Park/Parque de RV Baja Season RV Parks ........................ 661-628-6128 Motels/Moteles Camino Inn .........................................661-612.2803 Hotel Costa Azul .......................... 800-800-9632 Grand Baja Resort (Puerto Nuevo) ....................................... 877-315-1002

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List your restaurant, cafe, hotel, motel, campground for only $48 per year. Call today and you can be in the next month - 686-230-9933 Call to list you business., $4 per month (686)230-9933

ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA

left, BC Gov. Osuna Millán, Pres. Felipe Calderón visit port and explain project to media.

During the last few years there had been lots of talk of the possibility of a major port and rail line from Bahía Punta Colonet to transport goods to the U.S. Finally, the many obstacles that seemed, to many, insurmountableGET haveLISTED been resolved TODAY and President Calderón formally announced on August 28th that bids are being accepted for the construction and operation of the port and rail connections to the border.

“This project represents an investment of $50 billion pesos from private investors that are awarded the Concessions, which includes building a port and related infrastructure equivalent in scope to the modernization of The Panama Canal,” President Calderón explained.

The need for additional maritime inter-modal Pacific Rim transport arises as U.S. westcoast ports, such as the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, are at capacity. In addition, the huge supercargo vessels of today cannot even enter those ports. The Punta Colonet port is a deep-water port that would be capable of handling service to those freighters.

The port location is 140 kilometer south of Ensenada that includes port administration, a container terminal with room for 32 freighters as well as one, maybe two, rail lines for transport of containers to the U.S. Construction and operations of the project is expected to generate 83,000 jobs—24,000 during construction and 59,000 for operations—and is estimated to contribute around $500 million dollars annually to the economy.

The rail line options include: Colonet to Mexicali, Yuma, Nogales or El Paso, though each bidder would recommend the most efficient route. There are plans to improve the Ensenada to Punta Colonet highway and to other locations in Northern Baja as well.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 21

R OSAR I TO BEA C H

President Kicks Off Punta Colonet Mega-Port Words and photos by Carlos Duran

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Ensenada Baja California

ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA

south and celebrity named streets running east and west.

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

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

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

Rosarito Ensenada Annual Bike Ride

GETTING TO ENSENADA

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

Taking The Bus from San Diego is another option.

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

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

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

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

LODGING & ACCOMMODATION

Ensenada has the accommodations to meet any level of comfort or amenities. Prices can range depending on the time of year from $30 to $250+ depending on the hotel. The best hotels in Ensenada are located to the north and south of town along the beach and are not within walking distance from downtown shopping and attractions. Taxi and shuttles are available in some locations.1000.

WINERIES

Ensenada sits in the heart of a wine country that is widely regarded as the best in Mexico.

Baja California Wine Country is blessed with some of the most ideal Mediterranean climate for grape growing.

Nearly ninety percent of all Mexican wine grapes are grown in Baja California within 120 miles of the west coast, in three wine-producing areas; San Antonio de las Minas (which includes the Valleys of Guadalupe and Calafia), San Vincente Valley, and Santo Tomás Valley.

California wine connoisseurs are making this a regular trip, complete with tours and tasting, Baja California is producing wines of the same quality and consistency as some of its northern neighbors.

GETTING AROUND TOWN

The healthiest and most personal way is ON FOOT. Ensenada is a great city for getting around on your own energy. Most of the shopping is at sea level and easy to navigate with all numbered streets running north and Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 23

ENSENADA

E

nsenada is the third-largest city in the Mexican state of Baja California. It is located 116 km (about 70 miles) south of the San Diego/Tijuana border crossing. The city had a 2005 census population of 260,075. Ensenada is also the municipal seat of Ensenada. Located in the Bahía de Todos Santos — an inlet of the Pacific Ocean — Ensenada is an important commercial and fishing port as well as a cruise ship stop. The city is backed by small mountain ranges. Due to its location on the Pacific Ocean and Mediterranean latitude, the weather tends to be mild year-round.

ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Dining & Lodging Guide

La Finca de Ensenada:

A Taste of Mexican Lifestyle and Culture

by Lisa Shannon

One simple word sums up this incredible restaurant: atmosphere. The tables are set with elegant tablecloths and silverware, as well as a welcoming glass for your favorite wine. The staff is also pleasant and well-dressed, promising a quality dining experience. Mornings at La Finca are probably the most interesting of all, as business people congregate here for breakfast, socializing jovially with their co-workers before the workday begins.

The parking lot is packed with BMWs, Mercedes, and Nissans, attesting to the fact that a wide range of business people choose La Finca as the backdrop to their morning ritual. While everyone enjoys their ICON Descriptions - Accept Visa/credit cards - Wi-Fi / Internet - Kitchen/Restaurant

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

DINING

Coffee & Breakfast La Casa Antigua

........................ 646-175-7320

Chinese Bamboo Garden .............................. 646-178-2516

Italian Gondolieri Ristorante Italiano ............ 646-174-0976

omelets and steak and eggs, a crew of car washers feverishly details the vehicles in the parking area. The contrast between the frenetic workers outside and the relaxed ambiance of the restaurant’s interior is truly amazing to behold.

Evenings at La Finca are characterized by mellow music, romantic lighting and a fine dining experience.

The most coveted seating is close to the fireplace (most favorable in Ensenada’s winter months), where you can cozy up to a bottle of Guadalupe Valley’s finest wines with someone special. The steaks are exquisite and the service is impeccable.

In addition to providing a wonderful personal dining experience, the restaurant is equipped to handle large parties for dinner conferences or receptions. It is recommended, of course, that large groups call for reservations.

This local establishment defines what a quality dining experience should be. La Finca is located two blocks south of The Corona Hotel on the main boulevard. Call (646) 172-5833 for reservations.

Steak & Seafood El Rey Sol ........................................ 646-178-1601 Las Cazuelas ........................ 646-176-1044 La Finca de Ensenada ...................... 646-172-5833 La Embotelladora Vieja ........ 646-174-0807 La Mansion de Ensenada ..... 646-178-3271 La Vendimia .............................. 638-174-0969 Vince’s Old Pier.......................................................

LODGING

RV Park/Parque de RV Mona Lisa RV Park ........................... 646-177-5100 Popotla R.V. Park .............................. 661-612-1501

Condo / Hotel

Mexican

Bobbys By The Sea

Amigos Cantina..............................(619) 917-5696 Casa Mar Restaurant Bar .................. 646-174-0417 www.restaurantcasamar.com Brisa del Mar ....................... 646-108-4702 Broncos Steakhouse ............. 646-176-4900 Costa Azul ........................... 646-154-2540 Hussong’s Cantina ............... 646-178-3210 La Puerta ............................ 646-178-3637 Haliotis ................................ 646-176-3720 Oxidos Cafe .................................... 646-178-8827 24 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

Motels/Moteles America Motel..............................646-176-1333 Rudis Motel ...........................646-176-3245 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

......................... 661-614-1135

Hotel Best Western El Cid ......................646-178-2401 Corona Hotel .........................646-176-0901 Costa Azul .....................800-800-9632 Grand Baja Resort (Puerto Nuevo) ..................................877-315-1002 Hotel Coral & Marina ....................................................646-175-0000 Hotel La Fonda ..........646-155-0007 San Nicolas Hotel ........................ 646-176-1901 Rentals Baja Rentals ........................ www.BajaCatalina.com

GET LISTED TODAY List your restaurant, cafe, hotel, motel, campground for only $48 per year/ $4 per month. If your business is not listed - YOU ARE LOSING CUSTOMERS. Call today and you can be in the next month.

686-230-9933

ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Are you looking for a career change? Mexico Living is looking for people that love Ensenada.

• Great Income • Strong support team • Work Independently • Meet People

ENSENADA:

We are looking for advertising executives to cover the greater Ensenada area. Great Commissions and bonuses. Must be computer literate, have strong communication skills and legal to work in Mexico, bilingual helpful but not necessary.

sales@mexicoliving.info

686-230-9933

Only call if you are self-motivated, computer literate and legal residence of Mexico (WORKING VISA, FM2, FM3).

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 25

ENSENADA

Casa Del Sol ................................646-178-1570 Cortez..........................................646-178-2307

ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Ensenada’s Bright Future The City by the Bay the federal government has dedicated over US$35 million dollars to this port town for infrastructure development by Steve Dryden

Some things just happen by chance, but great things often happen because visionary leaders lay the foundation for future growth and success. Such is the case for the beautiful seaside port city of Ensenada, in Baja California Norte. The landscape itself is stunning; blessed with a scenic harbor, a pristine coastline, majestic mountains and island views. It’s proximity to the international border, yet it’s pleasant distance away from the border congestion and confusion, makes this charming “city by the bay” a most desirable vacation destination and home for local and international residents. In addition, Ensenada is the gateway to Mexico’s premier wine country, with over twenty high-quality wineries and tasting rooms just twenty minutes away, and offers access to the “real” Baja California south and east of town. It is the entry point to Baja Sur and maintains an important hub that leads to the serene and tranquil village of San Felipe. All in all, Ensenada is the most desirable town south of San Diego, and many people are discovering that it is the place to be for those who love perfect Mediterranean-like weather, an abundance of convenient amenities, safety and security. Furthermore, it has become Mexico’s food and wine capital, with a diverse selection of gourmet culinary businesses.

Ensenada is a close-knit community with the largest population of Ph.D.-educated individuals in Mexico, and there are over fifteen institutions of higher learning within the city limits. Many of the city’s residents have a deep commitment to preserve and improve the quality of life for all its citizens.

One of Ensenada’s visionary leaders is Jorge A. Guevara Escamilla, owner of Excel Constructora of Ensenada and a founding member of Vision 2025.

26 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

His company builds infrastructure for local, municipal, state and federal projects including bridges, highways, water systems, sewage treatment facilities, pavement and earth-moving projects. I spoke with Jorge over wine and salad at Capricho’s gourmet food and wine bar across from the original Hussong’s cantina in downtown Ensenada.

Lately, this elegant wine bar has become a meeting place for town visionaries, planners and promoters who see the challenges and possibilities that appear in the city’s bright future. Everyone seems to agree that Ensenada’s time has come. Guevara Escamilla and other city leaders are making plans and taking direct action in preparation for the coming boom in housing, commercial development, infrastructure creation/repair and tourism development. In addition, the federal government has dedicated over US$35 million dollars to this port town for infrastructure development and for a desalination plant that will produce a minimum of 250 liters of drinkable water per second.

This region’s economy has slowed somewhat, corresponding to the similar downturn in the US financial situation, but Mexico’s economy is strong and moving steadily forward. According to Jorge, “we’ve experienced a slowdown in real estate sales and housing development, but we’re moving forward with infrastructure projects and tourism-related projects. For instance, there are four new bridges being built soon across the riverbed in downtown Ensenada. The bridge on Lopez Mateos Avenue and Castillo will feature a new pedestrian walkway for cruise ship guests and includes viewpoint decks and tourist attractions. Bids are now being accepted for construction of a new desalination plant, which in addition to proving the city with water, will hopefully provide some relief to the water crisis facing Mexico’s wine country in Valle de Guadalupe.

