www.mexicolivingguide.com – No. 34 March / marzo 2010
Baja’s Biggest Blues Festival—
Changing Lives Through Music & Art
■ Baja Fashion
From Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas, Baja transcends the international market
■ Mexico’s Socorro Island One of the best diving spots on Earth!
■ Baja’s Saltwater Scorpion
This venomous fish offers a gourmet delicacy
■ Are You Safe?
New reports reveal that Mexico is as safe or safer than the U.S.
■ Turn Your Home & Garden Into Paradise Home and Garden business profiles
Tijuana 5
Tecate
Rosarito Beach
2D
m 53 s ile
GD
Bahia Todos Santos
CONSTITUTION OF 1857 NATIONAL PARK
Valle de Guadalupe
5
Los Algodones
Mexicali
GD
BAJA NORTE
Yuma
Ensenada
La Bufadora 29 M
Ne
w
Co a
sta
GD
Colonet
8
wy
Puerto Penasco
(Rocky Point)
National Astronomic Observatory
M
GD
lH
SAN PEDRO MARTIR NATIONAL PARK
23
Bahia Colonet
Lukeville, AZ Sonoyta
Gulfo de Santa Clara
Santo Tomas
Colonia Vicent Vicente Vic t Guerrero
18 M
San Felipe
6
GD
San Quintin Puertecitos 35 M
Carborca
GD
get gas if southbound
El Rosario
77
Bahia Rosario
Isla Miramar Isla Lobos Isla Encantada Isla San Luis
M
Ba
Cataviña
ja
Son
Bahia San Luis Gonzaga 64 M
Punta Prieta
Bahia de Los Angeles
33 M
Bahia Maria
Bahia LA turnoff
40 M
nia
Bahia Blanco
ora
r fo
li Ca PACIFIC OCEAN
Isla Angel de la Guarda
Isla Tiburon
Santa Rosalillita
Bahia Santa Rosalillita
Isla San Lorenzo Isla San Esteban
Puerto de Santo Domingo
Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino 2
Bahia San Rafael
Villa Jesus Maria
GD
Guerrero Negro
LagunaCALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1 Ojo Vizciano de Liebre
F
PUNTA EUGENIA March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia AHIA BAHIA TORTUGAS Bahia Tortugas
get gas if northbound
L GU
Lighthouse
PUNTA FALSA
G
Puerto de Santo Domingo
Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino V
GD
PUNTA FALSA
BAJA SUR
Laguna Ojo de Liebre
Vizciano
Guaymas
OF
91 M
GD
Isla Tortuga
46 M
Santa Rosalia
GD
San Ignacio Isla San Marcos 46 M
7
PUNTA ABREOJOS
Mulegé
GD
Bahia de Concepcion
EEll Coyote
of z) rte Co
Bahia San Basilio 86 M
G
Bahia San Nicolas
aS
Bahia de Ballenas
a (Se
Bahia de Ballenas
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Baj
Bahia Santa Ines
OR
BAHIA ASUNCION Bahia Asuncion PUNTA PRIETA Bahia San Hipolito LA BOCANA
LIF CA
G
isma La Purisma
ur
PACIFIC OCEAN
San Carlos
LF
PUNTA EUGENIA BAHIA TORTUGAS Bahia Tortugas
Guerrero Negro
GU
Lighthouse
Villa Jesus Maria
7
GD
Loreto Isla del Carmen
Isla Danzante Isla Monserrat
80 M
Isla Santa Catalina
GD Ciudad Insurgentes 12 M
Isla Santa Cruz
Bahia Santa Maria Bahia Magdalena
CIUDAD GDCONSTITUCION
Isla San Jose
Isla San Francisco Santa Rita
Bahia Almejas
Bahia de la Paz Isla Espiritu Santo
Isla Santa Margarita 133 M
La Paz GD
Isla Cerralvo
8
Bahia la Ventana Bahia Muertos
LEGEND: 1
- Page of city map & directory
GD
- Pemex Gas and/or Diesel
70 M
Todos Santos
- International Airport - Highway Sign
GD
Los Barriles
GD
San Jose del Cabo 3 Cabo Lucas Mexico Living’s BajaSan caLifornia – March 201010 GD www.mexicolivingguide.com 9
CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
Bahia las 9 Palmas
M 49
48 M
Pescadero
8
SIERRA DE LA GD LAGUNA NATIONAL PARK
M 19
WElcOME TO BAJA The Mexican states of Baja california, Baja california sur and sonora make up northwest Mexico as covered by our guide. The region features an enormous diversity of landscapes like no place on earth—a land of quiet, colorful deserts, endless beaches, majestic mountains, forests, unexplained rock formations, brilliant clear skies, an average temperature of 75 degrees fahrenheit 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 says that more americans retire in Mexico than any other place on the globe; 51 percent of all U.s. retirees who live outside of the U.s. live in Mexico.
613-116-5374
www.bajacaballobooks.com Loreto BCS Mexico
El Caballo Blanco Silver and Bone-carved Jewelry Creations
(686) 122-2668
Internet Café & Business Center Copies • Internet • Email Snail mail • Coffee • Muffins Soda • Snacks
01(661)614-0513 www.bajasclick-on.com
DRIVER LICENSE INSURANCE
15% OFF
Homeowners Insurance
Call or e-mail TODAY! Mail - YETMAIL 277 segurosalanis@prodigy.net.mx
686-577-2464 • FAX 686-577-2916
4
March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia
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!
WHAT DO I NEED? PASSPORT. on june 1, 2009, the U.s. government implemented the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTi. The new rules require most U.s. citizens entering the United states at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland security. additional information can be found at: http://travel.state.gov/passport.
Declaration Lane ($75–$1,000) if you are bringing more than Us$75 worth of merchandise per person, but not more than Us$1,000, you may declare it by driving into the customs facility through the declaration lane (carril de declaración). There you will be able to fill out the proper documents and pay any duty. Duty can be between 15 percent and 25 percent of the value of the merchandise.
WHAT CAN I BRING INTO MEXICO? as you approach the border, there are generally multiple lanes labeled “nothing to Declare - nada que Declarar” and “Declaration Lane - carril de Declaración.”
IMPORTANT NOTES: • guns are illegal in Mexico. Do not attempt to cross the border with a gun and/or ammunition. You will be put in jail even if you were not aware of the Mexican law. • if you have more than $10,000 in U.s. currency or equivalent, or other monetary instruments, you must declare this with Mexican customs, otherwise it is a crime. • You must declare if you are bringing any animals, agricultural products or medicines for other than personal use. • amounts over Us$1,000 require the use of a Mexican customs broker.
Nothing to Declare Lane This lane is used when you are bringing, as a tourist (fMT) $75 or less. Your personal luggage and other merchandise up to the allowed exemption Us$75 per person. The amount is cumulative per number of people in the vehicle. for example two people would have a $150 exemption. You must have receipts and invoices to qualify for the exemption. Personal Items Allowed: • new or used such as clothes, shoes and toiletries in quantities that would be considered not for resale. • Two photographic or video cameras and charger. • Two cellular phones or walkie-talkies. • Laptop, notebook, etc. • Two sports equipment items. • Portable radio recorder and/or player, speakers and accessories. • five laser discs, 10 DvDs, 30 cDs or cassette tapes. five storage devices or memory cards. • Books and magazines in quantities that would be considered not for resale. • five toys, video game console and video games. • Medicine for personal use, one blood pressure instrument, one glucose testing device. in the case of psychotropic drugs, make sure you bring the prescription. note: Be careful not to bring a large quantity of your prescription medication. • one set of binoculars, one telescope. • Two cartons of cigarettes, 25 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco if you are of age (if bringing more than allowed, you must declare it and pay duties). • Up to three liters of liquor and six liters of wine (if bringing more than allowed, you must declare it and pay duties). • strollers and baby walkers. • Two musical instruments and accessories. • Tent and equipment for camping. • crutches, canes, walkers and wheelchairs for personal use. • Tool sets including hand drills, wire cutters, wrenches, screwdrivers, cables, etc. • Bedding sets including one sheet set, one towel set, a set of table linens. • Two dogs or cats and pet items. • Up to $10,000 in U.s. currency or equivalent in other currencies, foreign or national checks, and/or other monetary instruments.
WHAT CAN I TAKE HOME? You can take home Us$800 of duty-free merchandise per person, per month, including one liter of alcohol. Mexican arts and crafts, including handcrafted furniture, are duty-free and do not count toward the $800 limit.
DIALING INSTRUCTIONS Mexico city: (011) 52-55, plus the 8-digit telephone number. guadalajara: (011) 52-33, plus the 8-digit telephone number. Tijuana: (011) 52-664, plus the 7-digit telephone number. Usa to Mx cell Phone: 011+52+1+area code+(Tel #) Usa to Mx Landline: 011+52+area code+(Tel #) Mx to Usa: 001+area code+(Tel #) Mx Landline to Mx cell Phone: 045 or 044+area code+(Tel #) Mx cell Phone to Mx Landline: area code+(Tel #) DIALING 800 NUMBER: Some charges may apply when call 800 numbers internationally, please check with the telephone carrier. 800 DiaLing to the Usa from Mx (dial 001+)
TOURIST VISA and VEHICLE PERMIT Tourists staying 72 hours or less within “the border zone” do not need a visa. Those traveling beyond the border zone or entering Mexico by air must pay a fee to obtain a tourist card, also known as an fMT, available from Mexican consulates, Mexican border crossing points, Mexican tourism offices, airports within the border zone and most airlines serving Mexico. The fee is generally included in the price of a plane ticket for travelers arriving by air. Please note that travelers not in possession of their fMT card at the point of exit from Mexico may face a fine from Mexican immigration. a vehicle permit is noT required to travel the Baja Peninsula; however, you must obtain a vehicle permit if you travel to Mexico’s mainland.
To Dial Usa 800 ................... dial 880
MILITARY CHECKPOINTS There are military checkpoints along the way to all the northwest border cities. These checkpoints serve the same purpose as the california and arizona highway inspection stops you’ll encounter on the return north. The soldiers will be carrying weapons, but there is nothing to be concerned about, the soldiers are looking for drugs and guns. You’ll find them to be polite and friendly. They may ask to look inside your or rv. checkpoints on both sides of the border were established based on an agreement between the United states and Mexico to fight the war on drugs.
fire dept..................................... 068
CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
visitmexico.com
To Dial Usa 866 ................... dial 883 To Dial Usa 877 ................... dial 882 To Dial Usa 888 ................... dial 881 IMPORTANT NUMBERS: emergency dial 132 free from any phone and Mexican cell phone carriers red cross .................................. 066 Police Dept. ............................... 060 electricity (emergency and nonemergency) ............................... 071 Legal assistance ........................ 061 Tourist assistance ...................... 078 Tourism Department................... 078 secretary of Tourism - Bc arturo Martínez esquer (facilitation and Tourist assistance sub Direction) amartineze@baja.gob.mx secretary of Tourism - Bcs....612-24-0100
{Welcome to baja} Welcome to Baja – City Maps & Business Directory BAJA CALIFORNIA
ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA
Playas de Rosarito, or Rosarito Beach as it is referred to in English, is a city in the Mexican state of Baja California. It is located between the Pacific Ocean and the coastal foothills, just 20 minutes south of the U.S. border in Tijuana and is a popular destination for tourists, snowbirds and expatriates from the United States. With 20 miles of white, sandy beaches with endless activities, Rosarito offers a large variety of places to stay and things to do, including incredible shopping in the Artisan shops with some of Mexico’s finest leather goods, furniture, wrought iron, pottery, marble and traditional Mexican crafts. You’ll find a culinary paradise of international cuisine from traditional Mexican, sensational seafood and delicious steaks to American, Chinese, French and Italian specialties. Be sure to visit the well-known lobster village, Puerto Nuevo, just 15 minutes south of Rosarito—a tourist and culinary destination. Whether staying for vacation or life, you will enjoy Playas de Rosarito. ATM/GETTING CASH Banamex, Bancomer and Bital have 24-hour ATMs that accept most U.S. bank cards all along the Tijuana–Rosarito–Ensenada corridor. Only pesos are dispensed; you can get dollars from an HSBC ATM. Your account in the U.S. is charged that day’s rate of exchange. A service fee will also be deducted from your account.