Furthermore, there are four separate contractors that have begun construction of the new four lane road from Ensenada towards San Antonio de las Minas and onwards to Tecate. Bids are being taken for a new by-pass route from central Ensenada to Highway 3 near El Sauzal de Rodriquez. And, we have bids now being taken to build a new four-lane freeway from Ensenada to Puerto Colonet. Of course, everyone knows about the new airport coming to the region

Restaurant Hours Daily 7:30 am - 10:30 pm

ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA

setting the stage for Ensenada’s bright future. Now might be a great time to invest in this area, or at least come and take a look for yourself. Discover the magic of Baja California’s charming seaside port of Ensenada. Some things just happen by chance, but great things happen by planning. It’s there waiting for you, and golden opportunities are abundant!

Steve Dryden is a wine, food and travel writer living in Guadalupe Valley where he guides private and small group wine tours. He can be reached at: sbdryden@ hotmail.com

Mexico 's oldest French restaurant is fine dining at its best in Ensenada . El Rey Sol has been family run since 1947 and has won many awards for their excellent seafood, distinctive international cuisine and impeccable service.

The American Academy of Hospitality Services honors El Rey Sol in 2004, 2005, 2006 & 2007 with it's coveted Five Star Diamond Award.

Meal Prices $9 - $19 ACCEPTED

Avenida Lopez Mateos 1000 Ensenada, 22800 MX Phone: 011-52-646-178-1733 www.ElReySol.com

Lions Clubs bring people together......for friendships...for a better tomorrow - join us.

Turkey Trot - Nov. 2008 SanFelipeBCLionsClub@Gmail.com

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 27

ENSENADA

soon, so things are really moving fast here and we all have great expectations.” Jorge adds, “I just talked to a friend who is now accepting construction bids on a new 300 acre housing project in Ensenada, and several developers are moving forward with plans for residential, retirement and vacation communities in this area.”

Ensenada appears to be the choice for many people seeking a safe and secure location with nearly perfect weather and a close proximity to the international border. City leaders and planners are moving forward with infrastructure improvement projects and are

ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA

28 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

ROSARTIO BEACH & ENSENADA BC MX

YELLOW PAGES GET LISTED TODAY ONLY $4 Dollars: 1-52-686-577-1377 / 1-52-1-686-230-9933

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: 045+Area Code+(Tel #) MX Cell Phone to MX Landline: Area Code+(Tel #)

DIALING 800 NUMBER: 800 DIALING to the US From Mexico (dial 001+) To Dial USA 800 .......................................... dial 880 To Dial USA 866 .......................................... dial 883 To Dial USA 877 .......................................... dial 882 To Dial USA 888 .......................................... dial 881

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

MX 411 (Spanish only).......................................040 Tourist Assistance Hotline ..................................076 Check Time........................................................030 Worldwide Emergency No.for Mobile is ............. 112 Emergencies ......................................................060 Sky Medical (from Mexico).........001-866-805-9624 Tourist Office (Toll Free Mexico) .........01(800) 025-3991 AEROPUERTO/AIRPORT Aeropuerto ........................................ 646-273-1984

Call to list you business., $4 per month.....(686)2309933 RV PARKS See ROSARITO/ENSENADA LODGING GUIDE section Call to list you business., $4 per month.....(686)2309933 MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS ISSSTE ............................................... 646-176-2230 IMSS .................................................. 646-120-7771 Centro de Salud ................................... 646-152-1371 HEALTH SPA La Fonda ............................................(646) 155-0394 INSURANCE Lynda’s Insurance ..............................(686) 577-1622 INTERNET Click On ............................................. (661) 614-0513 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PSN Mexico Professional Services.......(646) 178-8280 Legal/Immigration Assist FM3/FM2/FMT Import documentation www.psnmexico.com

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

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

ELEVATORS/ELEVADORES To The Top Elevators .......................... (661) 614-1434

POSTAL SERVICES Click On ............................................. (661) 614-0513

FISH/PESCADERÍA Vince's Old Peir ................................. (661) 612-1253

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION/EL TRANSPORTE PÚBLICO Terminal de Buses ............................... 646-224-1041

HOTEL/HOTEL See ROSARITO/ENSENADA LODGING GUIDE at the beginning of each city section.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Baja Lending Co. .................................(760) 494-7053

MUSIC/MUSICA Pharmacy Regia & House of Music .....(646) 174-0557 RENTALS/RENTAS See ROSARITO/ENSENADA LODGING GUIDE section REAL ESTATE AGENTS/AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES Nicolas Santos (Rosarito).................... 619-917-5695 REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES Ensenada Remax ...............................(661)-612-1132 RESTAURANTS/RESTAURANTES See ROSARITO/ENSENADA DINING GUIDE section

UTILITIES/EMPRESAS DE SERVICIOS PÚBLICOS CFE ........................ 612-143 0064 or 612-142 0237 TELMEX ............................................. 612-142 0001 CALIGAS............................................. 612-142 0122 WINERY Vinos Fuentes Winery ........................(646) 171-7070

LIST YOUR BUSINESS! ONLY

$4.00

PER MONTH

Call us Today! 686-230-9933 Northwest Mexico Business Directory - 29

ENSENADA

DIALING INSTRUCTIONS:

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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.

co

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Gulfo de Mexico Gulfo de California

DISTANCES SDRIVING AN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA 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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Hwy 5 to Airport, South Campos & Puertocitos Old Road South Campos & Puertocitos

30 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

Marina Resort

www.mexicoliving.info

San Felipe Baja California

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

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.

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.

S

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

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

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

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

GETTING TO SAN FELIPE

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

The San Felipe International Airport has a runway of 4850 feet that is in excellent condition. The available oriented 310° and 130°, coordinates 30°57’ lat. 114°51’ long. The radio control tower operators are bilingual.

WHAT DO I NEED?

A combination of identification documents, such as a U.S. Drivers License and a U.S. Bir th Cer tificate or a valid U.S. passport - PASSPORTS ARE NOT REQUIRED! You do not need a tourist

visa if you visit San Felipe for 72 hours or less. You

THINGS TO DO

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

San Felipe beaches extend north and south for over 50 miles of shoreline to explore. 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.

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

It is home to four highly endangered species including the endemic Gulf of California harbor porpoise or vaquita and the totoaba.

The northern Gulf of California is an area of extreme temperatures, salinity, and tides (23 ft. maximum). Many unique organisms have adapted to these conditions, some with seasonal cycles of abundance.

The Valley of the Giants: The natural reserve of the thousand-year-old Cardon Cactus has become a major attraction after the transport of one of these giant specimens to Seville, Spain for World Expo ‘92. The area has also become a favorite spot for photographers worldwide.

In March of 1991, the three levels of Government and the San Felipe community organized a program of artificial reefs to attract fish and provide better sport fishing.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 31

SAN FEL I PE

photo by John Pack

ATM/GETTING CASH

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Dining & Lodging Guide Armando Tacos - Chicken Flame-Broiled to Perfection

by Benjamin Eugene

San Felipe offers a great variety of dining choices: Mexican cuisine from street carts to fine restaurants, Italian, Chinese, steak and of course great seafood.

If chicken is your dining choice and you want to eat in the comfort of your own home, then one of the best in San Felipe is Armando Tacos – Pollo Asada.

Armando Tacos specializes in flame-broiled chicken and steak, cooked to order and served hot either for take out, or you can have a seat in their small dining area with a cold soda, juice or water; no cervesa sold here. The chicken is seasoned to perfection and served with boiled beans, corn or flour tortillas that they make themselves and serve fresh and hot, and a fresh green salad with a vinaigrette

DINING

American

Los Arcos ......................... 686-577-2585 . ...................

Jimmy’s Beach Bar & Grill 686-576-0454 ........ 686-151-8002 Java Jitters BC Bistro Blowin’ Smoke BBQ ........................ 686-576-0710 see ad pg 35 Burgers Baja Burger .................................... 686-577-2465 Coffee & Breakfast Baja Java .......................... 686-577-2465 Mexican Beach Bar & Grill . .......... 686-576-0454 .............................. 686-577-1057 George’s ...... 686-200-4083 La Palapa Bar & Grill Mi Casa es Tu Casa.......................... 686-577-1495 Rancho Alegre ............................ 686-576-0648 Rice & Beans ..................... ......... 686-577-1770 see ad pg 33............... 686-577-1903 Rosita ........................ 686-577-2648 Taco Factory Pizza Fatboy’s ........................................... 686-577-4092 Los Arcos - Happy Jackass ............. 686-577-2585 Popeye’s Pizza ................................. 686-577-1122 Rabbit Pizza Delivery ........................ 686-577-0987 32 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

dressing. Of course, if you’re taking it home you can hold the dressing for your favorite ranch or blue cheese pulled cold from your own refrigerator. The meals also come with diced cucumbers, radishes and if you ask, grilled scallions.

Every Tuesday, they offer their especial which is a chicken and a half, for only $10. The especial is one full chicken on the bone, grilled to order and an additional boneless half chicken with mild seasoning.

If you enjoy grilled chicken, then you owe it to yourself to stop into Armando Tacos and try their especial. You’ll savor the favor of their chicken and the best part is for only $10, you’ll get enough for several meals.

Armando Tacos – Pollo Asada is located on Chetumal (the main road heading into town) on the left side, just past the power station if you’re heading towards the traffic circle.

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

Spanish Miguel & Paco

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

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

Steak & Seafood Backstreet Patio Grill ............ 686-577-1580 ........... 686-573-0202 Baja Mar Steak House Green House .................................... 686-181-6358 ....................................... 686-577-1028 El Nido ...................686-200-4059 Juanito’s Grill ............ 686-577-2837 La Vaquita Restaurant .......... 686-577-2540 Lighthouse Restaurant

Los Arcos

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

Fine Dining Baja Mar Restaurant Pavillion Restaurant

686-577-2648 . 686-577-0022

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

LODGING

RV Park/Parque de RV Club de Pesca .................................. 686-577-1180 Rentals Baja Bill's Property Managment ........ 686-577-4014 Casey’s Place ................................ 686-577-1431

Property Management / Condo & Home Rentals Providing Rental income For homeowners since 1997 6,000 satisfied clients per year sun@hughes.net 577-1431 / 310 862-4928 www.SanFelipe.bz

Rancho del Sol

............. 686-231-4921

Redwagon Enterprises Services ........686-576-0081

Seaside Shangri-La Apartment ..........686-577-1573 Continued on next page

Hwy. 5 Km 178,

686-576-0710

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Mar de Cortez at the end of “El Malecon�

686-577-1903

We Welcome Visa & Mastercard Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 33

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Coming Soon!