Municipal/Municipal Airport “Abelardo L Rodriguez International Airport”..................................... 664-607-8200 Immigration.................................................. 661-612-7262
Ensenada, BAJA CALIFORNIA Ensenada is the third-largest city in the state of Baja California. About 70 miles south of the San Diego/Tijuana border, located in the Bahía de Todos Santos—an inlet of the Pacific Ocean—Ensenada is an important commercial and fishing port as well as a cruise ship stop. The city is backed by small mountain ranges, and due to its location on the Pacific Ocean and Mediterranean latitude, the weather tends to be mild year round. Most of the shopping is at sea level, making it a great city for getting around on your own
energy. Ensenada is easy to navigate with all numbered streets running north and south, and celebrity-named streets running east and west. Ensenada has the accommodations to meet any level of comfort or amenities. Prices can range depending on the time of year from $30 to $250 plus. The best hotels are located to the north and south of town, along the beach, and are not within walking distance from downtown shopping and attractions; but taxi and shuttles are available in most locations.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY A-Z
Professional Services PSN Mexico Professional Services.................646-178-8280 Legal/Immigration Assist FM3/FM2/FMT Import documentation www.psnmexico.com
BUSINESS DIRECTORY A-Z DENTIST Consultorio Dental......................................... 661-612-4204 DOG GROOMERS D’ Groomer Dog Grooming (See ad on page 26) . . 661-100-6218 Elevators/Elevadores Baja Lifts (See ad on page 37).................... 661-614-1434 FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company (See ad on page 37)....686-576-0653 MAILING SERVICES Click On (See ad on page 4) ....................... 661-614-0513 REAL ESTATE SERVICES Baja Closing & Escrow Services.................... 760-494-7053 Satellite TV Installation Cisco-Sat...................................................... 661-616-0779 STORAGE SERVICES Baja Public Storage....................................... 619-616-0779 utilities/empresas de servicios públicos CFE ................................. 612-143 0064 or 612-142 0237 TELMEX . ..................................................... 612-142 0001 CALIGAS....................................................... 612-142 0122
Aeropuerto/Airport Aeropuerto ...................................................646-273-1984 Art Gallery Garery Art & Stuff..........................................646-175-8859 ARTIST Alfonso Arambulua.........................................646-149-3866 DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE FRACCIONAMIENTOS Baja Mar Country Club .............................. 1-800-434-2252 FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company..................................686-576-0653 FISHING Dann Manz (See ad on page 34) HEALTH SPA La Fonda........................................................646-155-0394 MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS ISSSTE .........................................................646-176-2230 IMSS ............................................................646-120-7771 Centro de Salud.............................................646-152-1371 MUSIC/MUSICA Pharmacy Regia & House of Music................646-174-0557
CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
POLICE/POLICÍA Policia Ministerial...........................................646-176-3636 Policia Federal Caminos................................ 646-683-8040 Policia Federal Preventiva ..............................646-176-2579 Prefectura Naval.......................................... 469-0376/2948 public transportation/el transporte público Terminal de Buses..........................................646-224-1041 REAL ESTATE AGENTS/AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES Nicolas Santos (Rosarito)...............................619-917-5695 REAL ESTATE SERVICES Baja Closing & Escrow Services.....................760-494-7053 RENTALS Popotla RV Village (See ad on page30)... 661-612-1501 utilities/empresas de servicios públicos CFE ..................................612-143 0064 or 612-142 0237 TELMEX . ...................................................... 612-142 0001 CALIGAS........................................................ 612-142 0122 Winery Baja Wine Tours (See ad on page 21) Vinos Fuentes Winery . ..................................646-171-7070
Mexico Living’s Baja California – March 2010
www.mexicolivingguide.com
5
{WElcOME TO BAJA} CHURCH Mission san felipe ....................................... 686-577-0877 CITY SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE LA CIUDAD District attorney’s ........................................ 686-577-1110 Mayors office .............................................. 686-577-1021
The San Felipe Arches
COMPUTER SERVICES csi–computer & satellite installation (See ad on page 35) ................................ 686-577-2928
The monument at the entrance to san felipe was built in 1980 to represent the commitment of the four states around the sea of cortez (Baja california norte, Baja california sur, sinaloa, and sonora) to promote tourism and the regions beauty and charm.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE CONSTRUCCIÓN Sweitzer Construction Management (See ad on page 37) .................................. 686-577-0195 Perez Construction (See ad on page 35) ..... 686-576-0650 COUNSELING-THERAPY/CONSULTA TERAPÉUTICA inner connection .......................................... 686-172-8851 DELI SunDance Deli (See ad on page 27) ........... 686-576-0369 DENTIST/DENTISTA California Dental Spa (See ad on page 31) ...686-577-0708 Consultorio Dental Y de Ortodoncia (See ad on page 31) ..................................686-577-6212 Dr Felix Rodriguez (See ad on page 4) .........686-577-1919 DEVELOPMENTS/FRACCIONAMIENTOS el Dorado ranch .......................................... 686-577-0015 Oasis de Cortez (See ad on page 35) .......... 760-208-1700 Playa de Oro (See ad on page 36) .............. 686-576-0223 Playa del Paraiso................................ 888-647-5292 x 704 san rafael ................................................... 686-576-0223 DOCTORS/DOCTORES Dr. victor abasolo ............ 686-577-1706 or 686-573-0174 ENTERTAINMENT/ENTRETENIMIENTO name That Tune - Denny flannigan............... 686-576-1683 The singout sisters & chuey (Karaoke) ........ 686-576-0047 EVENT SERVICES/SERVICIOS ACONTECIMIENTO Produciones Baja ......................................... 686-576-1683 FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company (See ad on page 26 & 36) .. ......................686-576-0653
SAN FElIPE, BAJA cAlIFORNIA san felipe is a small fishing village, situated on the sea of cortez, 118 miles south of the U.s. border, which was historically dependent upon fishing; however, today tourism and real estate provide the economic base. even as it grows into the next century with four-lane highways, it will remain a small fishing village in its heart and soul. Today, san felipe is maturing into a sophisticated resort community with resorts, luxury condos, fine restaurants, sport fishing and world-class off-road adventures. The beaches extend north and south with over 50 miles of shoreline to explore, including 23-
MUNICIPAL/MUNICIPAL civil Protection Unit ...................................... 686-577-1433 chamber of commerce ................................ 686-577-1104 fire Dept/ambulance .................................... 686-577-1182 federal Preventive Police .............................. 686-577-1045 immigration office........................................ 686-577-1083 Port captain ................................................. 686-577-1577 state judicial Police ..................................... 686-577-1203 Tourism Department..................................... 686-577-1155
BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) ACCOUNTING/CONTABILIDAD CP E&A Accounting (See ad on page 26) ........ 686-577-0836 ALTERATIONS/SASTRE san felipe seamstress (vickie silva) ............ 686-175-5420 ARCHITECT/ARQUITECTO rosa Lina ramos Lazcano ........................... 686-184-6172 ARTIST/ARTISTA andrena joyce ...............e-mail: andrenajoyce@yahoo.com robin Waters ............................................... 686-115-0526 ADULT CARE/ATENCION DE ADULTOS san felipe adult Living facility ...................... 686-576-0661
6
March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia
FILM DEVELOPMENT/IMPRESION DE FOTOS Fotografia Alvarez (See ad on page 30) ...... 686-577-1144
foot tides, exposing a kilometer or more of ocean floor—one of the largest tidal bores in the world. and directly behind san felipe is sierra san Pedro Martír, the tallest mountains in Baja. The desert terrain is vast and offers incredible trails and exploration for aTvs, dirt bikes and offroad vehicles. just south of san felipe are extensive sand dunes ideal for buggies and rails. The valley of the giants, the natural reserve of the thousand-year-old cardon cactus, has become a major attraction. in addition, san felipe offers great bargain shopping for souvenirs, arts and much more. BAKERY/PANADERÍA Panaderia especial ....................................... 686-577-1902
FISHING Pablo's Sport Fishing (English Spoken) (See ad on page 33) ................................ 686-117-6974 Azteca Sport Fishing and Tours (See ad on page 33) ................................ 686-577-0741 FURNITURE/MUEBLERÍA Baja Nueva (See ad on page 34 & 36) ........ 686-187-7795 GIFT Bajaglitz....................................................... 686-175-5420
CHOCOLATE/CHOCOLATE Baja Chocolate Lovers (See ad on page 28) ..686-576-0348
POLICE/POLICÍA federal Preventive Police ............................. 686-577-1045 Police ......................................................... 686-577-1134 POSTAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS POSTALES Yet Mail (See ad on page 13) .......................... 686-577-1255 SunRunner Mail Center (See ad on page 13).. 686-147-6752 PRINTERS/IMPRESORAS Papeleria Copicentro (See ad on page 30) . 686-577-1402 The Print supplier ......................................... 686-230-9933 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE PROPIEDADES custom vacation Homes .............................. 928-277-6863 928-277-7559 & visit www.sanfelipevacations.com redwagon Property services ....................... 686-576-0081 PUBLICATIONS/PUBLICACIONES Gringo Gazette (See ad on page 13) ........... 686-111-3692 Mexico Living Magazine ............................... 686-577-1377 REAL ESTATE AGENTS/AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES Bill Maine ..................................................... 686-231-4921 jim Moore .......................................Mx cell 686-184-9237 REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES Baja 24/7 construction & real estate (See ad on page 36) ................................ 686-577-6196 REAL ESTATE SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE BIENES RAÍCES Baja Closing & Escrow Services (See ad on page 26 & 36) ........................ 686-576-0653 RECREATION/RECREACIÓN aerodynamic - Ultralight flights .................... 686-116-2933 RENTALS Red Lobster Hotel (See ad on page 30)........ 686-577-0483 Kiki's RV and Hotel (See ad on page 30) ....... 686-577-2021 SATELLITE TELEVISION & INTERNET/ TELEVISION SATELITALES Y INTERNET csi - computer & satellite installation........... 686-577-2928
SOLAR BC Solar Cooking (See ad on page 27) ....... 686-106-9693
HATS/SOMBREROS Band It (See ad on page 4) ......................... 686-123-5147
SPECIALTY STORES Sea of Cortez Salt (See ad on page 27) ...... 686-209-0074
HOME BUILDERS/CONTRATISTAS Oscar Parra (See ad on page 36) ............... 686-120-6506 Perez construction ....................................... 686-236-4927 San Felipe Home Builders (See ad on page 35 & 40) ........................ 686-577-3176
STORAGE/ALMACÉN San Felipe Moving & Storage (See ad on page 35)..686-576-0432
IMPORT SERVICES/SE RVICIOS DE IMPORTACIÓN San Felipe Moving & Storage (See ad on page 36) ............................... 686-576-0432
CATERING The Latin garden .......................................... 686-209-6369
PHARMACY/FARMACIA Botica “Sagrado Corazon” (See ad on page 31) .686-577-1294 Santa Fe Pharmacy (See ad on page 4) ......686-576-0546
GRAPHIC DESIGN/DISEñO GRáFICO greetscape .................................................. 686-188-2393
BANDS/BANDAS agave Blues ................................................. 686-184-9237
BUILDING MATERIALS/MATERIALES DE CONTRUCCIÓN Maderas de San Felipe (See ad on page 36) ... 686-577-1515
OPTOMETRISTS/OPTHAMOLOGISTS California Optical (See ad on page 31) ....... 686-577-0708 Maxivisionoptical = opticaMaxivision .......... 686-577-0320
GOLF/GOLF Las caras de Mexico .................................... 686-576-0517
HOME IMPROVEMENTS san felipe Home improvement ..................... 686-222-4507
BEAUTY SALONS/SALONES DE BELLEZA Lilly ana’s Day spot ..................................... 686-577-6253 Hair By nancy ............................................. .686-113-3682
MOVING SERVICES San Felipe Moving & Storage (See ad on page 36) ................................ 686-576-0432
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS/ ORGANIZACIONES DE SERVICIO club Las amigas .......................................... 686-202-0455 San Felipe Lions Club (See ad on page 22) ....686-212-3599 San Felipe Rotary (See ad on page 13 & 22)..686-576-0112
BANK/BANCO BBva Bancomer........................................... 686-577-2224 silvia elizabeth Urbea, Preferred customer’s Unit ext. 13
BARS/CLUBS The Beach Bar and grill ................................ 686-577-3144 fandangos ................................................... 686-477-0060 The Green Door Bar (Los Algodones) (See ad on page 28) .............................. 658-517-7347 Los Arcos - Happy Jackass (See ad on page 29) .............................. 686-577-2585
MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS ambulance................................................... 686-577-0500 Health center .............................................. 686-577-1521 red cross .................................................... 686-577-1544 Dr. victor abasolo ............ 686-577-1706 or 686-573-0174
INSURANCE Alani’s Mexican Insurance (See ad on page 4) ..686-577-2464 INTERIOR DESIGN/DISEñO INTERIOR Baja Nueva (See ad on page 34 & 36) ........ 686-211-4676 san felipe interior Design ............................. 686-577-3176 JEWELRY Baja Treasures (See ad on page 4) ............. 686-122-2668 LANDSCAPING/JARDINERÍA versoleil ....................................................... 686-576-0664 MASSAGE/MASAJE Casey’s Place (Massage) (See ad on page 22) ..686-577-1431 MEAT MARKETS/CARNECERIAS MERCADOS Zsamaniegos carnecerias (Z Market) ............ 686-577-1676
CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
TATTOOING/TATUAJES Baja ink spot Tattoo & Body Piercing ............ 686-577-0746 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 ZaPP animal center ..................................... 686-111-1143 WASTE MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE DESHECHO San Felipe Disposal (See ad on page 35) ... 686-121-1004
MEXICO CO LIVING
BAJA CALIFORNIA Guide to Pacific Baja & The Sea of Cortez
The Baja Peninsula Community Newspaper
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{Welcome to baja} BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR San Ignacio
BCS Photo
Loreto, BAJA CALIFORNIA Sur Loreto, founded in 1697 by Jesuit missionaries, was the first Spanish settlement on the east coast of the Baja California peninsula. Loreto, situated on the Sea of Cortez, 26º00’46” N 111º20’36” W, served as the capital of the province of Las Californias from its founding until the capital was moved to Monterey on February 3, 1777. The 2005 census reported a population of 10,283. Today Loreto is a tourist resort, catering mostly to U.S. travelers, with daily flights from California arriving at Loreto International Airport. Many of the American tourists enjoy
When in need of an ambulance, please call the Police number first (they will dispatch the call) and then the Fire Department number. Police number is 135-0035 or 135-0036. By following this procedure, you can be assured of being assisted.
Mulegé, BAJA CALIFORNIA Sur Mulegé is situated at the mouth of the Río Santa Rosalía (26°53´17˝N 111°58´53˝W), in the state of Baja California Sur, 38 miles south of Santa Rosalia, at the mouth of Bahía de Concepción. In 2005, the reported population was 3,317. Nestled between two hills in a lush tropic palm oasis divided by a shaded river that runs towards an estuary that flows to the sea, Mulegé is rich in history with lots of great sites to see, including the Misión Santa Rosalía de Mulegé, founded in 1705; the old state penitentiary, finished in 1907; and the Sierra de Guadalupe cave paintings. Outdoor activities abound, from mountain biking, scuba diving and kayaking to deep
Municipal/Municipal Health Center / Issste.................................... 615-153-0298 Judicial Police............................................... 615-153-0049 Mexican Red Cross.......................... 615-153-0280 / 30110
fishing in “pangas” for “dorado” (Mahi-mahi or Dolphin Fish). Local restaurants will even prepare the daily catch of the tourists. Loreto has an excellent museum alongside the historic, but still active, parish. The Spanish Fathers found a steady spring of fresh water on this site. Loreto’s climate is hot and humid, with abundant sunshine (desert with some rainfalls in summer). The medium temperature is 76 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperatures are hot from June through October. These summer days have highs around 93 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity.
sea fishing. The cold northern current and the warm southern current come together to create an environment great for catching some of the 100 different species of fish in the Mulegé waters. By land, Mulegé is 650 miles south of the San Diego/Tijuana border crossing on Mexican Highway 1, and in 2010, via Highway 5 through San Felipe. By Air, Mulegé is served by three airstrips: Hotel Serenidad Airstrip (El Gallito), the Mulegé Municipal and Punta San Pedro. Regional flights are available at the Palo Verde Airport, and international flights are available at the Loreto Airport.
Municipal/Municipal
Fire Department............................................ 613-135-1566 Immigration.................................................. 613-135-1266
Medical Ambulance................................................... 613-135-1566 Hospital........................................................ 613-135-0039 ISSTE........................................................... 613-135-0730 Red Cross..................................................... 613-135-1111
BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)
REAL ESTATE Alexander Real Estate (See ad on page 36).... 613-135-0212
AIRPORT Loreto International Airport............................ 613-135-0565 Banks / Banco Bancomer..................................................... 613-135-0739 BOOKSTORES El Cadallo Blanco (See ad on page 4). ........ 613-116-5374
BUS Loreto Bus Terminal...................................... 613-135-0767
RENTALS Rentals Loreto (See ad on page 30)............ 613-135-2505 Stay in Loreto (See ad on page 30)............. 613-135-0791 TOURISM Loreto Tourism Office.....................................613-135-0411 Tours/adventures Baja Tropicales.............................................. 615-153-0320 Mulegé Sportfishing...................................... 615-153-0482 Cortez Explorers............................................ 615-153-0500
HOME DECÓR Gecko's Curios (See ad on page 34)............ 613-135-2505
Holland America Cruise Ship 2010 Schedule
March 5 • 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. March 30 • 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. April 29 • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m Municipal Delegation....................................615-15-3-0049 State Tourism................................................ 615-124-0199 Taxi Service.................................................. 615-153-0420 Traffic Department........................................ 615-153-0049
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Mexico Living’s Baja California – March 2010
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Todos Santos, BAJA CALIFORNIA Sur
The mission Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Todos Santos La Paz was founded by father Jaime Bravo in
LA PAZ DOWNTOWN La Paz, BAJA CALIFORNIA Sur La Paz (“The Peace”) is the capital city of Baja California Sur located at 24.1405°N 110.3123°Wand is an important commercial center. Its surrounding municipality, which is the fourth-largest municipality in Mexico in geographical size, in 2005 reported a population of 219,596 living on 7,828.2 square miles of land. La Paz is typically dry and warm with averages of 75–77 degrees Fahrenheit, and 300 days or better of sunshine annually. Summer months are often in the 90’s and can be humid. The winter months can drop below 60, but stays mostly in the mid-60’s. During the summer the cooling Coromuel winds, a weather phenom-
enon unique to the La Paz area, blow from Bahia de La Paz keeping the temperature mild. By Air, La Paz is served by Manuel Márquez de León International Airport with flights to the U.S., Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Two ferry services operate from Pichilingue outside the city, connecting the Baja California peninsula to the mainland at Mazatlán and Topolobampo. By Road, La Paz is served mainly by two highways, Highway 1 that links the south of the state from Cabo San Lucas to the north of the peninsula until Tijuana, and Highway 19, which connects La Paz with the population of the South Pacific towns like Todo Santos and El Pescadero.
Municipal/Municipal
Home Decor Ricky Ricardo’s Home Furnishings (See ad on page 25)..................................612-145-0379
Fire Department.............................................612-122-0054 La Paz Tourism Office.....................................612-124-0278 Museum of Anthropology...............................612-122-0162 Port Captain...................................................612-122-0243
BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) FERRY SERVICE Baja Ferries....................................................612-125-7443 GOVERNMENT SEMATUR......................................................612-125-8899 Baja California Sur State Government.............612-124-0199 La Paz Post Office
Police City Police......................................................612-122-4692 Green Angels.................................................612-125-9677 Fed. Judicial Police.........................................612-125-2665 Highway Patrol....................612-12203-69 & 612-122-5735 State Jud. Police.................612-122-6610 & 612-122-1399 Medical Cruz Roja 065 or............................................612-122-1222 ISSSTE Hospital.............................................612-122-2789 IMSS Hospital................................................612-122-7377 Salvatierra Hospital..............612-122-1496 & 612-1221596
Named “Pueblo Mágico” in 2006, Todos Santos is a small coastal town at the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, on the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula, about an hour’s drive north of Cabo San Lucas and an hour south from La Paz. Located at 23°26´56˝N 110°13´32˝W, Todos Santos is very near the Tropic of Cancer in the municipality of La Paz. The population was 4,078 at the census of 2005. During the 19th century Todos Santos thrived as the Baja sugarcane capital. Now the rich farmlands have been reworked and the town prospers from an abundance of avocado, vegetable and chili farming, papaya and mango orchards, fishing and ranching.
Municipal/Municipal Hospital........................................................ 612-145-0095 Mayor........................................................... 612-145-0365 Post Office.................................................... 612-145-0330 State Police................................................... 612-145-0198
BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) Art Galleries Contemporary Mexican Art..........................612-145-0215 Charles Stewart Gallery/Studio....................612-145-0265 Colores de Mexico......................................612-145-0106 Ezra Katz Gallery.........................................612-137-3473 Galeria Arturo.............................................612-145-0773 Galeria de Kathleen Gambogi.......................612-145-0460 Galeria La Poza...........................................612-145-0400 Galeria N. E. Hayles.....................................612-145-0183 Galeria On-ce Photography..........................612-145-0550 Galeria Wall.................................................612-145-0527 Jill Logan Galerîa (See ad on page 34)......612-145-0151 La Polilla................................................01-331-255-7965 Michael Cope..............................................612-145-0500 Wendy Faith, artist in glass..........................612-145-0255
Real Estate services Omni Services...............................................612-123-4888
8
March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja California
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1723. This mission contains the statue of the Virgin of Pilar, which is the focus of the town’s main festival in October. More recently, there has been an increase in tourist activity and a boom in real estate development. Handicraft shops, art galleries, upscale restaurants, boutique hotels and restored colonial buildings have contributed to the gentrification and redevelopment of the town. There are many beautiful beaches within a 30-minute drive. Playa Las Palmas and Playa Los Cerritos are great beaches for swimming and shell collecting, and Los Cerritos attracts surfers from around the world. Home Decor Ricky Ricardo’s Home Furnishings (See ad on page 25)..................................612-145-0379
Shopping Cactus Arte Mexicano.................................612-145-0771 Casa Juanita...............................................612-140-0069 La Canada del Diablo Muebles Rusticos......612-140-0069 Curios Tony.................................................612-145-0356 El Perico Azul..............................................612-145-0538 Fenix de Todos Santos.................................612-145-0808 Galeria Santa Fe..........................................612-145-0301 Mangos......................................................612-145-0451 Manos Mexicanas.......................................612-145-0538 Ricky Ricardo's Home Furnishings..............612-145-0379 Regalos Diana-Dos Glorias..........................612-145-0324 Uguet Tiles and Marble................................612-127-2776 Hotel California Emporium...........................612-145-0525 Real Estate King Y Asociados........................................624-151-5840 Amerimex...................................................612-145-0050 Maya Roca.................................................612-145-0464 Milagro Real Estate.....................................612-145-0219 Moniely Real Estate.....................................612-145-0540 Pescadero Properties..................................612-145-0756 Ricardo Amigo Real Estate .........................612-145-0551
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FISHING Hotel Los Pescadores (See ad on page 30) .....624-121-8786 HOTEL Hotel Los Pescadores (See ad on page 30) ..... 624-121-8786
in the world, Los Barriles offers postcardperfect beaches and a couple of small, well maintained hotels ready to serve the needs of Baja travelers. in addition to wind and water sports, Los Barriles is considered the Bill fishing capital of the world. During the summer months the area offers exceptional fishing for Marlin, sailfish, Dorado, Tuna and Wahoo.
BAJA EVENT TICKET SALES BAJA ACCOMMODATION BOOKINGS REVIEWS & RECOMMENDATIONS
RV Park
Paraiso del Mar RV Park (See ad on page 30) ................................ 624-355-5782 SALON Naty Salon (See ad on page 31) ................ 624-141-0346
BAJA BUSINESS DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE
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Los Barriles is a quaint little town 45 minutes north of the san jose Del cabo airport and 65 miles south of the La Paz airport, and only a 90-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of cabo san Lucas. The consistent winds and beautiful, white sandy beaches make Los Barriles a hot spot for water and wind enthusiasts from late november until early March. one of the top Wind surfing and Kite Boarding destinations
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SAN JOSE DEl cABO, BAJA cAlIFORNIA SUR san josé del cabo is located in Baja california sur and is the seat of the municipality of Los cabos at the south end of the Baja california peninsula. in the 2005 census it had a population of 48,518. Together with neighboring cabo san Lucas it forms a major tourist destination for travelers, particularly from north america. The two cities are served by Los cabos international airport. san josé del cabo offers you tranquility and old world charm, wonderful gift shops showcasing the art of Mexico, fabulous restaurants, fishing, golf, surfing and all the
nighttime entertainment you seek. or you can just relax on one of our many pristine white sand beaches. for nature lovers, a beautiful protected estuary with a variety of fish, turtles, dolphins, exotic marine animals and over 100 species of birds is located on the southeast edge of the city. and the historic artist colony of Todos santos is an easy one-hour drive to the north, along the scenic Pacific ocean. Local residents take pride in restoring the town’s 18th century architecture and preserving its quiet, laid-back ambiance.