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

La Perla del Mar

A San Felipe Family Develops an Small Exclusive Community at South Beach.

Rendering of La Perla del Mar clubhouse and pool of their private cove.

It was a little over four years ago that Andrew Wehe stumbled upon the sandy beaches of La Perla del Mar. Having grown up with San Felipe as his second home he knew all the many wonders that it has to offer, and wanted to share them with others.

So, when the prospect of developing a community in South Beach presented itself he jumped at the opportunity, and brought his family along.

Feeling such love for this land and its people is really where the Wehes inspiration for La Perla del Mar began. With a little over 12 acres of prime

beachfront property La Perla del Mar’s 39 lots are uniquely exclusive. Situated on a majestic private cove just minutes south of downtown, you are so close to everything yet feel so far away.

The comforts of home surround you in La Perla del Mar, with a community area that will includes clubhouse, swimming pool with swim-up bar, botanical gardens, lounging areas, and barbecues.

Not to mention that each lot comes with underground electricity, potable water, and sewer hookups. And beach access is centrally located for all La Perla homeowners.

It is of great importance to the Wehes that they provide La Perla’s homeowners with a sense of security. That is why they offer you the option to acquire Stewart Title Insurance to secure the purchase of your property. Also, La Perla is a private, gated community with onsite 24 hour security, allowing you to rest assured that you and your home are safe.

“We personally invite you to come view our beautiful beach & meet our friendly La Perla family.”—The Wehe’s Motels/Hotel .................................. 686-577-1303 El Capitan Posada del Sol ................................. 686-577-1727 ............................... 686-576-0276 Baja Palms ........................ 686-577-1702 Costa Azul ............... 686-577-1055 El Cortez .................................. 686-577-1970 Goerge’s ................. 686-577-0080 Hacienda Don Jesus ..................686-577-0483 Langosta Roja ............................. 686-577-1333 Las Palmas ..................... 686-577-1185 Riviera Hotel ........................... 686-577-1608 San Felipe Inn ..................... 686-577-0745 Su Casa Elegante ................... 686-577-1569 Marina Resort

34 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

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SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 35

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

36 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

AN AMERICAN IN BAJA [A new monthly column on the characters that weave the tapestry of life in Baja California]

The words that follow are not “The Great American Novel.” I am no Hemingway, folks. These are observations, vignettes, and moments from a brain slightly addled by today’s spectacular sunrise.

Included here are far more questions than answers and far more silliness than brilliant truisms.

It was that damn bus trip. It was the promise of two days in San Felipe, Mexico, free burritos and margaritas and an overnight away from removing the ticky-tacky wallpaper put up at home by the former owner.

Excuse me, but when did Home Depot start selling “super-glue” as a wall adhesive? But I digress. Ah, yes, the bus trip. It was a sunny, windy morning at the San Diego Airport when a nice looking fellow, clipboard in hand (which always says to me that this guy must know something I don’t), asked if we were going to El Dorado Ranch.

Where? I told him our name and asked if we were on his list. Affirmative. With no back-up plans, we got on and got comfortably settled in our seats.

I reminded Dan, my husband, that as a former Realtor, I knew something about the set-up. Some Realtors would schmooze us, soften us up with food and drink, then try to sell us acres and acres of worthless land where we would get bitten by snakes, die and be eaten by coyotes. “WE’LL NEVER SEE OUR CHILDREN AGAIN!” So, here’s my plan. First thing we tell these guys is we’re not buying anything. We’ll offer up some scintillating conversation in exchange for their hospitality, but WE’RE NOT BUYING ANYTHING. It’s a beautiful half-acre.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 37

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By Audrey Coffman

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

38 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Dr. Jason: An Orthodontic San Felipe Family Dr. Jason Arias has been practicing dentistry for 12 years.

Since 2002, he and his wife, Dr. Lexa Paola Rey G., who also specializes in orthodontics, have been working in San Felipe. Initially they only came to San Felipe once a month to provide orthodontic and orthopedic treatments. But by 2006, their work was increasing and they had to start making more frequent trips. They decided to establish their own office in San Felipe and offer a full line of dental services.

Dr. Jason Arias began his career in dentistry at UABC in Mexicali, with the specialty of orthodontics and prosthetics, and in Guadalajara at the National

Institute of Orthodontics and Orthopedics Maxilar (the bones that form the jaw).

Today, they offer general dentistry work, including cleaning, extractions, bleaching, fixed bridges, crowns, and removable partials, in addition to orthodontic treatments (BRAC).

In Mexico, dentistry is of the highest standard, yet it costs only a fraction of what it would cost in the United States. Even with these lower rates, Dr. Jason Arias offers a payment plan on treatments of general dentistry, depending on the work that is requested. Plans of 12 to 24 monthly payments are offered on orthodontic treatments.

Dr. Jason Arias’s office is located in downtown San Felipe, off Mar Caribe Sur at Ensenada. Their office hours are Monday through Friday, 9AM - 1PM and 3PM - 6:30PM, and on Saturday, 9AM – 1PM by appointment.

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by Benjamin Eugene

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 39

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

40 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Since ZAPP (the Zero Additional PUP-ulation Project) started doing spay and neuter clinics twice a month, the local Mexican community has really gotten onboard with our program. Every two weeks, the “Shout Out” Cars spend six hours inviting the public to bring their pets to the weekend event. We’ve noticed as Steven Forman many as 90-95% of the folks bringing in the street dogs and cats, as well as their own pets, are from the local neighborhoods.

The best part, aside from the fact, that we are successfully “halting” the dog and cat population explosion in San Felipe, is that these dogs will ultimately live longer healthier lives, as a result of sterilization— less dogs hit on the road by speeding cars, because they no longer chase female scent, and females who have had litter after litter are lining up to thank us for the work we do! Since January ZAPP clinics have fixed 656 dogs, cats, puppies and kittens.

Education thru exposure and repetition is extremely powerful, and the results make our program feel

extremely successful and we’re very validated. Rosarito Beach has the benefit of Sunny Benedict and the Baja Animal Sanctuary which has been working diligently for years, and Ensenada has a new group I’m told called “4 Patas”, or Four Paws. “Por Gente los Animales” out of Mexicali is at work and active, as well as the “Give Some Life Foundation” in Tijuana.

These grass root volunteer run organizations need all the support they can get, so if you’re a “closet” animal advocate and live in any of these cities and towns, now’s your chance to “come out” and step up. There are many ways to help!

ZAPP Spay/Neuter Clinics in San Felipe are scheduled for October 11th & 25th, November 8th & 22nd, and the last clinic of the year will be held on December 13th. Our clinics are run under the direction of Dr. Antonio Solis, a Surgical Professor from the University of Baja Veterinary School, and clinics are held at Conalep School on Manzanillo in San Felipe. Surgeons work on collapsible ironing boards, and clinics are staffed by volunteers.

If you are involved in a humane rescue effort or spay/ neuter project in Northwest Mexico, please contact me at bajaanimalrescue@yahoo.com so we can give you the support and exposure you need to help you get the near impossible job done in your community.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 41

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Street Dogs and Pets Experience the Benefits of Spaying & Neutering! by Steven Forman

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

42 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

Centavo’s Two Cents

October... the month of change: No longer on the American East Coast, I find myself longing for the colors of the leaves, apple cider, my favorite sweater, and Halloween.

As kids, we would carry home pillow cases of wrapped candy and spend the end of the evening sorting it all out. A good solid chocolate bar was pure Gold, and we were lucky to get a dozen or so of those.

Our diminutive town would section off store front windows, and a contest would be held to see which Halloween painting (by age group) merited an award.

Witches, pumpkins, black cats, owls, haunted mansions, ghosts, silhouette trees, and various moons invaded our town of every size, description and interpretation. I painted with childlike delight, as did every contestant, hoping for a prize or ribbon. When we were driven down the main street of our town, we could see the spectacular results during the day or at night! We loved the moons. Few of the painters left out this most important element.

A few weeks ago, I settled into a great Baja Nap on my front porch in the late afternoon. It had cooled down quite a bit and the breeze made me chuckle

about my real estate choice.

No doubt I was still smilin’ as I drifted off into what I call.....

San Felipe Bliss!!!

I was graciously left in my comfortable pillowed lounge chair, and eventually woke up to a dark sky with a colossal.....”What is going on?”... Ruby Moon!

The Star Wars theme played in my head. (They had several moons on that planet.) I sat up perplexed..... Sixties flashback?......no...

Red Moon! “Hey there is a huge red moon out here. You gotta see this!”..(I called my neighbor Marge too.) “Marge... Red Moon. In the sky.

Look!!”

Marge was kindly impressed. She had seen many a moon like that in the San Felipe skies. So, the world wasn’t ending? The soaring Star Wars music in my head pinched out a few chords through my nose, and dwindled down to something that sounded like a kazoo.

Fine then. This moon thing happens here. But how?

Here are the basics. White light from the sun is a mixture of all the colors. When a ray of white light passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, just grazing it, molecules and aerosols in the air scatter blue light making the sky blue. The remaining reddish light is bent, refracted into the Earth’s umbral shadow zone.

As our planet casts a long shadow twice a month, the moon passes directly through it. This gives the moon a coppery or reddish glow. What you are really seeing is every sunrise and sunset on Earth all at once.

There is no other real estate in the world that I would rather be retired in.

GEEZ.....if I had only thought of painting my Halloween moon.....red... I might have been a winner.

SWEITZER CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COMPANY BJ Sweitzer Consultant Carlos Mora Contractor Golfo de Cadiz #281,

VOTED BEST San Felipe, B.C. SAN FELIPE P.O. Box 9019, PMB 94, CONTRACTOR 2007 Calexico, CA 92232

Phone: 577-0195 USA: 011-52-686-577-0195 Email: bejota10@aol.com Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 43

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SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Columnist

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

Redwagon Property Management

San Felipe-based company provides homeowners a complete range of services.

by Lisa Shannon

Redwagon was founded in 1999 by Pam Pastore and has been attending to homeowners’ needs ever since. Pam has over 12 years of experience in property management and home care, and recognized a need in San Felipe. This San Felipebased company provides homeowners a complete range of services, from managing their property to selling their home, as well as marketing the property for rental and maintaining all the services associated with that rental. A dedicated team of professionals, Redwagon is able to provide the best possible services at very reasonable rates.

Property management includes a variety of services. Pam or Barbi will personally pay owner

44 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

utility bills while they are out of town, coordinate with gardeners to keep the property clean of debris and landscape maintained, as well as handle rent payments and/or collection in the event a home is rented. In addition, they inspect vacant properties each week, oversee repairs needed to the home, and report all activity to the homeowner. Redwagon’s housecleaning team will perform any kind of cleaning necessary. They do all the leg work, so owners can rest easy knowing that their San Felipe home is in good care.