MUNICIPAL/MUNICIPAL fire Department ........................................... 624-143-9000 United states consular agency emergency 24hrs. ............ 619-692-2154 or 624-143-3566
MEDICAL red cross .....................................................624-143-3300 emergencies .................................................624-144-3434 Hospital ........................................................624-143-7777 cape air and Land first response ambulance ... 624-143-5900 centro Medico cabo san Lucas.....................624-143-9727
BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z)
POLICE Police cabo san Lucas..................................624-143-0057
DENTISTS cabo cosmetic DentaL ...............................624-143-0520
A Service of Mexico Living
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TREAMENT & RECOVERY Rehab in Mexico (See ad on page 31) ........................ +52 818-331-0911
Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia – March 2010
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9
{WElcOME TO BAJA} gs zes Dru Legali Mexico No. 29 -
TA K F R E E EO NE October
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cABO SAN lUcAS, BAJA cAlIFORNIA SUR Cabo Maritime
Center cabo san Lucas has the largest Marlin cabo san Lucas (aka Los cabos or san josé del cabo in Mexico, and cabo in the U.s.) tournament in the world. in the winter, pods of is at the southern tip of the Baja california whales can be observed in the ocean bearing peninsula at 22.88°n 109.90°W, in the state their calves in the warm waters. served by the Los cabos international airport of Baja california sur. as of the 2005 census, the population was 56,811. it is the largest for general aviation flights and air taxi service, community in Los cabos, and the second- the town is also a popular port of call for many cruise ships. largest in Baja california sur. exclusive hotels and gated residential The warmth of the waters, the beauty of its beaches, the abundance of fish, the raucous communities attract the rich and famous in party atmosphere, a resort studded Tourist this wondrous region known as “The corridor.” corrider that stretcuhes between the twin towns considered some of Latin america’s top resorts, of cabo san Lucas and san josé del cabo many of these properties have become havens in miles of pristine white beaches, and other to Hollywood stars, fortune 500 ceos and even qualities is quickly making cabo san Lucas a the U.s. president during the 2002 asia-Pacific economic conference (aPec). highend vacation destination.
MUNICIPAL/MUNICIPAL ambulance........................ 066-624-142-0316 (red cross) consumer affairs (Profeco) La Paz 01 .......... 612-122-8088 fire Dept ........................................... 068 or 624-142-2466 Taxis .....624-142-0580 or 624-142-0105 or 624-142-0401
BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) POLICE state Police ...................................................624-143-0296 Highway Patrol ..............................................624-143-3977 federal Police................................................624-143-1210 MEDICAL alcoholics anonymous..................................624-147-5516 ambulances ..................................................624-143-4020 social security Hospital.................................624-143-1548 Health center ................................................624-143-0102 red cross .....................................................624-143-3300
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CITY chamber of commerce .................................624-143-0437 family Protection ..........................................624-143-0586 gas Leaks .....................................................624-143-1292 MARINE Harbor Master ...............................................624-143-4771
Ensenada, BC Baja Country Club El Rey Sol Hotel El Rey Sol Restaurant CasaMar Restaurant Happy Pharmacy Steven Dryden - contact Hotel St. Isabel Tourism Office San Felipe, BC Amor Property Baja Nueva Bar Miramar Botica Sagrado Corazon Casey’s Place Charley @ south Chumpos Pizza CSI Dr Jason El Pelicano FatBoys Jackass La Vaquita LillyAna’s PDO Beach Bar Rancho Otro Riviera Liquors San Felipe Liquors Santa Fe Pharmacy Sundance Sunrunner YetMail
nusery jungle cactus...cel. 044(624)122-0324
El Rosario Cactus Hotel
POLICE federal Highway Police..................................624-146-0573 Municipal Police ............................................624-142-0361 Police san jose del cabo ..............................624-142-0361 Traffic Police .................................................624-142-3748
Catavina Desert Inn
TREAMENT & RECOVERY Rehab in Mexico (See ad on page 31) ..................... MX 01-800-724-0911
March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia
San Quintin, BC El Jardin Restaurant/Bar/Hotel
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No. 32
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2009
January
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Plus: ■ The Origins of Ne Year’s Resoluti w Page 31 ons ■ Assis ted Liv ing in Me Health & Beauty xico ■ Bank ing Basic Page 25 s in Ba ja ■ Hell No, I Wo People & Voices n’t Go!
RE INVE ST • RETI K • PLAY • LIVE • WOR
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Rosarito Beach, BC D’Groomer Dog La Bamba 50’s Diner Magañas Restaurant To the Top Elevators Click-On Mail Bobby’s By the Sea R.B. Hotel Coffee Shop Baja Open House Baja Mart Whale’s Tail Deli Medio Camino Restaurant InCare Casa El Jardín Baja Medix Consultorio Dental Rosarito-Ensenada Alternative Healthcare Foxploration Centro Turístico Popotla Susanna's (btw El Nido & Sr.Froggs) Hotel Festival Plaza Hotel Brisas del Mar. Buffet Ortega's Restaurant Rosarito Beach Hotel Restaurantr Rene's
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Boat Ramp
■ Mexic o: Next Pow Gold’s Player erhouse
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■ Snork eling in the Un derwater Playgr ounds of Pacific Ba Sea of Cor ja & the tez
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Plus:
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San Ignacio, BCS Rice & Beans Resturant Ignacio Springs B&B
Mulege, BCS Hotel Serenidad Hotel Hacienda Mely's Restaurant Hotel Mulegé Las Terrazas Hotel Lavamatica Mulegé Carlos' Internet Los Equipales Restaurant Rice & Beans & More Restaurant Las Casitas Bar/Restaurant/ Hotel Asadero Danny's Internet Minita El Patron Bar & Restaurant Pancho Villa's Bar & Restaurant Saul's La Tienda El Mesquite Bar Scott's El Candil Bar & Restaurant Taco shop( (behind Hotel Hacienda) La Palapa Restaurant Tienda Vista Azul Restaurant Bar Del Cortez Mini Market Gùera Carmelita's Restaurant Ana's Restaurant/Bar (la playa Santispac) Bertha's Restaurant & Bar (la play el Burro) Loreto, BCS Coco Cabanas Hotel Tipui Silver Shop La Daminana Loreto Islas Tiburon Rentals Rentals Loreto Gecko Curios Dali's Alexander Real Estate Mita Gourmet El Dorado Motel Juice Guy Augie's Mission Hotel Oasis Hotel Desert Inn Rivera del Mar RV La Paz, BCS Hacinda del Sol Land's End Realty OMNI Services Kettle Corn Tailhunters Los Gaviotas Hotel Rancho Viejo Tequilas Toscano Pizza Gourmet
Corey Tours Gorilla's Grill Baja Challenge Rickey Ricardos Los Barriles, BCS Baja Beach Invenstments Home and Land of Baja Gisela Talamantes Saenz, LLM Attorney at Law C & G Builders Bahia Real Estate Baja Properties Paraiso del Mar RV Park Coldwell Banker Hotel Los Pescadores Tia Pablo's Grill & Tienda Galeria de LunaSea San Jose del Cabo, BCS Angel´s Touch Dental Coldwell Banker Blue MedicalNet Land's End Realty Habenero's Grill Pasquales Pizzaria Mi Enselada Dental Cabo Center La Fonda Restaurant Die Trying Cabo Tequila Boutique Dream Home Real Estate Century 21 Shooter Bar Cabo Riveria Baja Properties Cabo Coffee Villa Valentina Cynthia's Restaurant Todos Santos, BCS AmeriMex Realty Las Fuentes Bar & Grill A.Paraiso Realty Coldwell Banker Vacation Rentals Centro Cultural Jill Logan Gallery Zen Garden Restaurant Il Giardino Pizzaria Museo de Barrio Galeria de Hayles Miguels Restaurant Bodega Lizzarga Marcado Rickey Ricardo's Gallery Cabo Linda Real Estate Hotel California Cabo San Lucas, BCS Happy Endings Bar Wild Canyon Adventures Cabo Cosmetic Dental Cape Realty Restaurant Mi Casa Doc wine bar Mama's Roal Cafe Hotel Mar de Cortez Pancho's Restaurant
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p. p. p. p. p. p. p. p. p. p. p. p. BlueS & ArtS BAjA ActiVity people & BuSiNeSS & cooKiNG & heAlth hoMe & NewS cAleNdAr lodGiNG FiShiNG Art clASSiFiedS FieStA FAShioN Guide VoiceS MoNey diNiNG & BeuAty reAl eStAte
’S R O T LE I D E NG A
Top 10 Baja Tunes
“island Tunes” . . . i’m sure you know what those are . . . the music that immediately makes you think of Hawaii, jamaica or beautiful st. Thomas. Well, the closer we get to the Blues & arts fiesta, it started to make me think . . . what tunes evoke the feel of Baja? Then the other day, i was listening to Denny flannigan’s cD, Don’t Need No Reason to Party, and “gata Loca” began to play. That’s it! . . . That makes me think, “Baja!” Knowing there must be many more, i called Denny and asked him to tell me what tunes make HiM think of Baja. and . . . wouldn’t you know . . . he didn’t even think about it before responding. The first words out of his mouth were, “at the far end of Baja in cabo san Lucas, sammy Hagar has a club called cabo Wabo. Lots of good Baja fun, spring breakers, girls in bikinis and drinks made of every variety of tequila imaginable, and the song ‘cabo Wabo’ just seems to reel them in!” Wow . . . he just spurted that out off the top of his head. Being curious, i asked how many more he could come up with. His response, “How much time do you have?” Being short on time, and knowing that he was serious, i told him to just give me his top six or seven. nevertheless, i had to stop him, but here’s a short recap of Denny’s response with his reasons; but note that he did make the disclaimer that they are definitely in no order and that he has ManY more on his mind! 1. “cabo Wabo,” sammy Hager: just reels them in. 2. “friends in Low Places,” garth Brooks: seems to always pull in the crowds. 3. “Baja”: This song was performed in a surf movie by frankie avalon and annette funicello. While Vatos Locos does not perform the same piece, they do have the same surf-ability blues style. You can catch them at the Blues & Arts Fiesta. 4. “He Drinks Tequila and she Talks Dirty in spanish,” sammy Kershaw and Lorrie Morgan: a legendary
MEXICO LIVING Guide to Pacific Baja & The Sea of Cortez
Publisher/Editor john Pack john@mexicoliving.info Publisher rachel Pack rachel@mexicoliving.info Editor Brenda judy editor@mexicoliving.info
877-lUVMEX1
Your one-stop Baja 411 resource for finding business people, products and services in your area.
This Month’s Features
Baja Fashion
Page 20 from Tijuana to cabo san Lucas, Baja transcends the international market
Mexico’s Socorro Island
Page 21
one of the best diving spots on earth!
Baja’s Saltwater Scorpion
Page 32
This venomous fish offers a gourmet delicacy
Are You Safe?
Page 14 new reports reveal that Mexico is as safe or safer than the U.s.
P.S. As always, I’m interested in hearing from you, what you think of Mexico Living and any ideas or comments you may have to improve YOUR GUIDE TO THE GOOD LIFE. So, send your suggestions and comments to editor@ mexicoliving.info.
U.s. Toll-free: (800) 395-9019 ex.3 san Diego, ca: (619) 550-2730 san felipe, Bc: (686) 230-9933
Published by john Benjamin Pack
Baja Report
is a weekly Mexico Living newsletter featuring articles, news and community updates from readers like you. if you have something to report, simply send it to bajareport@gmail.com. reports can be events, road trips, road conditions, free classified ads, community updates, news or anything Baja. find it online www.bajareport.com.
Baja country tune that has been played for years. 5. “Black Magic Woman,” santana: anyone that has been in san felipe for any length of time knows there is a spry “young” woman, Marguerite, who can bring any party to life with her wickedly sensual interpretation of this classic . . . both are timeless! 6. “g’on Wit’cha Bad self,” gregg Wright: Being a keyboard player, i dig good piano/organ driven blues tunes and this caught my attention. 7. “a Pirate Looks at 40,” jimmy Buffett: it hits home with a lot of elderly teenagers who refuse to limit their youthful activities despite their years on this planet. 8. “Desperado,” the eagles: Particularly meaningful in a peninsula that draws a crowd “just a little to the left of center.” 9. “Donde esta,” Pink Martini: just plain ol’ fun Latin music! for those of you who don’t know who Denny flannigan is, he has appeared and played with over 250 major groups (including ricky nelson . . . i’m sure glad Denny wasn’t on that last plane ride!), written for aBc Television and currently holds the title of Mexico Living’s reader Poll for “Best entertainment” in Baja. To learn more about Denny, visit www.Dennyflannigan.com. okay . . . yes, i know . . . only nine tunes are listed. However, #10 is the one that got me started telling you about this in the first place, “Gata Loca.” and my friend, Denny, has graciously allowed us to give you a FREE MP3 download of his “Baja Tune” for a limited time. visit http:// community.mexicolivingguide.com to listen to it today!
Home & Garden
Page 24 Profiles of some specialty Baja businesses
Mexico Living is a guide committed to promoting northwest Mexico to the limits of our abilities and to provide a valuable resource to visitors and residents, while showing that northwest Mexico is a great place not only to visit and play, but also to live and work—a place to call home.
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Regional Sales Manager Lisa shannon, lisa@mexicoliving.info Regional Sales Associates – Baja California Norte Bill Maine, associate Publisher, bill@mexicoliving.info Kris clark, Marketing associate, bajamexicoliving@gmail.com eloy Miron, Marketing associate, eloymiron@gmail.com Regional Sales Associates – Baja California Sur rachel Pack, Publisher, rachel@mexicoliving.info sean Harrington, Marketing associate, seanmexliving@gmail.com
Distribution regional, carlos Durán san felipe, Bill Maine, san felipe
Mexico Mailing Address Mexico Living / Yet Mail, etc. ave. Mar de cortez #1049, san felipe, Bc 21850
Writers steve Dryden, carlos Durán, Benjamin eugene, steven forman, Tom gatch, Bob Ham, Lynn Hamman, stockton Hill, La Huerita, Lucy e. jackson, anita Kaltenbaugh, graham Mackintosh, David Mandich, Dann Manz, alexa Morgan, Karri Moser, Penny nask, greg niemann, john Pack, rachel Pack, Lisa shannon, june snow, christa Thomas, cai Tierra and robin Waters.
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Production Layout, carolyn sheltraw, info@csheltraw.com
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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.
Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia – March 2010
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contributors Mexico Living is only possible through the continued contributions from all these knowledgeable and talented people. if you would like to become a contributor, email mexicoliving@gmail.com. steve Dryden, carlos Durán, Benjamin eugene, steven forman, Tom gatch, Bob Ham, Lynn Hamman, stockton Hill, La Huerita, Lucy e. jackson, anita Kaltenbaugh, graham Mackintosh, David Mandich, Dann Manz, alexa Morgan, Karri Moser, Penny nask, greg niemann, john Pack, rachel Pack, Lisa shannon, june snow, christa Thomas, cai Tierra and robin Waters. .............
Featured contributor: greg nieMann
Reader Connection
to S an Felip e in 19 30 T he R oa d f r om M ex ic ali the october 1930 Touring We recently discovered this photo in Topics magazine (aaa s. cal edition). ch of forty-seven miles, The original caption: “a disheartening stret ller along the tidal flats of of mud and salt deposits awaits the trave felipe from Mexicali.” the gulf of california on the road to san san felipe a bump in the We don’t think you would even consider t the road today . . . must road back then; but people complain abou have been a two-day trip in 1930! arnold, california —submitted by russ and sara Wilson,
Q u o te o f
submitted by Mary j.,
santa rosalia “The blues was like tha t problem child that yo u may have had in the ashamed to let anybod family. You was a little y see him, but you lov bit ed him. You just didn’t would take it.” —B.B know how other peop . King, Blues guitarist le and singer-songwriter
the Go Guide on
author and long-time Baja buff, greg niemann has penned for many Baja newspapers and magazines. He contributes regularly to several publications like the San Clemente Journal, where he writes the “south of the Border” column. Most of his articles are outdoors, travel or Baja related. since retiring from UPs, where he edited company publications, greg has authored four books: Baja Fever, Baja Legends, Palm Springs Legends and Big Brown: The Untold Story of UPS. The memoirs brought out in Baja Fever created a loyal following of Baja fans. Baja Legends, which focuses on the characters, events and locations that put Baja california on the map, won an award from the outdoor Writers association of california (oWac) and is in its third printing. Palm Springs Legends is in its second printing, and Big Brown has been selling worldwide, including foreign versions. greg enjoys fishing and other outdoor activities, like hiking and rafting. He and his wife reside in southern california, travel as much as possible and have a weekend Baja home south of rosarito Beach. www.gregniemann.com 12
March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia
th e M o n th
E E R F MP 3
Mu sic
visit http://community. mexicolivingguide.com to download a fresh and energizing “Baja Tune.” Denny flannigan’s “Gata Loca,” from his Don’t Need No Reason to Party, cD is the Baja fix that you’ve been waiting for . . . it doesn’t get much better than this! simply check the audio section for all the latest music and talk.
When in Los Barriles, BCS, be sure to visit Hotel Los Pescadores and say “hola” to Sean Bonnefoy, a British Columbia transplant that is likely to be standing behind the bar serving Los Barriles’ coldest cerveza, waiting tables, tending to the needs of hotel guests or just making someone laugh. ....
Have a humorous or creative picture of you and your guide to the good life? Email your photo to editor@mexicoliving.info and show the world! CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
EVERYONE has a funny or embarrassing story, joke or tidbit to share with the world. Send your jokes, tidbits, anecdotes, questions and “Guide on the Go” photos to editor@mexicoliving.info and put a bit of sunshine in someone’s day! All contributions may be edited for content and language.
OP-ED
S o . . . W h a t d o Yo u R E a L L Y t h i n k ?
Fish Killers vs. The Fisherman I wanted to punch the killer in the face!
There are hunters and there are killers; and i am sick of listening to killers. i was grocery shopping when some knucklehead, for whatever reason, started to tell me about his latest kills; like i either looked like i cared or because he just wanted some gringo he could blabber to . . . i don’t know, but it pissed me
Mailbag DISAPPOINTED IN DENVER
i subscribed thinking that your coverage included sonora as well as the Baja, and since then it seems that you’ve moved away from any mention or coverage of sonora, and mostly concentrate on san felipe. There’s a lot of snowbirds and expats on the east side of the Mar de cortez and there’s a lot less coverage in the press. i had submitted an ad to rent our condo in san carlos when we wouldn’t be using it in late March and not only didn’t it show up, looks like there isn’t even a san carlos section in the ads anymore. —Dave Homerding, idledale, colorado
The opinions are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher or editor. opinions are published to allow you, the reader, to decide.
off. He just had to let me know he caught nine Dorado, but didn’t really like eating fish. i asked him if he was “catch and release” and he said, no he gave them to some guy on the beach when he came in. i wanted to punch him in the face! Why would anyone catch and not release nine fish if they just want to give them away or throw them away? on nearly a daily basis i hear people around the bar talking about how many fish they caught; many catching three, five or more Dorado, when the limit is two. Don’t get me wrong, i love fishing and i love eating fish,
but when my refrigerator is full, why would i need to bring in more? Why bother to kill the fish if i have no desire to eat it? if all i wanted to do was catch and kill, so i could brag at the bar, then why not just take some pictures of the catch, which will provide years of bragging rights, and leave the fish in the sea. i know that the waters off some of the more popular fishing areas in Baja are not monitored by the authorities, because they are nearly never seen, and even illegal commercial fishing takes place within view of the shore and still nothing is done. There is very
little we can do about the commercial fishing, unless the Mexican authorities step up, but at least we can police ourselves and others sportfishing and bragging about how they illegally caught nine Dorado. of course, i didn’t punch him in the face, but i did tell him he was an asshole and that there was a limit of Dorado and walked away. i’m not sure if there is anyone, or any organization to complain to, or if anyone would even care, so here’s my two cents worth, if it’s worth that. —D. Dawson, Baja california sur
Dave, our goal from the start had always been to distribute and cover all the major port cities around the sea, including Baja California, Sonora and Sinaloa. The problem has always been logistics. The cost of transporting throughout the various states became very prohibitive. Baja is much easier to manage because of the open borders shipping. Therefore, Baja is logistically doable—the other side of the sea is not. We’re truly sorry that you’re disappointed . . . as we are; however, to keep a quality guide, we had no alternative other than to change our plans a tad bit and focus upon Baja. I/we hope that you’ll continue reading and enjoy the news and articles that we provide to “expats” enjoying The Good Life!
MISLEADING INFO
Michelle, we are extremely sorry about all the trouble you went through to find out you don’t need a vehicle permit in the Baja states. The permit used to be on the books for Baja Sur, but it was rarely enforced or even mentioned. We don’t believe that it exists any longer and have removed it from the Welcome section as of the January edition.
s U d n e S k c a b d ee F
as always, we’re interested in your HonesT feedback. so, send your opinions and comments to editor@mexicoliving.info. Letters may be edited for length and content. Make sure to visit us online or pick up a copy of next month’s edition to find out what others reaLLY THinK!
i was reading page three of your December 2009 issue. it says “vehicle permits: Tourists traveling with their vehicle beyond the border zone north of ensenda, san felipe or Puerto Peñasco must obtain a temporary import permit or risk having their vehicle confiscated by Mexican customs officials.” i believe this is wrong. if a person is driving in Baja, you do not need a vehicle permit. BUT, if you go into the mainland part of Mexico, then you would need the permit. i was trying to get online to the inm.gob. nx web site and could not find anything about vehicle permits. i asked at the office where we are staying and they did not know. so, we drove downtown and someone that spoke mainly spanish explained if i was in the mainland of Mexico, i would need the permit. You might look into rephrasing the info about vehicle permits. i was a Mess until i found out it was okay without one. —Michelle, grapeview, Wa
CALENDAR FAUX PAS
first i want to congratulate you and your publishers for changing with the times. i have watched your format change and think the idea to cover the peninsula is very sharp! i have a question about your daylight saving’s date as March 8. My calendars all say March 14 and that Baja will be coordinating with the U.s. That’s a relief! good Luck and Much success! —Martina, Baja norte The Baja Sun, editor
Sunrunner
Martina, thank you for the kind words and for catching our typo. Yes, DST begis on March 14 in the U.S. and a few Baja cities.. Ma il Center
New owners: • Internet Ron & Susie Correction to February Edition in the article “Deep in clay Pottery” the pottery artist’s name is elwyn freeman, not Marti; Marti is his• wife. Copy We’re truly sorry for the error! Stephens Same Great Service • Fax Same Great Price US Mailing Address • Shipping • Forwarding Get a U.S. KM 178.5, Mailing • Stamps Plaza Paraiso, e r Mail Center Address San Felipe • Envelopes ers: •• Free New owners: Wifi Internet MENS • Copy & Fax T-Shirts ens Ron & Susie Stephens •• Shipping Copy Tanks ice Same Great Service The Rotary Club • Forwarding • Fax of San Felipe ice Same Great Price • Stamps LADIES ess Meets every US Mailing •• Envelopes Shipping T-Shirts Address Choose
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{NEWS}
NEW BRIEFS
TOP STORIES, LOCAL UPDATES AND MEXICAN NEWS IN ENGLISH
senD neWs To neWs@MexicoLiving.info
An Easy-to-Use Solution to communicate with People in the U.S. Whenever people travel outside the U.s., they encounter the challenge of staying in touch with friends and business associates back home. Globaltel Media took on the task of solving this need with the development of Cherple™. cherple is the first application of its kind to allow for a two-way, real-time conversation between an online Pc anywhere in the world and any cell phone in the U.s. via text messages (sMs), and without the need for a subscription, registration or a special wireless plan. standard text messaging rates apply to the U.s. cell phone user, but there is no cost to the online user who initiates and maintains the conversation. The application can be run directly from www.cherple.com or downloaded for free and used as a desktop application. The spanish version is soon to be released and is expected to fuel its success in our region. for more information, visit www. globaltelmedia.com.
Nestle to Invest Big in Mexican coffee nestle, the world’s biggest food group, said it will invest 5 billion pesos (Us$390 million) in Mexico over the next three years to increase coffee processing capacity, part of a $1 billion expansion plan. “The majority of these 5 billion pesos will be invested in the nescafe instant coffee processing plant,” nestle said in a statement, adding that the investment would increase capacity by 40 percent at the factory in Toluca near Mexico city. Mexico, a major world coffee producer, has struggled to improve the quality of its beans in recent years but is positioning itself as a processor of coffee to serve U.s. and european markets.