Redwagon maintains a list of local properties for rent, both long- and short-term, to accommodate the needs of travelers and residents. Managing these properties is their specialty, making the vacation or rental home-hunting a smooth transaction.

Visit them online at www. sanfelipepropertyservices.com or call (686) 5760081. Ask for Pam or Barbi. You can also visit www.sandollarcondotels.com to see beachfront condos they offer for rent.

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

San Felipe Management Services

Sixty-five years of combined management experience helps build dream homes.

San Felipe Management Services is the result of sixtyfive years in managing people and projects for partners Kristy Deegan and Kristy Deegan and Stan Shifflet in Stan Shifflet.

In May of front of their Playa de Oro offices.

2005, they launched the San Felipe Management Service. The SFMS team consists of the owner, the architect, the contractor, the legal team, the interior designer, the finishing contractor, and the building inspector.

San Felipe had a need for a professional construction management company to be the eyes, ears, and voice for absentee owners during construction. Many fall in love with the area, and buy a piece of Baja, but then what? This is where San

Felipe Management Services comes in. “People hire us for peace of mind,” says Kristy.

Kristy and Stan have developed detailed processes and procedures that bring the team together in two phases: Phase I converts the owners’ dreams into drawings that meet their cost and schedule goals and comply with all developer and government regulations.

In Phase II, team members oversee the construction, provide detailed reports and pictures of the progress (via a website), resolve issues and concerns among team members, control payments to the contractor, and ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. They monitor the payment of social security and withhold final payment to the contractor until the Letter of Liberation is in hand—a worry free experience.

San Felipe Management Service is increasingly involved in managing custom homes, homes for developments, managing commercial projects, and inspecting homes for lending agencies. Kristy and Stan call San Felipe home and they want you to do the same.

Baja Lending Company • • • • • •

#1 Mortgage Broker on the Baja Competitive interest rates 6 major international financial institutions Construction loans Purchase money loans Refinance loans

Baja Closing & Escrow Services • • •

Protecting your real estate transaction From Contract, Closing, Fideicomiso, & Disbursements Our 3rd party oversight insures that funds are disbursed correctly

MX 011-52-686-576-0653 US 760-494-7053 & Fax 888-875-946

info@BajaClosingservices.com - info@BajaLendingCo.com

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 45

SAN FEL I PE

by Benjamin Eugene

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

WHEN EX & SUCCES

SMR

DEVELOPERS TM

46 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

VOTED SAN FELIPE’S 2007 READERS POLL

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

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XPERIENCE, QUALITY SS MATTER...

OF PLAYA DE ORO S BEST DEVELOPMENT

L

Hwy 5 Km. 178 San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico Sales Office 011-52-686-576-0223 USA 888-433-5473 Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 47

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

SeaMexico Realty Makes Living The Good Life Easy

Their New Project Playa San Rafael is Safe Secure and Affordable with amazing conveniences to brokers, agents and buyers.

by Carlos Duran “Safe, Secure, and Affordable” are words that brokers TM dream about when touting investments in Baja California’s residential resort communities. Playa de Oro and Playa San Rafael seaside developments in San Felipe boast these essential qualities. The two communities, led by Bruce

SMR

Parkman and Randall Bolster, are developments of Parkstrong Management and Development (PMD), which has over twenty years experience, and are sold exclusively through San Felipebased SeaMexico Realty.

“We provide true ownership, resort-class pools and restaurants, as well as USA Title Insurance and underground utilities, in a safe gated community,” says Randy, “which is why Playa de Oro is only a couple of lots away from being completely sold out.”

The man behind Playa de Oro, Bruce Parkman, is a genuine pioneer when it comes to resort developments for American and Canadian clients looking for “a little place for the weekend or a lifetime, and in the low $200’s for land and home.”

Bruce began in 1988, when National Penn 48 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

Company still owned El Dorado Ranch, arguably the largest development in Mexico. “They were just starting their program and were just talking about what they were going to do.”

Back before the turn of the century, Bruce recalls that “most of the property was owned by ejidos (Mexican land co-ops). We would lease it from them, and it was large parcels. It was impossible to get a small parcel for a sub-division. Nevertheless, we had people who wanted to buy. The only thing

we could sell in those days was the San Francisco development, the Hacienda development, and some lots in town. I thought that if we had a good subdivision, Americans would buy it – if we could make it safe and secure.” There are those two magical words again: safe and secure. Bruce added the last one – affordable.

“We ran a real estate company until 1999. During the first years, 1994-95, we had a huge demand for property, but there was none,” says Bruce. That’s when he started looking around. Before 1993, a non-national could not own developments, so when Mexico changed the law and created trust ownership

(fideicomiso) so that foreigners could own outright, in 1994 he formed the very first real estate corporation owned by a non-national in Mexico.

In an interview he recalls, “We had a man here from the real estate control department in Mexico City. He had a map of all the lots on the north side of

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

courts, horseshoe, a bocce ball court, and possibly a putting area for kids and teens.”

Brokers and Realtors are invited to “come down to visit the communities in either our stretch Hummer or in Greg’s private plane. There is no cost, no pressure; simply to do due diligence on the properties.”

San Felipe, but Playa de Oro was the only property that showed all of the individual lots. So I asked him why Playa de Oro was the only development to show all the lots, and he said that Playa de Oro was well-known in Mexico City, because it was the only development 100% owned by a non-national who is legally approved to transfer title to non-nationals—in all of Mexico.”

But Bruce didn’t stop there. PMD is now developing larger lots at Playa San Rafael, just a halfmile north of Playa de Oro. SeaMexico Realty is also the exclusive sales arm of that operation. “It seems people wanted bigger lots,” he tells us, “so that’s what we’ve done. We have 330 plus lots over there and we’ve sold about 60 in pre-sales.”

Greg Anderson, Sales Manager at SeaMexico Realty, mentioned that other developments in town are greatly reducing their building activity, even though the city of San Felipe is demonstrating their optimism by installing infrastructure to encourage development.

Playa San Rafael is taking advantage of this by continuing development during the summer and the economic downturn. He added, “Now is definitely the best time to invest in Playa San Rafael.”

“As a residential resort community, Playa San Rafael will have bigger lots, paved roads, and the only true ‘resort pools.’ We’ll also be terracing the front five rows of lots toward the beach side, which will give each of the rows an elevation change from the lots in front, so that there will be fantastic views available even from lots further back from the sea,” explained Randall Bolster of SeaMexico Realty.

He adds, “The Recreation Center will be run by an experienced fitness company and provide modern state-of-the-art equipment and training. The plans also include a massage and beauty center, tennis

You can visit Playa San Rafael in north San Felipe off Mexico 5 at KM 178. You can contact SeaMexico Realty’s sales office in Mexico at 011-52-686-5760223, or from the United States at 888-433-5473.

We are online at http://www.mexico-real-estate.us or http://www.mexico-real-estate.us/PlayaSanRafael. htm. C’mon down!

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 49

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SeaMexico Realty makes getting there easy and comfortable too. Above Sale Manager and pilot Greg Anderson stands on the beach at Playa San Rafael with their new H2 Hummer Limo and with their plane in bottom right.

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA

SUNRUNNER

MAIL CENTER

• • • • • • •

New owners: Internet Ron & Susie Stephens Copy Same Great Service Fax Same Great Price US Mailing Address Shipping Forwarding KM 178.5, Stamps Plaza Paraiso, San Felipe Envelopes

MENS

T-Shirts Tanks

LADIES

T-Shirts Tanks 3/4 Sleeve

  

Available at Sunrunner

686-147-6752

50 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

SAN FELIPE BC MX

YE LLOW PA GES DIALING INSTRUCTIONS: See Rosarito / Ensenada Yellow Pages.

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

Bar Miramar ..................................(686) 577-1192 Pool tables, Entertainment, And FREE WIFI Beach Bar & Grill . ............(686) 576-0454 V Lounge ............................................(707) 237-1906 Fandango’s ....................................(686) 577-0060 Los Arcos - Happy Jackass ...........(686) 577-2585 BEAUTY SALONS/SALONES DE BELLEZA

Hair By Nancy .......................................... (686) 573-2352 Lilly Ana’s Day Spot ................................. (686) 577-6253 BUILDING MATERIALS/MATERIALES DE CONTRUCCIÓN El Dorado Construction Materials ........... (686) 576-0317 Plumbing & Hardware Open 7 Days a week Located at KM 179 across from new Pemex station Pro-Construction....................................... (686)576-0430 Building Materials, Plumbing, Paint supplies Brick Block, Wood,, & Hardware. Delivery Services Call us!

Maderas de San Felipe ............................. (686) 577-1515

BBBS, Inc. ..........................................(866) 329-8009

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ALARMS/ALARMAS Del Desierto ........................................(686) 577-1486 ARCHITECT/ARQUITECTO Freddy Hernandez ...............................(686) 946-7897 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) 576-0661

CATERING

Java Jitters ...............................................(686) 114 7735

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

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 BANK/BANCO BBVA Bancomer ...............................(686) 577-2224

CHURCH

Mission San Felipe .....................................686- 577-0877

Silvia Elizabeth Urbea, Preferred Customer’s Unit Ext. 13

BANDS/BANDAS Agave Blues ........................................(686) 184-9237 Backstreet Patio Grill

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

Northwest Mexico Business Directory - 51

CONNECTING THOUSAND PEOPLE MONTHLY WITH SMART BUSINESS THROUGHOUT CITY SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE LA CIUDAD

District Attorney’s .................................... (686) 577-1110 Mayors Office .......................................... (686) 577-1021

DENTIST/DENTISTA Consultorio Dental Y de Ortodoncia ....(686) 577-6212

COFFEE & TEA/CAFÉ Y TE

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

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

COMPUTER SERVICES

Soluciones Integrales en Computacions.... (686) 577-2370

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE CONSTRUCCIÓN

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

BJ Sweitzer Constrcution Management ..... (686) 202-1208

SWEITZER CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COMPANY BJ Sweitzer Consultant Carlos Mora Contractor

Phone: 577-0195 USA: 011-52-686-577-0195 Email: bejota10@aol.com Perez Construction ................................... (686) 576-0650 CONSULTING-THERAPY/CONSULTA TERAPÉUTICA Inner Connection ...................................... (686) 202-1208

DELI

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 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 DISCOUNT STORE El Cheap-O............................................ 686-577-6263 DOCTORS/DOCTORES Dr. Victor Abasolo .(686) 577-1706 or (686) 573-0174 ENTERTAINMENT/ENTRETENIMIENTO Name That Tune - Denny Flannigan......(686) 576-1683 The Singout Sisters & Chuey (Karaoke)(686) 576-0047

Sand & Sea Market & Deli ...........................686-577-3168 SunDance Deli .......................................... (686)576-0369

EVENT SERVICES/SERVICIOS ACONTECIMIENTO Produciones Baja ................................(686) 576-1683

DENTIST/DENTISTA

FIRE DEPT/DEPT. DE BOMBEROS Fire Dept ............................................... 686-577-1182

California Dental Spa ................................ (686) 577-0708 Dr. Felix Rodriguez .................................... (686) 577-1919

GET LISTED TODAY

List your restaurant, cafe, hotel, motel, campground for only $48 per year. Call today and you can be in the next month.