Reputed Mexican Drug lord Teodoro Garcia Simental is captured federal troops stormed a seaside vacation home and captured one of the country’s most brutal drug lords. This is the second time in less than a month that Mexico has taken down one of its most powerful traffickers. 14
Amid Drug War, Mexico is less Deadly than a Decade Ago by Alexandra Olson, The Associated Press
between 40 and 60 per 100,000 people, according to recent government statistics. colombia was close behind with a rate of 33 in 2008. Brazil’s was 24 in 2006, the last year when national figures were available. Mexico city’s rate was about 9 per 100,000 in 2008, while Washington, D.c. was more than 30 that year. “in terms of Image of cocaine drug packs confiscated by the U.S. Federal Agency DEA. Public Domain work of a U.S. Federal Agency. security, we are like those women Mexico ciTY—Decapitated bodies dumped who aren’t overweight but when they look in on the streets, drug-war shootings and regular the mirror, they think they’re fat,” said Luis de attacks on police have obscured a significant la Barreda, director of the citizens’ institute. “We fact: a falling homicide rate means people in are an unsafe country, but we think we are much Mexico are less likely to die violently now than more unsafe that we really are.” of course, drug violence has turned some they were more than a decade ago. it also means tourists as well as locals may be safer than many places in Mexico, including the U.s. border region and some parts of the Pacific coast, into believe. Mexico city’s homicide rate today is about on near-war zones since President felipe calderón par with Los angeles and is less than a third of intensified the war against cartels with a massive that for Washington, D.c. Yet many americans troop deployment in 2006. That has made ciudad are leery of visiting Mexico at all. Drug violence juarez, across the border from el Paso, Texas, and the swine flu outbreak contributed to a among the most dangerous cities in the world. “The violence, homicides and cruel and 12.5 percent decline in air travel to Mexico by U.s. citizens in 2009, according to the U.s. inhuman assassinations, which fill the pages Department of commerce, a blow to Mexico’s of our media, make us feel that there has been much more violence since this war against third-largest source of foreign income. Mexico, colombia and Haiti are the only drug trafficking,” said Bishop Miguel alba Diaz countries in the hemisphere subject to a U.s. of La Paz, a vacation city at the tip of the Baja government advisory warning travelers about california peninsula. Mexico’s violence is often more shocking than violence, even though homicide rates in many elsewhere in Latin america because powerful Latin american countries are far higher. “What we hear is, ‘oh the drug war! The cartels go to extremes to intimidate the governdead people on the streets, and the policeman ment and rival smugglers. in just one week in losing his head,’” said Tobias schluter, 34, a December, the severed heads of six police invescivil engineer from Berlin having a beer at a cafe tigators were dumped in a public plaza, kingpin behind Mexico city’s 16th-century cathedral. arturo Beltran Leyva died in a two-hour shootout “But we don’t see it. We haven’t heard a gunshot with troops at a luxury apartment complex in a resort city and gunmen slaughtered the family of or anything.” Mexico’s homicide rate has fallen steadily the only marine killed in that battle. in the new year, it’s become even more from a high in 1997 of 17 per 100,000 people to 14 per 100,000 in 2009, a year marked by an grotesque. Three weeks ago, a victim’s face unprecedented spate of drug slayings concen- was peeled from his skull and sewn onto a trated in a few states and cities, Public safety soccer ball. Days later, the remains of 41-yearsecretary genaro garcia Luna said. The national old former police officer were divided into two rate hit a low of 10 per 100,000 people in 2007, separate ice chests. authorities say the vast majority of victims according to government figures compiled by the independent citizens’ institute for crime are drug suspects, but bystanders, including children, sometimes get caught in the crossfire. studies. Mexico has the same problems with corrupt By comparison, venezuela, Honduras, el salvador and guatemala have homicide rates of police, gang violence and poverty as other Latin
March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia
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american countries with higher homicide rates. so why the decline in murders? experts say while drug violence is up, land disputes have eased. Many farmers have migrated to the cities or abroad and the government has pushed to resolve the land disputes, some centuries old. During the height of the Zapatista uprising in the mid 1990s—a rebellion fueled by land conflicts—southern chiapas state had a rate of nearly 40 per 100,000 people with 1,000 homicides a year. By 2008, that fell to 8 per 100,000 people with 364 killings. De la Barreda attributes the downward trend to a general improvement in Mexico’s quality of life. More Mexicans have joined the ranks of the middle class in the past two decades, while education levels and life expectancy have also risen. critics of calderón’s drug war say his frontal assault on cartels is giving Mexico a reputation as a violent country but doing little to stop the drug gangs’ work. “it’s a bad international image that affects foreign tourism and foreign investment,” said jose Luis Pineyro, a sociologist at Mexico’s autonomous Metropolitan University who has studied the drug war. Drug violence has encroached on the resort towns of Zihuatanejo, acapulco, Puerto vallarta and cancun. The millions of foreign tourists who visit each year are almost never targeted, but a handful have gotten caught in the crossfire. in 2007, two canadians were grazed by bullets when someone fired into a hotel lobby in acapulco. in january, a canadian couple was shot and wounded in a robbery attempt just outside Zihuatanejo. The U.s. state Department travel alert says dozens of U.s. citizens living in Mexico have been kidnapped over the years, and warns americans against traveling to the states of chihuahua and Michoacan. chihuahua, home to ciudad juarez, had a horrifying homicide rate of 173 per 100,000 in the city of 1.3 million, or more than 2,500 murders last year. Michoacan, famed for its Monarch butterfly refuge, Day of the Dead celebrations and picturesque colonial capital, is now also widely known as the place where five heads rolled across a dance floor. Drug violence is blamed for many of the state’s 660 killings last year. But in many parts of Mexico, villages are more tranquil than ever—a fact that retired nurse Marilyn Wells struggles to drive home with her american friends back home in LeMars, iowa. “We’re okay, there’s no problem,” Wells said she tells friends about the home she bought four years ago in cabo san Lucas. “i don’t feel any less safe down here than i did before.”
{NEWS}
Around Town in loreto with lynn Hamman Darts anyone? There are many activities to do here in Loreto, one of which is joining a Dart League. This year the Dart League is headed up by Belva Atkeson. anyone can sign up but they try to keep each team to four players. each player pays 150 pesos. There are six teams that make up this year’s league and each team has a “captain.” Matches are played in a win/lose order. sign-ups are usually done in november and this year the league began on november 25 and will end on March 3 with all matches played at Hotel oasis. a luncheon will conclude the Dart League for the year at a place yet to be determined. sometimes another Dart League forms to continue on during the summer months for those full-timers. But, if you still cannot
get enough dart throwing at Hotel oasis, then you can go over to Stroker’s Reef at 7 p.m. on Thursday nights. owners Jaime and Kathy Gonzalez provide a bon fire out back so you’ll be toasty warm while slinging your darts. Loreto Bay may have more building activity since HOMEX has just recently purchased the development. The Loreto Bay community center has been completed and ready for use. it is located at #306 in Loreto Bay. english speaking aa Meetings take place every Monday, Wednesday and friday from 6–7 p.m. another Zumba class, with instructor Erika Plascencia, can be attended on Monday, Wednesday and friday at 11:30 a.m. but starting in March the classes will extend to Monday through friday.
The residents of Loreto Bay have been organizing other adult and children activities to take place at this facility. The Second Annual Tripui Fishing Tournament will be held the last weekend in june. registration/ check-in will be held Thursday, june 24, with fishing on june 25 and 26. There was a great turn out for 2009 and thanks to those who participated $10,000 was raised for Colonia Miramar School in Loreto. gifts were purchased for 564 kids as well as classroom supplies, and office and sports equipment for the school. so, mark your calendars for june 24, 25 and 26, 2010! for more information, visit www.tripuisportsfishing.com or contact Bud Dees at bajabud1947@ yahoo.com or Jim DeSmet at unomasjd@yahoo.com.
Good Deeds to Good Times in la Paz
Photo courtesy of vivalapaz.net
by Alexa Verdugo Morgan
A gorgeous view from the patio of the Dinghy Dock restaurant.
This month’s Foreign Business Owners meeting, held at the Dinghy Dock restaurant on january 12 saw a turnout of nearly 40 attendees. The meeting was led by Juli Goff, owner of the spanish language school Se Habla . . . La Paz and a well-known face among local
gringos. Lic. Herminio Corral Estrada, head of the Procuraduria Federal del Consumidor (Profeco) La Paz office, was the guest speaker and delivered a presentation on their role as a consumer protection agency/regulator of local business practices. following the question-andanswer session at the end of the meeting, many stayed to enjoy the Hotel Marina’s tasty dinners. recently, the “orphans” at Baja Dogs Refuge in comitan (a suburb of La Paz) were given a wonderful and very much needed gift: new kennels! Years of rain, wind and sun damage had previously left the kennels in shambles and the dogs exposed to the harsh conditions. Through the generous efforts of local and U.s. residents, including Russ Alba from Tampa, enough funds were collected to build four concrete shelters. Baja Dogs founder Dhorea Ryon also collaborated with La Paz’s own Fern Corriani and others to plant saplings, which will provide crucial shade
Photo by victor rodriguez
¿Qué Pasa San Felipe?
Steve Forman, ZAPP Founder, and “Miss Tootie” at the ZAPP fundraiser event.
The charity of san felipe never ceases to amaze me. january was host to many events around town to help continue to support local as well as global needs. ZAPP raised $6,500 to fund the new cat and Kitten facility, Miss Kitty’s Cat House, at ZaPP animal center. Three hundred san felipians drag themselves every year to see Tootie & Her “Girls” from LIPS NightClub in san Diego. residents of
san felipe turned out in droves to the third annual event at the Pavillion at La Ventana del Mar in El Dorado Ranch, thanks to the generosity of Pat and Doreen Butler. The Rotary Club of San Felipe raised $2,000 to assist the victims of the 7.2 earthquake that struck Haiti on january 12. The funds will go toward supplying two shelter Boxes to the disaster victims. among the first international relief workers to reach Haiti were volunteers from shelterBox, a U.K.-based disaster response organization supported by rotary clubs worldwide. each shelterBox kit contains a 10-person tent, a water purification system and other survival necessities. Donations to the relief effort can be made by calling Bob MacDonald at (686) 577-2049. casa de fe hosted a Cowboy Ho-Down on january 17 to raise money for their orphanage, featuring live country-style music with the assistance of Agave Blues’ Jim Moore, Bill Maine and Isaac Diaz, and featured special guest
for the dogs during the summer. However, the “shelter for The shelter” project still needs to build five more cement kennels. funds can be donated by visiting www.bajadogshelplneoflapaz. org. volunteers to clean the kennels, walk the dogs or simply to cuddle with the “orphans” are always welcome. a fierce north wind didn’t stop the Club Cruceros de La Paz from throwing one heck of a beach party on sunday, january 24, at the Malecon hotspot Papas & Beer. The ‘60s themed bash included live music from the Baja South Band, led by local songbird Laura Lothian, a crucero herself. With tickets at only 70 pesos a piece, Papas & Beer filled up fast! But the beach party is only one of many events the club hosts each year. in fact, the valentine’s Day Dance, which will be held at the La Costa restaurant on february 14, is right around the corner.
keyboardist, Dave Bourges, guitarist Eloy Miron, as well as the vocals of Jeri Pickett and Lisa Shannon. SFARP hosted the Tour of Homes on the same day with many people going to view some of el Dorado ranch’s finest specimens. saturday nights at La Vaquita are a lot of fun, with the music of Tavo’s revolution and dinner specials. Super Bowl parties were not in short demand in san felipe this year. Los Arcos Happy Jackass had their amazing bash, huge spread of great food and all-you-can-drink beverages all day long; Playa de Oro had a great buffet-style meal and Happy Hour prices; JollyMon had the Big game on multiple big-screen Tvs and served food from Sandrail Pizza; FatBoys had their Best Pizza in san felipe on the fly and drink specials. There were events at Lighthouse and The Pavillion as well. CORRECTION FROM FEBRUARY: funds raised by Lions Club Jail Cell Jingle went to Kuchie to help families in san felipe, not to sonshine Hacienda.
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The arrest was considered another victory for enhanced electronic surveillance techniques that are being cultivated with the assistance of the United states. garcía, known as “el Teo,” was arrested near the southern tip of the Baja california peninsula, where his gang had been bringing in planeloads of drugs to smuggle across the U.s. border, said ramón eduardo Pequeño, head of the federal police agency’s anti-drug unit. garcía is connected to the deaths of at least 300 people and ordered his rivals disposed of in especially grisly ways: beheading them, hanging their bodies from bridges or dissolving them in caustic soda. He is also believed to be behind many of the dozens of assassinations of Tijuana police officers in the last two years. Pequeño said garcía had recently stepped up efforts to kill Baja california’s attorney general and Tijuana’s public safety chief.
Major Marijuana Seizure in Baja according to La jornada (Mexico city), the Mexican military in san felipe seized 12.4 tons of marijuana during a routine traffic inspection the first week of february. a truck, headed to the U.s., was found to have 203 packages of approximately 135 pounds each. The seizure is considered one of the most important in the country, according to the army. Two previous seizures in the country last year weighed in at 10.3 and 11.4 tons.
cabo San lucas Airport Now capable of Handling large Aircraft Los cabos airport completed a taxiway expansion that enables it to handle 747s and other wide-body aircraft. This allows the spain-based Barcelo chain, who recently opened their new 626-room Los cabos Palace Deluxe, to consider flights from europe, which would be a first for the destination.
One of Baja’s Most Wanted criminals captured saul camacho cota, alleged to be responsible for at least two kidnappings of businessmen from Mexacali valley and a commander of a drug trafficking organization in 2004, was captured in Los angeles. The arrest resulted from collaboration between U.s. authorities and Mexico’s general attorney office. camacho cota will face a deportation trial in the U.s., and then be deported to Baja.
Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia – March 2010
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{cAlENDAR}
Send your calendar events to calendar@mexicoliving.info. Please tell them you found their event in Mexico Living.
IMPORTANT DATES Mar. 8: Commonwealth Day (Canada) Mar. 9–Apr 12: SPRING BREAK
Becki Sue & her Big Rockin’ Daddies! Rockin’ Down the House in San Felipe by T. Neal Stratman
Mar. 14: Daylight Savings Time begins (U.S., Mexacali, Tijuana)
Tom Boyle, Jim King, Becki Sue, Jeff Hayes and Les White
Mar. 15: Anniversary of the birth of Benito Juarez - National Holiday (MX) Mar. 17–23: Holy Week Mar. 17: St. Patrick’s Day (U.S.) Mar. 20: First Day of Spring Mar. 21: Benito Juárez’ Birthday Mar. 30: First day of Passover Apr. 1: April Fool’s Day Apr. 2: Viernes Santo/Good Friday Apr. 4: Domingo de Resurreccion/Easter Sunday Apr. 4: Daylight Savings Time begins (MX) Apr. 4: Easter Sunday Apr. 5: Easter Monday (Canada)
LOCAL WEEKLY EVENTS See the Community Calendar on www.mexicolivingguide.com for a weekly schedule of events for each city.
ROSARITO BEACH Mar. 4–6: Baja Coast to Coast Fun Ride. (661) 612-2525 Mar. 21: MX Grand Prix Rnd. 3. (661) 612-2525 Mar. 27: Taco & Beer Festival. join the festival with traditional tacos and iced beer. (661) 612-0700
ENSENADA Mar. 1: De Aquí y de Allá/From Here and There Art Exposition. artist Maricela alvarado exhibits her work in the lobby of centro estatal de las artes (cearTe). (646) 173-4307 Mar. 1–5: Lontananza/Far Horizon Art Exposition. artist armando franco exhibits acrylic paintings from 2009– 2010 at the galería de la ciudad in the northern end of the riviera cultural center. (646) 177-3130. Mar.1–Apr. 14: Guided Whale Watching Tours. (646) 172-5444 Mar. 12–14: 24th Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 Desert race. More than 225 cars, trucks, motorcycles and aTvs start and finish in san felipe. U.s. (818) 225-8402 Mar. 26–28: RECORD Off-Road Series El Alamo 200 race. a four-lap race on a 50-mile circuit course at el alamo, 50 miles southeast of ensenada. (646) 176-1637 16
Hailing from the south Puget sound region of Washington state, Becki sue & her Big rockin’ Daddies!, formed in 2003 by guitarist Tom “T-Boy neal” Boyle, has risen to elite status among not only blues bands in the Pacific northwest region of the U.s., but among all bands in that region. With awards ranging from “Best Blues Band” (Washington Blues society in 2006 and 2007), “Best regional Band” (oregon’s cascade Blues association in 2008) to “#1 Best Band in Western Washington” (seattle’s King 5 Tv in 2008 out of 300 bands, and second place in 2009 out of 475 bands), Becki sue & her Big rockin’ Daddies! is one tight outfit! in addition, they have numerous individual awards including “Performer of the Year” and “vocalist of the Year” for Becki sue, five “electric Blues guitarist of the Year” awards for T-Boy, three “Best Bass” awards for Les “Wildchild” White, and “Best sax” and “Best Drummer” awards for jim King and jeff Hayes, respectively.
after performing in the 2007 international Blues
off the group’s “under the radar” songwriting
challenge in Memphis, one judge commented, “out of all the bands that i saw at the 2007 international Blues challenge, Becki sue & her Big rockin’ Daddies! was the band that i enjoyed the most.” Their new cD, Big Rockin’ Boogie, to be released on Underworld records in june, will show
skills as well as significant musical growth. Becki sue & her Big rockin’ Daddies! will be performing in san felipe on Friday, March 26, at Jolly Mon at 8pm and at The International Blues & Arts Fiesta on Saturday, March 27.
Steak in the Park The Rotary Club of San Felipe’s 8th Annual Steak BBQ in the Park and Silent Auction will be held on Thursday, March 11, from 1–4 p.m., in the municipal park next to the centro De salud. The event includes a complete steak dinner with dessert, and a no host bar serving beer, wine and soft drinks. The silent auction features quality items donated by rotary members, local businesses, artists and others. Tickets for a 50/50 drawing and chinese raffle will also be available for purchase. This event helps raise funds for the various programs that aid the local population of san felipe. individuals and businesses who wish
March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia
to make a cash donation will have a plaque dis- played at the event. This year’s event coincides with the Baja 250, which begins and ends in san felipe. Tickets are Us$12.50 or Mn$160, and are for sale at The Peoples gallery, the saturday vendors’ Market at el Dorado ranch or from any rotarian. for more information, call Terry smith at 576-0484, (760) 554-7184 or email ttsmith@netzero.net. The rotary club’s 7th annual Taste of san felipe held on january 19 was a great success with 25 restaurants serving their specialties, and close to 300 people enjoyed their tasty samples.
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Fine Tune Your Writing Skills in East cape by Baja Western Onion
Have you always wanted to learn to write or to polish your writing skills? The East Cape Asociación de Artes is considering offering a writer’s workshop beginning the week of March 15 for eight weeks. There are no mandatory writing or turn-in requirements. instead, you will be involved in discovering the fun of writing through group discussions. Topics during these two-hour sessions include finding your
voice, basic principles of writing, elements of style, writing a family memoir, writing non-fiction, writing fiction, writing short stories, poetry, plays and children’s books. The cost is Us$50/Mn$600. all proceeds benefit the asociación de artes. Leading the discussions will be Walter Zapotoczny, east cape resident and professional published writer. if you are interested, please email Walter at mail@wzaponline.com.
{cAlENDAR}
San Felipe Walk Against cancer San Felipe Caminata Contra El Cancer Mark your calendars as we walk for “Prostate cancer” in our 4th annual “san felipe caminata contra el cancer” on Saturday, March 20, in san felipe, Baja california. our goal this year is to have over 400 people walking together, starting at the arches and ending at the Malecon where there will be a celebration with food, drink and entertainment. registration: 8 a.m. opening ceremony: 9 a.m. Walk Begins: 9:30 a.m. fees: adult Us$25 (Mn$325); student Us$10 (Mn$130) funds raised will be used for local cancer education, screening and assisting with treatment of san felipe residents. Pre-registration forms are available and we can be reached at our “new” web site: www. caminata@sanfelipecancersociety.org We completed the 3rd annual Walk against cancer in san felipe on March 21, 2009, and continued the success from previous years by raising over Us$20,000.
The caminata contra el cancer was initiated in 2006 by founding members Freda Barber and Michele MacDonald in conjunction with a large group of caring individuals and the enthusiastic support of the San Felipe Association of Retired Persons, Club Las Amigas and the Rotary Club of San Felipe. in february 2008, the caminata hired fulltime cancer care nurse Edith Yolanda Fuentes Casillas, who has been provided office space by the San Felipe Centro de Salud. from february 2008 through March 2009, nurse fuentes casillas has performed 1,018 PaP and palpable breast exams. The caminata has also provided funds to cover 77 mammograms and 15 ultrasounds. Based upon examination results, over 150 patients have been referred for follow-up services, most of which required medical consultations, mammograms and ultrasounds. if these exams and treatments were not available through the government health care system, the caminata absorbed the cost. coMe anD WaLK WiTH Us!
The Beloved President Benito Juárez Benito Pablo juárez garcía (March 21, 1806–july 18, 1872) was a Zapotec/amerindian who served five terms as president of Mexico: 1858–1861 as interim, 1861–1865, 1865–1867, 1867–1871 and 1871–1872. Benito juárez was the first Mexican leader who did not have a military background, and also the first full-blooded indigenous national ever to serve as President of Mexico and to lead a country in the Western Hemisphere. for resisting the french occupation, overthrowing the empire, and restoring the republic, as well
Mar. 27: 4th Annual International Blues & Arts Fiesta in San Felipe. general admission is $20dlls. (686) 577-3143 or U.s. toll-free 877-LUvMex1. www. bluesandarts.com
SAN FELIPE Mar. 5: Casino day El Dorado To Benefit Cruz Roja. (686) 577-0022 Mar. 6: Club “Las Amigas” Poker Run. starts at rafael navarro’s property north of the ranch around Km 163. www.clublasamigas.com Mar. 12–14: 24th Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 Desert race. More than 225 cars, trucks, motorcycles and aTvs start and finish in san felipe. (818) 225-8402 Mar. 20: The 4th Annual Caminata Contra el Cancer. 8 a.m.–noon, arches to the Malecon. contact stacy Dow, stacyg1@sbcglobal.net. Mar. 26–28: The Hobie Cat Midwinters West Regatta will be held at the el cortez. http://members.cox.net/ midwinterswest Mar. 27: Charity Golf Classic (caras de Mexico) at the golf course. cotucosf@ hotmail.com
as for his efforts to modernize the country, juárez is often regarded as one of Mexico’s greatest and most beloved leaders. in addition to Mexico’s national holiday on March 15, several towns, schools, parks, streets and monuments have been named to honor and remember him. as with many historic figures, his clean image and some of his achievements are more myth than reality. During his presidency, juárez was also known for refusing to leave power, manipulating election results and moving against political enemies. in fact, juárez managed to hold to power for 14 years, second only to Porfirio Diaz. ironically, many of the military battles that allowed juárez to remain in power and win his reputation as a historical figure were actually won by Diaz himself who is today vilified by Mexican history.
Tony Reyes Memorial Fishing Tournament Baja Blue Promotions is proud to present a fishing tournament in memory of Tony reyes— Pioneer of Baja sportfishing and well-known benefactor to many fishermen and their families in san felipe. The tournament will be held in san felipe on saturday, March 6, at 7 a.m., leaving from rosita’s at the Malecon. cash awards will be given, and over
LOCAL WEEKLY EVENTS ENSENADA (CONT.)
Mar. 27: 4th Annual International Blues & Arts Fiesta. The Lion’s club of san felipe presents an extremely entertaining fundraising event that features numerous art exhibitors and an outdoor concert with nearly a dozen live blues bands from Mexico and the U.s. at the baseball stadium in downtown san felipe. General admission is $20dlls. (686) 577-3143 or U.S. tollfree 1-877-LUVMEX1. www.bluesand arts.com Mar. 30: Full Moon Mixer at El Dorado Ranch. (686) 577-0022 Apr. 2: Las Amigas Luau. contact carol goddard jcgoddard@aol.com Apr. 8: Mystery Theater & Dinner presented by san felipe cancer resource services. http://sfcancerwalk. org
MULEGÉ Mar.–Apr. 14: Whale Watching Excursions in guerrero negro, Bcs. (615) 157-0100
LA PAZ Mar. 17–22: Festival Pax. The 4th festival Pax international festival of art and culture features africa is the theme this year. (612) 122-0000 or email paxcultura@hotmail.com Mar. 21: Jazz event in San Jose del Cabo. The 6th annual LigaMac jazzfest is 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Tropicana jockey club. jazzfest@ligamac.com Mar. 28: Arts Festival: The asociacion de artes del Mar de cortez presents the 17th annual festival of the arts 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at rancho Buena vista. for info, email joann at eastcapers@yahoo.com
LOS CABO
BAJA TOUR
10 city flamenco guitar and dance tour of Baja being presented by Mexico Living
www.bajaflamenco.com
55 competitors are expected from northern Baja, imperial and Yuma valley. The event will also honor san felipe’s olympic team canoeing winners of Mexico’s recent competition held last year. for more information, contact armando olea at (686) 577-6336, (686) 160-8516 or email armandolea@msn.com.
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Every Thursday Night: San José del Cabo Art Walk along obregon street behind the church, sipping wine and viewing fine art. 5–9 p.m. Mar.–Apr.: Whale Watching Season. spectacular views of whales just offshore abound from october through april. of the world’s eleven species of whales, eight come to Los cabos to breed and nurse their young. Mar. 13: Spring BajaHaHa Golf & BBQ with Moose, Pork, Beef. an east cape guild event. contact frank and Margy Harper, (624) 142-8014 Mar. 18–21: BajaShakespeare presents “Knight of the Mighty Rod.” tyfield1@ hotmail.com (Los Barrilles) Mar. 28: 7th Annual Festival of the Arts. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at rancho Buena vista. asociacion de artes del Mar de cortez, a.c. contact joann at eastcapers@ yahoo.com Mar. TBA: Baja Whales & Rock Art. U.s. (619) 232-3821 ext. 203
TODOS SANTOS Mar. 1–14: 6th Annual Film Festival (Cine de Todos Santos). azulgv07@ hotmail.com Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia – March 2010
www.mexicolivingguide.com
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{BlUES & ARTS FIESTA}
2010 International Blues & ARts Fiesta The Bands
San Felipe • Saturday, March 27
AGAVE BlUES
Legendary guitar Player! He is the “godfather of Mexican rock.” This remarkable talent has been creating great music for many years with more than 30 albums to his credit, and he promises to rock the house. rumor has it that javier taught carlos santana to play rock (not just a rumor).
DElTA HEAT
MIcHElE lUNDEEN
Delta Heat, featuring Ken schoppmeyer, is a dance blues band specializing in blues, r&B, Boogie, jazz and swing. This band plays a sophisticated style you don’t hear very often these days. Ken is the very talented front man, singing soulful lyrics of various styles and is one of the country’s premier harp players.
BEcKI SUE & HER BIG ROcKIN’ DADDIES!