686-230-9933 52 - Northwest Mexico’s Smart Yellow Pages

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

NORTT

THWEST MEXICO - AND GROWING! GET LISTED TODAY 1-52-686-577-1377 / 1-52-1-686-230-9933 MexQuest Mortgage Corp.................... (686) 211-9520

San Felipe Home Builders ....................(686) 577-0050

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

GENERAL CONTRACTOR/CONTRATISTA GENERAL

HOME IMPROVEMENTS/MEJORAMIENTO CASERO Baja Home Improvement .....................(686) 222-4507 Tropical Home Improvement ................(686) 577-0041

California Real Estate & Construction.........(686) 576-0420 Oscar Parra .............................................. (686) 163-6514

HOSPITAL Hospital San Felipe ............................... 686-577-0117 ..................... or call 686-569-3019 or 686-212-1672

GLASS SHOP & GARAGE DOORS/VIDRIERA Y PUERTAS DE GARAGE Ka-Va Hermanos .................................(686) 147-3145

HOTEL/MOTEL - See Lodging Guide Section at beginning of each city section.

GOLF/GOLF Kelly’s Golf Range & Snack Bar ...........(686) 576-0094 Las Caras de Mexico ...........................(686) 576-0517 GRAPHIC DESIGN/DISEÑO GRÁFICO GreetScape ........................................... 686-188-2393 GYNECOLOGIST/GINECÓLOGO Annel Becerra Prado............................(686) 577-6350 See story and ad on pages 30 & 31 HEALTH & BEAUTY/SALUD Y BELLEZA Sea Star .............................................. (686) 577-6250 USANA Health Sciences ......................(686) 116-3982 Call Beth for all your supplemental needs like: nutritional supplements, skin care products, ask about RESET. elisabethan236@uasna.com 686-116-3962 HEALTH & FITNESS/SALUD Y EJERCICIO KenSue Martial Arts .............................. 686-577-6023 Excerise, Taewaonndo, Mixed Martial Arts Sqatts Gym ........................................... 686-125-1555

IMPORT SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE IMPORTACIÓN San Felipe Storage Company ............... (686) 576-0432 INSURANCE Alani’s Mexican Insurance ...................(686) 577-2464

DRIVER LICENSE INSURANCE • • • • Mail - YET MAIL 277 •

AUT O / AUT OS HOUSE / CASA BOAT S/ E MBAR CACIONE S COMME R CIAL / NE G OCIOS segurosalanis@prodigy.net.mx

SAN FEL I PE

FURNITURE/MUEBLERÍA Baja Nueva..........................................(686) 187-7795 Muebles Coloniales Rosy ....................(686) 577-1214

HOME CLEANING/LIMPIEZA DE CASAS Redwagon Proerty Management .......... (686) 576-0081

(686) 577-2464 or FAX (686) 577-2116 Lynda’s Insurance ...............................(686) 577-1622 INTERIOR DESIGN/DISEÑO INTERIOR Baja Nueva..........................................(686) 211-4676 INTERNET CAFE/CAFE DE INTERNET Java Cafe Internet ...............................(686) 577-1833

HOME BUILDERS/CONTRATISTAS BC Homes ..........................................(686) 569-3730 www.bajahomes.com.mx, riccardo@bajahomes.com.mx California Real Estate & Construction...(686) 576-0420 HouSing ..............................................(686) 577-0810 Manuel Pacheo ...................................(686) 577-0745 Contractor-builder building to American standards for 20 years contact Robert Brittain at Su Casa Elegante USA (760) 477-5963 Perez Construction ..............................(686) 236-4927

The Net ...............................................(686) 577-1600 LANDSCAPING/JARDINERÍA Mauricio’s Lanscaping ........................(686) 151-8002 Prestige Landscape .......................... ((686) 170-8651 and Maintenance Your Paradise...My Passion

Call Today! 686-230-9933 PMD Developments.............................(638) 105-9182 Quartermoon Construction .................(686) 228-7480

Get Listed!

Northwest Mexico Business Directory - 53

CONNECTING THOUSAND PEOPLE MONTHLY WITH SMART BUSINESS THROUGHOUT Versoleil .............................................. (686) 576-0664

OPTOMETRISTS/OPTHAMOLOGISTS California Optical .................................(686) 577-0708 OpticaMaxi Vision .............................. (686) 577-0320

PAINT/PINTURA John B. Ross ........................................ 686-109-9544 PHARMACY/FARMACIA Santa Fe Pharmacy ............................(686) 576-0546 LAUNDRY SERVICE/LAVANDERÍA Wash Tub............................................ (686) 577-2001 LIFEGUARD/SALVAVIDAS San Felipe Lifeguards ..........................(686) 233-7730 Ask for Franscio LIQUOR/LICORERÍA Tecate Six - Julio .................................(686) 119-0030 LOCKSMITH/CERRAJERO Gomez Locksmith ............................... (686) 221-8337 24 HR Service, Professional Service. Homes, Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, English Spoken POSTAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS POSTALES Yetmail ................................................ (686) 577-1255

Botica “Sagrado Corazon” ...................(686) 577-1294 PHOTOGRAPHY/FOTOGRAFÍA Casey Hamlin.com ..............................(686) 577-1431 Francisco Romo ..................................(686) 577-1193

POSTAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS POSTALES Sandollar ............................................ (686) 577-3168 SunRunner Mail Center ........................ (686) 147-6752 MASSAGE/MASAJE Casey’s Place (Massage) ....................(686) 577-1431 Ron Saunders .....................................(686) 576-0007

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

MEAT MARKET/CARNICERÍA La Vaquita II ........................................(686) 577-1718 MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS Ambulance..........................................(686) 577-0500 Health Center ..................................... (686) 577-1521 Red Cross ...........................................(686) 577-1544 San Felipe Hospital ..............................(686) 577-0117

54 - Northwest Mexico’s Smart Yellow Pages

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

NORTT

THWEST MEXICO - AND GROWING! GET LISTED TODAY 1-52-686-577-1377 / 1-52-1-686-230-9933 Victor Rodriguez Ratliff ........................(686) 573-0222 POLICE/POLICÍA Federal Preventive Police ....................(686) 577-1045 Police ................................................(686) 577-1134 PRINTERS/IMPRESORAS Papeleria Copicentro ...........................(686) 577-1402 The Print Supplier ................................(686) 230-9933 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE PROPIEDADES Baja Bill’s Property Management .........(686) 577-4014 Casey’s Place .....................................(686) 577-1431 Enjoy Baja...........................................(686) 576-0697

ROOFING/TECHOS San Felipe Professional Roofing ...........(686) 590-6818 SAILING/NAVEGACIÓN Sail San Felipe - Felipe......................... (686) 114-3259 SATELLITE TELEVISION & INTERNET/TELEVISION SATELITALES Y INTERNET CSI Computer-Satellite-Installation............686-577-2928

Computer & Satellite Installation • Dish Network TV • Satellite Internet

686-577-2928

• Computers • DVD Rentals

shane@csibaja.com

SHOPPING MALL/CENTRO DE COMPRAS La Plazita ............................................(686) 577-2119

Redwagon Enterprises.........................(686) 576-0081 PUBLICATIONS/PUBLICACIONES Gringo Gazette .................................... (686) 111-3692 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 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 Desert Mother .....................................(686) 577-2552 Desert Realty ......................................(686) 577-6336

TATTOOING/TATUAJES Baja Ink Spot Tattoo & Body Piercing ...(686) 577-2538

SAN FEL I PE

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

TIRE SHOP/lLANTERA Llantera Aguilar ...................................(686) 192-8462 TRANSLATION/TRADUCCIÓN Carlota Villagran B ...............................(686) 212-9951 TRANSPORTATION/TRANSPORTACIÓN Airport ................................................(686) 577-1368 Taxi Service ........................................(686) 577-1293 Bus Station ........................................(686) 577-1516 UTILITIES/EMPRESAS DE SERVICIOS PÚBLICOS

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

VETERINARY/VETERINARIO Hospital Animal ...................................(686) 577-1688 PETS ..................................................(686) 577-2155 Enjoy Baja...........................................(686) 576-0697 Sea Mexico Realtiy (SMR) ...................(686) 576-0223

WASTE MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE DESHECHO San Felipe Disposal .............................(686) 121-1004

REAL ESTATE SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE BIENES RAÍCES Baja Lending Co. ................................... 686-576-0653

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

RECREATION/RECREACIÓN San Felipe Sailing-Sailing Lessons .......(686) 114-3259 Aerodynamic - Ultralight flights ...........(686) 116-2933

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

Northwest Mexico Business Directory - 55

PUERTO PEÑASCO , SONORA DRIVING DISTANCES

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

56 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

Puerto Peñasco Sonora

Mexico Living Contact Information Penasco Office 638-388-5004 Mex Cell (from states) 011-521-638-113-4591 Associate Publisher Russ Black - russ@mexicoliving.info Associate Editor Naomi Black - penascoeditor@mexicoliving.info

Puerto PeĂąasco Sonora

PUERTO PEĂ‘ASCO , SONORA

areas, known in parts as La Mirador, Playa del Oro and then Las Conchas, an area of beachfront and nearbeach condos, homes and time-shares.

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

GETTING TO PUERTO PEĂ‘ASCO

PUERTO PEĂ‘ASCO SONORA MEXICO Puerto PeĂąasco, 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 CortĂŠz), the town is known for its fishing and tourism industries.

It is a popular destination for tourists, particularly those from Arizona, for Puerto PeĂąasco is nearest beach.

This is why it is such a popular Spring Break destination with students from Arizona, New Mexico, and California.

Puerto PeĂąasco is located in the ‘free zone’ where tourists are not required currently to obtain immigration papers in order to visit. Puerto PeĂąasco marina has new fuel docks and other boat-related developments as part of the country’s Escala Nautica (Nautical Ladder) efforts, which call for a chain of ‘tourist-class’ marinas sprinkled up and down the Baja coast in an effort to promote nautical tourism.

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

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 Sonoraâ€? vehicle checkpoint, visitors to the state will no longer have to obtain a car permit in order to travel south of Nogales. Puerto PeĂąasco From Phoenix west on I-10 to State Route 85, southbound on SR 85 to Gila Bend.

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

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

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

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

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

KAYAK ROCKY POINT 'EQ(TKGPFN[ YC[ VQ 'ZRNQTG 2JQVQITCRJ (KUJ 'ZGTEKUG

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KAYAK RENTALS, SALES & TOURS CONTACT: LOCAL CELL 638.103.2038 OR TOLL FREE 866-687-2510 %QOG UGG WU KP 2WGTVQ 2GPCUEQ /: CV VJG 'PVTCPEG VQ VJG 1NF 2Q TV ;GNNQY DWKNFKPI TKIJV CV VJG HQTM KP VJG TQCF %QOG UGG WU KP 2WGTVQ 2GPCUEQ /: CV VJG 'PVTCPEG VQ VJG 1NF 2QTV ;GNNQY DWKNFKPI TKIJV CV VJG HQTM KP VJG TQCF

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 57

PUER TO PEĂ‘ASC O

FLYING Puerto PeĂąasco (Rocky Point) now has flights to and from Los Angeles (LAX)

PUERTO PEÑASCO , SONORA

Dining & Lodging Guide

Off the Beaten Path in Puerto Peñasco: Tortas Siria Gems Beyond the Tourist District

by Gretchen Ellinger

Really good, traditional Mexican food, and lots of it, is the byword at Tortas Siria.

Small, clean, and friendly, Tortas Siria started as a sandwich shop serving the men Tortas are Mexican style sandwich on the nearby naval base. Thirty years later, Sara Miranda León and three more generations of her family are busier than ever in the same location, and now serve a menu of traditional Mexican staple dishes at very reasonable prices.

Tortas Siria serves up breakfast starting at 8 a.m.…juevos rancheros or chilaquiles will get you going. Popular with locals on the run, a daily lunch special, la comida corrida, is served from 12-1 p.m., in addition to the regular menu. The dinners, served at lunchtime too, are just plain wonderful…you might want to try bistec ranchero, a delicious dish of beef strips in rich, red sauce…seasoned beautifully, but not

spicy-hot! The beef or cheese enchiladas are always very good, and the sopes are the best! All entreés are served with refried beans, rice, fresh vegetables, and hot corn or flour tortillas. Condiments, including salsas, chilis, and crema mediana, rich, thick cream which Mexicans drizzle over many dishes, are served on the side. Sodas are available to drink, but you might want to try a tall glass of freshly made jamaica, hibiscus flower tea, or horchata, a traditional Mexican drink made from rice. Both are delicious icy cold.

Oops…I nearly forgot about where it all began…

Tortas Siria still serves tortas, and the sandwiches are still great!

Cost? Sandwiches $3-4, including fries; dinner under $8 each, including drinks! Tortas Siria, open from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., except on Wednesdays, is located on Avenida Luis Encinas, at the corner of Calle 14. From Blvd. Benito Juárez (the main artery through town), turn west (right) onto Calle 13, also called Avenida Miguél Hildalgo, where the walkway over the street is located at the traffic signal. Cross the railroad tracks, and turn north (right) at the traffic signal at Avenida Luís Encinas. Go one block, and look for Tortas Siria, painted orange, on the southwest corner. Call 383-5527 for take-out or delivery to your home, condominium or hotel. ¡Buen provecho!

DINING

LODGING

American Maxs Cafe ............................................ 638-383-1011 Breakfast Giuseppe’s Coffee ................................ 638-383-5181 Chinese Rocky Point Chinese ............................ 638-383-5940 Mexican Betos Place .......................................... 638-383-5198 Cocodrilos ........................................... 638-383-6376 La Curva .............................................. 638-383-3470 Manny’s Beach Club ............................ 638-383-3605 Pizza Augustin’s Pizza and Wings................... 638-383-1699 13th Street in front of Kenos Steak & Seafood Friendly Dolphin ................................... 638-383-2608 Lighthouse ........................................... 638-383-2389 Latitude 31 Rest. & Sports Bar .............. 638-383-4311

58 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

RV Park/Parque de RV Bonita RV Park ...................................... 638-383-1400 Playa Bonita .......................................... 638-383-2596 Rentals/Se Rente Casa Encanto Beach House................... 638-383-4549 Casa Monica Cholla Bay........................ 638-382-5147 Bed & Breakfast with First Class Accommodations on the Beach in Cholla Bay” Cyndi’s Beachfront Home Rentals.......... 638-383-5145 Sylvia’s Condos .................................... 638-383-5429 Go 2 Rocky Point .................................. 602-748-4134 Motels/Moteles Baja Hotel ............................................. 638-383-6878 El Mirador Village .................................. 638-383-6333 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 LIST YOUR BUSINESS $4 PER MONTH

PUERTO PEÑASCO , SONORA

Century 21 Sun & Sand of Puerto Peñasco In late 2007 Century 21 Sun & Sand of Puerto Peñasco (aka: Rocky Point) experience a revival, unlike any brokerage had experienced in this growing resort town. By merging with Mexico Real Estate & Yacht Club and making Heidi Wosak their CEO and Designated Broker they embarked into a new successful chapter in the franchise’s history. Over the past year the leadership and tenacity to change the franchise into a leading brokerage in Mexico and Rocky Point has proven to be a huge success story. Many of the seasoned professionals watched carefully as this franchise upgraded it location, its marketing advantage and its position in the market; not only locally but internationally. Going out of their way to advertise “Puerto Peñasco” as the fastest growing resort destination within Mexico, they positioned the franchise to be “The Gateway to Real Estate in Mexico”.

With international exposure and first class networking and marketing, The Museo Dolores Olmedo chose Heidi Wosak of Century 21 Sun & Sand to represent the historical estate where Dolores Olmedo vacationed and is host to the Diego Rivera studio Acapulco. This represents a very unique art

and real estate opportunity, as the estate features 5 of Diego Riveras murals, a tribute to his long time friend Dolores (www.houseofthewinds.com). Many of the strongest professionals in Peñasco have joined Century 21 Sun & Sand over the past year, bringing the team of professionals from only just a few a year ago, up to 16 total locally, as well as 4 more who work as affiliates in business development in Mexico City, Hermosillo, Denver and Tucson.

Rick Ramirez, one of the original founders of Sun & Sand heads the successful commercial and industrial division, which has resulted in new distribution centers in Penasco and a large commercial complex planned for Caborca.

Century 21 Sun & Sand has proven to be a leader in Mexico for residential and commercial real estate by actively engaging developers, investors, retirees & vacation home seeker to locate, negotiate and buy the best properties in Penasco and other destinations around the country.

Be sure to visit their website: www. century21penasco.com to meet their new team and review their exclusively listed properties in Puerto Penasco and other destinations throughout Mexico.

Your gateway to real estate in Mexico

USA phone: (480) 626-4687 MEX phone: (638) 388-1295 Email: Info@century21penasco.com Website: www.century21penasco.com

Professionals are ready to help you find your dream home, retirement home, or that perfect investment opportunity.

Blvd. Fremont, Puerto Penasco, Mexico



In the heart of Puerto Peñasco’s Old Port just off of the malecón.

For room rates and availability; e-mail us at rockypointplus@live.com Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 59

PUER TO PEÑASC O

A leader in Mexico for residential and commercial real estate by actively engaging developers,

by Russ Black investors, retirees & vacation home seeker.

PUERTO PEÑASCO , SONORA

60 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

PUERTO PEÑASCO , SONORA

My House in Puerto Peñasco Mexico I have a home in Puerto Penasco, a few minutes drive from the beach. Living here, I have come to know life in Mexico. Not life in a beach house or an oceanfront condo, but life in the neighborhood.

Early in the morning, we are awakened by a neighbor’s donkey, roosters and the barking of a dog. As the day progresses, there is unique music that announces each delivery truck in succession – the water truck, the gas truck, the fruit truck and the ice cream truck. Later, sitting in the hammock in the afternoon, I doze off listening to the sounds of the neighborhood. The mechanics are taking a break and I faintly hear their conversation with an occasional loud round of laughter. Perhaps tonight they will be grilling fish in their yard and will have their friends join them.

Later in the early evening, I hear the whistle of the train. I watch through the rungs of my wooden fence as the train passes at the end of the street. I know if I walked down there, I would see the train rumbling past with the sun setting behind it and a dozen travelers camping out along the train cars. Because I am a gypsy at heart, I will be jealous for just a moment of their view: Traveling at the speed of a train through an unknown town, and briefly catching a glimpse of the ocean at sunset.

Once in awhile I think of how I arrived here. In December of 2002, on a sunny morning, I found myself walking along the “dirt mall” in Puerto Penasco with my husband. Little did I realize that one tiny sentence that I would utter that day would change my life in such a dramatic way!

My husband is always up for meeting new people and having a grand conversation and on this particular morning, he had met a store owner who spoke English and was setting up a new computer. As is pretty normal

for me, I got a little bored and wandered into the next store. Soon my husband caught up with me and as we continued on down the street, he related his visit. Then he said, “That guy knows about a little house for sale in town for $15,000. He asked if we knew anyone who may be interested in buying it.”

That is when I said, “Let’s go look at it.” Thinking back, I am not really sure why I wanted to see this little house. For almost twenty years we had been coming to this beach. First we camped in a tent at the edge of the waves. Later, with three kids, we bought an old trailer to store at the beach. When we outgrew that, we stayed in a hotel or a condo for three or four day visits to Rocky Point – maybe twice a year. That was fine. Perhaps that day I was thinking that if we had our own little casita, we would visit more often.

So, we drove up a dirt road and stopped in front of a tiny, one bedroom, rundown house painted bright turquoise. Spray-painted in black across the front were the words, “SE VENDE.” There was barely a roof, not quite what you would call a kitchen and stark concrete floors. This was certainly not a beach house; in fact, it was right in the middle of a typical neighborhood.

Each time a car drove past, a cloud of dust settled in the living room through the roof rafters.

Before we stopped to think, on December 30, 2002, we had put $500 down in an escrow account and headed back to Arizona. On our next visit in January, I had to laugh when I noticed that someone had spray painted a wide black line through the “SE VENDE”– this was the SOLD sign!

Our family had a house in Mexico! For the next four years, every visit included some work on the house along with lots of beach time! Everyone in the family got involved and even our friends joined us for long weekends doing drywall, tiling, planting or painting.

The house is remodeled now.

Here I am content. At my front door is a plaque which reads in Spanish: “For today only, I will take care of this house and be happy!” Verdad.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 61

PUER TO PEÑASC O

- by Naomi Black

PUERTO PEÑASCO , SONORA

Beautiful New Homes on Sandy Beach Bella Vista Homes has arrived!

Bella Vista Homes—on the far east end of Sandy Beach, just off Blvd Las Palomas, on the dunes overlooking the Sea of Cortez and the golf course, has everything the discerning buyer wants: quality and style in a perfectly located low-density development. These homes are the logical choice for people looking for something different.

The infrastructure is complete (paved streets, underground utilities and city water and sewer), as are the amenities (heated pool with lounge area, fitness center with a variety of top-quality exercise equipment, men’s and ladies’ showers and dressing rooms, and a community social area). Three homes have been finished, and their owners have moved in. The condominium model is nearing completion and promises to be the answer to the quest for an affordable get-away in a great location.

62 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

by Gretchen Ellinger

Bella Vista Homes offers a different kind of entry into the Sandy Beach housing market. Rather than condo towers, Bella Vista Homes features a mixture of two-story townhomes and two-level condominiums, both of which have been carefully planned to take advantage of the wonderful views of the sea and golf course and to meet the needs of vacation homeowners as well as full-time residents.

Prices range from $139,000 for a 2-bedroom, 2-bath condominium to $299,000 for a 4-bedroom, 2½ bath home. Developer financing is available for up to 30 years, with a 20% down payment.

Wilfredo Montenegro, a respected architect/ builder known for outstanding quality and amazing detail and finishing, is the driving force behind Bella Vista Homes. Gretchen Ellinger of Century 21 Sun and Sand leads the sales team.

Drop by any day between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to meet Jessica Sylveira and Bernardo Sanchez, the onsite salespeople. See one of the beautiful completed homes and learn why a Bella Vista home is such a great value.

The telephone numbers for Bella Vista Homes are 388-7194 (local in Mexico) and 602-539-3674 (USA).

Palace on the Sea of Cortez

PUERTO PEÑASCO , SONORA

Have you ever had the idea that you would like to wet your toes in the Sea of Cortez while sitting in your living room? That’s how every single condominium at Palacio del Mar feels! Located practically in the water on the Mirador beach, this wonderful small community’s second building rises seven stories high.

Palacio del Mar is the first condominium community that is within easy walking distance to all the activities in the Mirador, where restaurants and nightlife abound. As well, the owners of Palacio del Mar condominiums will be the benefactors of city planning: the downtown boardwalk will enable residents to have the entire Old Port within walking distance.

Each of the seventy condominiums in the new building has unobstructed vistas of the Sea of

Cortez from the great room and the garden-style master bedroom. Brick dome boveda ceilings, luxury finishing, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances are standard, and are included in every purchase. Prices range from $259,900 for second floor condominiums to $329,900 for top floor units.

Developer financing is available for up to thirty years, with a 20% down payment.

The sales team at Palacio del Mar, headed by Gretchen Ellinger of Century 21 Sun and Sand, is very excited about these new condominiums! The on-site sales office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The staff would love to show you the absolutely gorgeous model which was decorated by Eddie Juarez of Diseños Casa y Jardín, and will help you with the details of purchasing one of the most beautiful condominiums in Puerto Peñasco! Rental condominiums are also available.

To get to Palacio del Mar, go south on Avenida Campeche (in front of Banamex) from Boulevard Benito Juárez (the main artery through town), until you reach the end of the road. Turn west (right), drive one block, and you will see Palacio del Mar on your left. Come in to see what the excitement is all about, or call 602-449-0157 (US) or 388-0516 (local in Mexico).

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 63

PUER TO PEÑASC O

60 Condominiums with beachfront view of the Sea of Cortez

PUERTO PEÑASCO , SONORA

Real Estate in Puerto Peñasco Some useful tips to finding the right property

Did you fall in love with Puerto Peñasco and decide to buy something, anything, as long as it is in, or near, Puerto Peñasco? So you decide, “All I want is a little shack on the beach and I’ll be happy—it doesn’t have to be on the beach just near the beach or just in Puerto Peñasco.” Then, after looking at ads and driving around, you realize, “A shack on the beach is how much? I thought property in Mexico was cheap.

When I said ‘shack’ I wasn’t thinking of this, and look what’s next door. I need something a little nicer in a better area.”

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.

Choosing your Mexico property with your realtor (see “Choosing Your Realtor” in Mexico Living, Sept. 2008) will result in finding the right property for you, taking into account your needs, expectations, budget, and dreams. The first step is to get to know the area with the help of your realtor. Get a map, an overview of the area from your realtor, and your realtor’s business cards.

Drive around, stroll the beaches and streets, and visit with everyone. Drop into open houses and look at the developments, always presenting your realtor’s card to the on-site salespeople.

The phone numbers you see on signs?

Don’t call them, as that’s your realtor’s job.

If you think you might be in love, photograph the property and the sign, and write down the phone number for your realtor. If you are willing to do this research, you will quickly eliminate areas you don’t like, and you may 64 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

by Gretchen Ellinger

find the area that you do like. Chances are you will find several good possibilities, and now your realtor can find properties in these areas, in your price range, and that meet your specifications that you can look at together.

Your realtor will make appointments, get keys, print out information sheets from the MLS, take you to the properties, and help you to evaluate how the property may meet your needs. If you have questions about a property, you can ask them together if you are at a development or, at individual properties, your realtor can inquire on your behalf. Often through the process of elimination, you whittle your list to one property—your piece of Paradise!

The process of finding a property may require multiple trips to Puerto Peñasco. Between trips, you can surf the Internet and stay in touch with your realtor regarding your possibilities and new properties found by your realtor. If you just need a weekend to play in the sun with your friends, do that! But separate fun from finding property as a sunburn and cerveza do not mix well with a search for property. You are making a significant investment and taking your time, while working closely with your realtor, will benefit you in the end.

PUERTO PEÑASCO , SONORA

The every changing face of Puerto Peñasco

Puerto Peñasco’s landscape has changed from the little fishing village it once was to a new development Mecca. Sandy Beach is the embodiment of the ongoing development; thousands of units have been built along the beach in just a few years. Where people used to camp, there are now multimillion dollar developments and even a golf course.

Sonoran Resorts dominated the market in Sandy Beach with 4 resorts: The Sonoran Spa, Sonoran Sea, Sonoran Sun and Sonoran Sky. Earlier this year, Sonoran Sky’s units were all sold. There are now resales available. Their good name precedes them and record sales back them up, with many satisfied customers living their dream of an oceanfront condo by the beautiful beaches of Puerto Peñasco.

by Rita Pizarro

The largest existing development in Puerto Peñasco is Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort; there are currently 800 units and the plan includes 2000 residences, 1500 oceanfront condos and 500 golf course villas. Currently, Phase III is being implemented, with Phase I and most of Phase II already complete, including pools, BBQ areas and common grounds. Phase III’s first two buildings are about 65% sold, and prices range from almost 350,000USD to 1.9 million for a 5 Bedroom Penthouse. The first Phase III units will open in early 2009. Las Palomas has restaurants with renowned international chefs, the only Convention Center in town, and an 18 hole par 72 Golf Course. For visitors, there is a Sunday Champagne brunch in Citron, and a Beach Front Buffet on the weekend. During the Jazz Festival in October, there are dinner packages available at the conference center; for more details, visit www. laspalomasresort.net.

Looking over to the Port, you can see the new Solace Tower. Condominiums are no longer unique to Sandy Beach, and the old port is joining the development frenzy with 38 boutique condominiums in a Mediterranean contemporary style. This building will rise above Whale Hill, with magnificent views of Development continued on page 66

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 65

PUER TO PEÑASC O

Puerto Peñasco, Land of Development

PUERTO PEÑASCO , SONORA

Development continued from page 63

the sea of Cortez.

Another noteworthy development is Tessoro Tower at the end of Las Conchas, close to the Morua Estuary. With its privileged Location, private elevators, upgraded finishes and countless amenities, it stands out from the crowd. It is still being built at full force, and Phase I should be complete by March 2009.

Prices range from 526,000 to 2 million dollars.

Puerto Peñasco has many planned communities; it’s a growing city with more developments than can be mentioned. There are less expensive residences in town, a few miles from the beach, starting at around 70,000 dollars. Growth is also spreading south; you can find planned communities through the coast heading towards Caborca. If you have never visited Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, the fall is the ideal time to go: the weather is perfect and the ocean is pleasantly warm. Enjoy the Sea of Cortez, which Jacques Cousteau called “The Aquarium to the World” for its diverse sea life. Be assured, you will be warmly welcomed by the friendly people living here.

66 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

YELLOW PAGES

PUERTO PEÑASCO SON. MEXICO PLACE YOUR BUSINESS LISTING HERE ONLY $4 PER MONTH

sales@mexicoliving.info MEX 638-109-4771 USA 800-576-0919 Ext. 3 See HOTEL, MOTEL and DINING in the LODGING & DINING GUIDE section.

ACCOUNTING/CONTABILIDAD BBBS Inc. ...........................................(928) 329-8000

Santa Fe General Hospital ...................(638) 383-2447 Santa Maria Clinic ...............................(638) 383-2440

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

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

BEAUTY SPAS/SALONES DE BELLEZ La Spa de Peñasco ............................(638) 382-8111 CAR RENTAL/ALQUILER DE AUTOS The Point Rent-A -Car .........................(638) 388-5823

CURIO SHOP Jose’s - Rosy’s - Carlos’s Curios ........(638) 383-8508 Just under Augustin’s Pizza and Wings DEVELOPMENTS/FRACCIONAMIENTOS "Parayso" Desembembogue Devept.....(638) 388-5707 DOCTORS/DOCTORES Dr. Luis Vasquez, M.D. .......................(638) 383-3014 FIRE DEPARTMENT/DEPARTAMENTO DE BOMBEROS Fire Department ............................ 638-383-2828/068 FURNITURE/MOBILIARIO Disenos Furniture ................................(638) 383-8633 Designs by Eddie Wharez

Century 21 Puerto Peñasco ................(638) 388-1295 USA Office # 480-626-4687

Puerto Peñasco, Mexico Fremont Blvd., Plaza Palmillas century21penasco.com

Mexico Office # (01152) 638-388-1295 Coldwell Banker Cholla Bay .................(638) 382-5355 Majestic Realty ...................................(638) 388-1120 Rocky Point Fractionals ......................(638) 109-0070 Tessoro...............................................(638) 388-6288

IMMIGRATION SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE INMIGRACIÓN Sun Valley Immigration Services ..........(638) 383-8891 Ask for Bianey or Dynora

RECREATION/RECREACIÓN Kayak Rocky Point ..............................(638) 103-2038 Rocky Point Parasailing .......................(638) 107-5922 www.RockyPointParasailing.com

INSURANCE SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE SEGUROS Alejandro Portugal Insurance ...............(638) 383-2390

POLICE/POLICÍA City Police Department .......................(638) 383-2626 State Police ........................................ (638) 383-2783

PUER TO PEÑASC O

CONTRACTOR Pacheo ...............................................(686) 577-0745 Contractor-builder building to American standards for 20 years contact Robert Brittain at Su Casa Elegante USA (760) 477-5963 PMD Developments.............................(638) 105-9182

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION/EL TRANSPORTE PÚBLICO Bus Station going North .....................(638) 383-2019 Bus Station going South .....................(638) 364-0383 Railroad ............................................(638) 383-2610 Taxi ....................................................(638) 383-2773 LEATHER Manny’s Leather Factory .....................(638) 388-0609 MASSAGE/MASAJE Rita Pizarro ......................................... (638) 386-5203 MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS Clinica Hospital .................................. (638) 383-2447 Air-E-Vac .......................................001-880-321-9522 City (Municipal) Hospital ....................(638) 383-2110 Central Clinic ......................................(638) 383-2110 Hospital IMSS ...................................(638) 383-2777 Red Cross ..........................................(638) 383-2266

SEAMSTRESS/MODISTA Naomi Black (habla ingles) ..................(638) 388-5004 naomi@rhipeo.com TEQUILA Manny’s Tequila Factory ......................(638) 388-0607 UTILITIES/EMPRESAS DE SERVICIOS PÚBLICOS Power Company ..........................(638) 383-2492/071 Propane ............................................(638) 383-2630 Telephone Office .................................(638) 383-2288 Water Co. ..........................................(638) 383-2060 WINDOW COVERINGS Blinds Depot ....................................... (638) 105 1275 Seaside Window Coverings ................. (638) 383 5181

Northwest MexicoMexico’s BusinessSmart Directory - 67Pages 67 - Northwest Yellow

68 - Real Estate in Northwest Mexico

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

Welcome to

GREEN SHEETS

ONLY $10 M ONTH OR $100 YEAR / U NTIL S OLD 5 line listing, 200 characters

PRINT LISTINGS $10 MEXICO CALL 686-230-9933 USA CALL 800-576-0919 Ext. 3 FREE ONLINE LISTINGS:

http://www.mexicoliving.info

REACH MORE FOR LESS

Rosarito Beach, Ensenada, San Felipe and Puerto Penasco

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS SAN FELIPE BAJA CALIFORNIA Call to post your listing. $10 per month, or $100 per year. (686)230-9933 mexicoliving@gmail.com New Single-family Home in La Ventana del Mar REDUCED $499,000 2,200 sq.ft. home is situated at the 15th hole of golf course. 3BR, 3 BA, 3 blocks from the beach, home has incredible golf course and sea views.

All city services. Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 Large 3 Bedroom, 2-1/2 Bath, Turn-key $199,950.

Oversized Garage, 2 Lots, Outdoor Entertaining, In-Town Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 Villa at La Ventana del Mar MUST SELL!! REDUCED to $299,000. Very Desirable Plan 1 condo on Golf Course by the Sea, 2 BR, 2 BA, Brand New! Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 Incredible Home in La Hacienda $399,000. Close to beach, this 2 Master Suite, 2 ½ bath home has unobstructed sea view from two decks, a 2-car garage, and stainless appliances. Furnishings are negotiable.

Make an offer! Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 Bungalow with Separate Casita & Separate Art Studio $229,000. 2 Master BR, 2 BA, Large kitchen, interior courtyard, fruit trees and rose garden. Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 Playa de Oro – Steps to the Beach AMAZING DEAL at $549,000. 2 BR, 2 BA, Extremely Unique Home with Extensive Landscaping & Outdoor Living Areas, Completely Turn-key, Double Garage. One street to the Sea. Must be seen! Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 Luxurious 3BR, 2 ½ Bath Villa at La Ventana del Mar $648,000. Home is turn-key, fully furnished right down to the silverware. Flatscreens, whole house sound system. 3-car garage, sea and golf course views, too many upgrades to list. Amor Property MX 686-5770611 US 760-494-3639 Best Buy in Playa de San Felipe - Spectacular The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

ONLY

$279,000. 2 Master BR, 2-1/2 BA. Swimming Pool; Marina View. Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 El Dorado Ranch Lot - One Left! SELLER MOTIVATED $23,500. Located in Vista del Sol, this lot is trapezoidshaped, 100 x 110 x 114 x 100, located in a homes only area, electric. One of two sold this week! Please inquire at our office. Beautiful mountain views! Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 New Seaview Home in Playas de San Felipe $399,000 4 BR, 3 BA. Art Studio, Bar, Basement, Cabana. Amazing place 4000 sq.ft. Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 Home in El Dorado Ranch’s Los Medanos South $99,500 2 BR, 1 Bath, 1400 sq.ft. home on 3 lots totaling 50,000 sq.ft.! Amor Property, US 760-4943639, MX 577-0611 La Ventana del Mar Villa $399,000. 2 Master Suites, 21/2 Bath. Beautifully furnished. Turn-key. Move in Today!

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). Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 Great Buy in San Felipe ONLY $40,000. 3 BR, 1 BA, on Cul-de-Sac. Nestled along side of mountain. Quaint little casa.Amor Property, US 760-494-3639, MX 577-0611 South Beach – Home site $52,500. Incredible, huge home site located in South Beach. On leased land (10year, $1,000/year). 7,000 square feet. Wake up to the Sea of Cortez every morning. Amor Property, US 760494-3639, MX 577-0611 ___________________________________ ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA Call to post your listing. $10 per month, or $100 per year. (686)230-9933 mexicoliving@gmail.com Single level Fairway home 3bdr 2Bth. Gated Golf dev.1700 sq ft of living space + 2 car garage. Less 1 year new. w/planned pools, tennis. Close to shopping. $228,200 USD Up-grading to larger home.1-800-5990631 bajacountryclub.com ___________________________________ PUERTO PENASCO (ROCKY POINT), SONORA Call to post your listing. $10 per month, or $100 per year. (686) 230-9933 RENTAL LISTINGS SAN FELIPE BAJA CALIFORNIA Call to post your listing. $10 per month, or $100 per year. (686)230-9933 mexicoliving@gmail.com Private Beachfront Home - One bedroom home with large living room, kitchen, appliances and AC. Located on bluff over beach with fenced in yard, $650 dollars per month. Call 686-109-9544.

Call to post your listing. $10 per month, or $100 per year. (686)230-9933 mexicoliving@gmail.com

• ROSARITO BEACH • ENSENADA

R E A L E S TAT E & R E N TA L Greensheets Real Estate Listings - 69

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 • INTERIOR DESIGN &

WE CAN BUILD YOUR BAJA DREAM HOME TO AMERICAN CODES

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LOCATED AT

• REMODELING

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

FOR ALL REAL ESTATE PRINTING NEEDS

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THE LOWEST PRICES THE HIGHEST QUALITY STANDARD 2-4 DAYS

www.theprintsupplier.com

1-800-576-0919

•

HOME REPAIRS

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

• SAN FELIPE • PUERTO PEÑASCO

Get more info: www.greensheets.info

R EAL ESTATE

• PROPERTY

FREE CLASSIFIEDS FREE CLASSIFIEDS PLACE ADS BY EMAIL classifieds@mexicoliving.info up to 20 characters for non-business ads FREE (2 lines) AUTOMOTIVE 1985 Ford Bronco MX Plates $1800 dlls call 868-184-9237 2001 Dodge Neon SC/Auto $2000dlls call 686-184-9237 ENTERTAINMENT The BEST Karaoke in town at Juanito’s Cantina hosted

by Maria Arnold; Wed. nights 6:00pm. Come and sing like a STAR! FOR SALE 4 Mexican Rustic Custom-made desks are 57” x 26”.

Each desk has one regular drawer and one file drawer.

Very nice set of four for $850 or $250 each. Call Uria 686-577-2129 Electric Garage Door and Opener. Like new. 686-2309933. $500 JOBS SALES EXECUTIVES - Mexico Living is looking for people in Ensenada. Good communication skills, Internet a must. Bilingual helpful. Email today: sales@ mexicoliving.info.

PRINTING SERVICES NEED BUSINESS CARDS OR BROCHURES? Go to www.theprintsupplier.com or 800-576-0919 Ext. 3 or 686-577-1377.

WANTED Wanted all and any vehicles working or not $$$. Please call 686-173-0424 ask for Ray. ENSENADA RENTALS Mexico Living is looking to trade for business accommodations. 5 days per month needed for magazine staff in exchange for free advertising. San Felipe: 686-230-9933 USA Phone: 800-576-0919 Ext. 3 List Your Classified Today. No minimum, no maximum. up to 20 characters for non-business ads FREE (2 lines).

ONLY $4 per additional lines. 45 character per line.

PLACE ADS BY PHONE: San Felipe: 686-230-9933, Puerto Peñasco: 638-109-4771, USA Phone: 800-5760919 Ext. 3. PLACE ADS BY EMAIL: info@mexicoliving. info.

SERVICE Air Conditioning re-charge. Get ready for the San Felipe summer heat. Call Bill (686) 231-4921 to schedule an appointment.

Continued from page 15

Traditionally, real estate purchases in Mexico meant paying a lump sum in cash at closing.

Fortunately, regulations have been updated and now cross-border mortgages are available through major financial institutions that have representatives in Mexico. Title insurance is used to protect owners if the title turns out to be invalid or if there are legal claims on the property, and works the same way it does in the states. Large, well-known U.S. title insurance companies can arrange insurance as well as escrow services to protect the buyer’s down payment until the transaction is completed.

Generally the seller will pay the real estate brokerage fees and the buyer is responsible for other total closing costs such as escrow fees and title insurance. The total cost is roughly comparable to those typically paid in the USA. Real estate transactions in Mexico are usually closed in about 60 days for a cash transaction or 90 days for a mortgage-financed purchase.

Before buying property anywhere – even in one’s own hometown – it is important to gain a familiarity 70 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

of the location to understand particular nuances that cannot be realized by simply walking through a home or driving around a neighborhood. Experience the area first hand, by visiting or vacationing there.

Get to know the neighborhood and talk to people, including both natives and transplants. Putting some time and effort into due diligence – or investing in the cost of having someone trustworthy and knowledgeable do it for a professional fee – is always recommended before buying real estate.

The best thing about doing this kind of research in Mexico is that the project can be dovetailed into a wonderful excuse for a vacation in one of the world’s prime holiday destinations. Plan the excursion ahead of time because it may also be possible to offset some or all of the trip expenses as investment planning or a real estate business deduction. ## About the writer: Tom Kerr is a freelance travel and finance writer based in the USA.

A Private Beachfront Community

KM 6 South Beach San Felipe S a l e s I n

O f f i c e

U S

B a j a

O p e n

D a i l y

7 6 0 . 4 9 4 . 8 7 9 8

0 0 1 . 7 6 0 . 4 5 8 . 7 6 0 2

www.laperladelmarsf.com Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 71

Live your Dream...

If this is the lifestyle you envision for yourself, then San Felipe is the place for you!

US: (760) 494-3639 MX: (686) 577-0611 email: 72 - Guideinfo@AmorProperty.com to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

Amor Property Real Estate

www.AmorProperty.com