Winners of “Best Band” Western Washington state. This high energy blues band will get you up and dancing. They bring a great show with great music. We hope to have their new cD available at the event. enjoy!
cHET cANNON AND THE cOMMITTEE
The Artists
san Diego’s Premier “Down and Dirty” Blues Band. These guys knocked us out last year and we are delighted to have them back again. They always bring their “a” game and will “groove on” with their smooth “roots blues” style. Look for their new cD at the fiesta!
ANDRENA JOYcE
andrena joyce says her style varies but she definitely enjoys whimsy in her art. she considers painting her form of therapy, and says, “Having a purpose to paint makes it just more meaningful to me.”
ARTURO GOMEz
”The Queen of steam” herself! Michele has been nominated for “Best Blues” 2009 by the “san Diego Music awards” and was a nominee in 2006. This will be her fourth appearance at the “fiesta.” High energy with a great voice. a blues treasure for sure!
RUTA 69
”2007 international Blues challenge winner and albert King award winner as Most Promising guitar Player.” What an honor to have this great band in our “fiesta.” sean teams up with the legendary Phil Berkowitz, the “Master of the Blues Harmonica.” Hold on to your seats, this promises to be a show to remember.
ElIzABETH KAPA
each of elizabeth Kapa’s paintings is an adventure, exploring each subject and how the light affects the form, whether it’s fleeting, spilling over, striking or glowing. Her brush creates an environment that draws you in, passionately kisses your eyes and inspires delight.
HUIcHOl ART
BAJA NUEVA
MARIlYN PARDEE
Baja nueva specializes in luxury contemporary home décor, accessories and furniture, and takes enormous pride in designing a unique setting for the discriminating buyer. Many of their items are custom made and one of a kind. vickie rama has been designing and carving for 25 years in a variety of mediums from porcelain to bone. vickie silva has been designing unique clothing and accessories for 20 years and sells her jean bags and purses in numerous U.s. boutiques.
“ensenada’s Best Musicians.” an all-star cast, promises to be a great show. These guys reflect the popularity of rock and Blues in Mexico. “West coast style,” West coast Baja that is!
SEAN cARNEY BAND WITH PHIl BERKOWITz
arturo gomez’ reflects the flavor of Baja in a variety of mediums but his true love is painting. His work can be found at the cachinilla swap Meet, and in many of the shops downtown; and he paints custom designed murals in homes.
BAJA TREASURES
Huichol shaman, jose Hernandez sanchez brings the art made in his village of Tepic, nayarit: string and wax paintings, hand-beaded jewelry and textiles.
RUTH OlIVAR MIllAN
MARPIVISIONS
SAM BRODERSEN
MARY MOBlEY
Desert Mothers is an organization building bridges between Mexican Women and foreign communities.
DIGITAl DESIGNS BY ROBIN
PAI-PAI POTTERS
When robin found a media that could transcend traditional painting, she became a digital artist. Her new technique uses photography and digital painting— timeless Living’s heirloom from photograph. Marchcreating 2010 –a Mexico Bajayour caLifornia
Peoples gallery offers an assortment of handcrafted items by Mexican and american artists. Unique paintings, jewelery, stone and wood sculptures, wood carvings, funiture, wall hangings, cards and crafts are available. B-Dazzled by Debbie jewlery will be featured.
internationally acclaimed, ruth is a chicana multimedia artist that expresses herself in acrylics, watercolors, wood block prints and ceramic sculpture. she calls her work “chicana espressionism.”
Marie-Pierre creates fanciful designs in sewing creations using color and textures of different fabrics. each piece is an original creation.
Daria Mariscal makes traditional pit-fired pottery and quarries her own clay. she also weaves baskets with juncus, palm and pinon pine needles.
VATOS lOcOS
820 Band
sam Brodersen is a massage therapist, and utilizes both eastern and Western modalities and incorporates different techniques to offer a unique full body or targeted area massage.
ScOTT O. KENNEDY
This southern california favorite will get ya goin’. great Players create great Music! With the release of their new cD, this band will definitely leave a lasting impression. They have many credits and will knock you out!
PRESENTING SPONSORS
channel 11
Tecate
Mexico Living
GOLD
el cortez Hotel
Los arcos
valley auto Liquidators
Tecys security
san felipe Disposal
el Dorado ranch
fotografia alvarez
Baja Home improvements
Baja Diamante / s.f. Marina
el Dorado Home Builders
red Wagon Property services
Zapp
sandollar
Bullseye amusement
Maquineria de elevacion
SILVER san felipe Home Builders Parra electric san felipe storage versoleil Landscaping
Pure & clear s.a.de c.v. viP earth events casey’s Place jolly Mon
BRONZE Maderas san felipe The Peoplesí gallery agave Blues Band sun runner Materials La competencia Baja Bound insurance
Worldwide acclaimed marine artist, scott has now turned his attention to the colors and rhythm of Baja. His paintings always seek to capture the essence of the scene he is painting.
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This local san felipe band brings a surf music flavor to our event. They play “surfabilly” blues with a style of their own. This power trio promises to keep you in motion. This will be their fourth appearance.
Our Proud Sponsors
PEOPlES GAllERY
Marilyn is returning to the textile arts after a 20year hiatus to raise her daughter. she designed and manufactured under the label “ParDee” and her line was carried in boutiques and prestigious stores throughout the U.s.
Mary Mobley found the art medium of clay in 1992 . . . or rather it found her. Her clay ideas are pressed, pulled, scored, rolled, dug out and attached with attention to the forms of nature as her inspiration.
DESERT MOTHERS
18
JAVIER BATIz
This talented group of players creates a mix, of originals and favorites, delivered with polish and style. They have won numerous awards and headlined the 2009 “ensenada Blues & rock fiesta” to standing ovations and encores. always “in the Pocket” their appearance promises to be another great show!
Kiki’s r.v. camping Hotel Del Desierto communications george’s hotel Pete’s camp Yiro fabrica s.de r.L.de c.v. oxxo
VAlENTINA RAGSDAlE
valentina was born and raised in russia. she has produced work ranging from paintings to interior design. Her works are located in private collections in Mexico, russia, america, germany, israel and other countries.
{BlUES & ARTS FIESTA}
Changing Lives Through Music & Art! by Karri Moser
With the mind-blowing musical talent and accomplished artists exhibiting their work, the upcoming 2010 International Blues & Arts Fiesta just may be the largest and most entertaining yet. on Saturday, March 27, this will be the fourth year the fiesta has been held at the base of the mountains right along the picturesque sea of cortez. The spectacular efforts of the professional lighting and sound technicians of the past fiestas will be on hand again to provide the crowd with
Photo by case
y Hamlin
stunning visuals and astounding audio. The amazing stage will be the
Arts stadium the Blues & Ariel shot of ’s Ultralight el fa aboard Ra
centerpiece of the festival where visitors will be allured by the aromas of the finest foods and drinks. With the best beach camping options available in this part of the world, san felipe is the perfect locale for hosting such an outdoor event. The list of musical acts on the schedule this year is astounding, and if the musical talent alone was not enough to ignite excitement and please the senses, you will be able to browse and acquire a wide selection of one-of-a-kind pieces by many local and not-so-local artists. In the past, the International Blues and Arts Fiesta has raised over $65,000 for the charities sustained by the San Felipe Lions Club. The money has been vital to the building of an orphanage that gives abused or abandoned children a safe place to rest their heads. Money from the fiesta has also made a difference in the health of many san felipe residents who could not have afforded basic health care without the clinics funded by the Lions club. These free clinics give primary care, specialty care, emergency care and health education to those who need it.
Mike Byrne of Vatos Locos ca ptures the audience with his rockabilly blues guitar
Marketed by Mexico Living, and John and Rachel Pack, this increasingly popular and growing festival is only possible through the tireless efforts of the San Felipe Lions Club, whose extraordinary volunteers work many months to organize and produce it, and countless organizations and behind-thescenes individuals who work to keep it growing in talent and attendance.
General admission is ONLY $20, and $25 if purchased that day, so don’t miss the event of the year! CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
Get YouOrW! Tickets N
Call -LUV-MEX1 (US) 1-8o7r7visit arts.com d n a s e lu .b www
Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia – March 2010
www.mexicolivingguide.com
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{BAJA FASHION}
You’ll Drool Over Fashions in Todos Santos by Sunny Day
Wendy’s accessory designs have been sold in the finest department stores in america—neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, and Bloomingdales, just to name a few . . . as well as in Paris boutiques. from quirky handbags and hats, to jewelry and watches, Wendy’s wit is present in everything she does. Her hand-painted chiffon scarves and famous butterfly hair ornaments have been featured in Paris vogue. The word is out that Wendy has gone retail, and ladies are coming from all over southern Baja to Drool! They are thrilled to finally have an elegant place to shop for all the parties, tango classes and non-stop fundraisers that make up the whirling social life in Baja. visit Drool to find your “one-ofa-kind” must have! When a woman wears a piece from Drool, she glows!
Fa s h i o n –
Baja Style
by Greg Niemann Most people wouldn’t think of Baja when they think of fashion—Milan, yes . . . Paris, yes . . . even Buenos aires . . . but Tijuana, hardly. To many, the most readily conjured image is a black velvet painting of elvis, or the humongous sombrero and requisite serape bought by neophyte tourists. even the americans who “hang out” there through frequent visits, or second homes, have not traditionally been thought of as being fashion pates. i mean flip flops are flip flops, and shorts only come in so many colors. The T-shirts can get a little creative, but hardly the stuff for runway strutting. one casual garment that sells for a few dollars everywhere is the “jerga” or the traditional Baja jacket, a heavy coarse cotton, long sleeved pullover with large hood and pocket. Baja california, however, is responsible for much more than the ubiquitous Baja jacket. for years its factories have created and assembled clothing for apparel companies around the world. called maquilladoras, manufacturers have sprung up all over 20
Baja fulfilling global clothing needs and providing employment for the Mexican people. in the ensenada area alone are Lamex fashion de Mexico, jean international, o’neill (Men’s and Boys’ clothing), L.a. ensenada fashion (Women’s, Misses, and junior), Uxma garment (Women’s and junior outerwear), and Diaco international (Women’s dress clothes). Baja clothing goes a bit beyond the maquilladoras. The off-beat magic of the name “Baja” has led to any number of enterprises, including sportswear. Picking up on the Baja name are Baja gear, Baja fleece and Baja outback, mostly a lot of adventure gear, good for outdoor activities. casual wear for a casual place. But what about high fashion? The enigma is that Mexico can continually surprise one. and high fashion is one such awakening, relegating outdoors clothing to its auspicious niche market. Mexico city, for example, draws over 10,000 of the world’s top fashion buyers, celebrities, designers and media to its semi-annual fashion Week
March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia
Drool is located at casa Blanca, juarez y Hidalgo, Todos santos, and is open seven days a week, 11ish to 4ish. stop by or call (612) 140-1672 to make an appointment. Photo by alvaro colindres
Todos santos has a fabulous new fashionista hangout, Drool! Designer/owner Wendy Rains, known locally more for her architectural designs, is now expressing her much-admired fashion style with beautiful one-of-a-kind creations. for years Wendy has been collecting her sumptuous textiles, gathered from her travels all over the world, and has teamed up with local seamstress, Maricela, to create their Todos santos atelier. Wendy creates super comfortable yet unique elements made to wear alone, or to layer . . . from classic day wear to vampy “night on the town” luxurious dresses and tops. Wendy’s designs define sassy chic and edgy elegance, with a nod to days gone by . . . all with a Wendy twist. There’s something for everyone . . . even men!
Drool owner Wendy Rains with a rack of her fashions. Drool owner Wendy Rains with a rack of her fashions.
Mexico (Dias de Moda). Hispanic designers are rapidly emerging on the global fashion scene and the prestige event focuses as much on them as it does the products. over 30 designers appeared at a recent Mexico city show to introduce their modern designs with a clear Mexican flavor to the international fashion world. Many, like carla fernandez, borrow concepts from the indian culture, using a preponderance of squares and rectangles. some, like Pineda covalin and carmen rion, have created large markets with their focus on global design with a local touch. alana savoir is another young Mexican designer who has created an upbeat line of clothing that transcends international fashion. Pineda covalin was founded by two young Mexican designers, cristina Pineda and ricardo covalin, and their unique designs are inspired by Prehispanic culture, Mexican traditions and mysticism. Their products have gone beyond the top Mexican boutiques and exclusive department stores and can be found in important U.s. museums such as the MoMa in san francisco, and museums in seattle and new York as well. Mexico city designer adriana Hans, who created the trendy Wishes line that makes custom-decorated tank-tops, noted that Mexico is in a transition and she is seeing more and more interest in Mexican fashion. The spotlight on Hispanic fashion has even reached Tijuana where designers have crossed the border to bring fashion shows to san Diego presenting at the Museum of contemporary art. now a regular event, the fashion shows are held at the museum on the first Thursday of each month. called the Thursday night Thing (TnT), some of Tijuana’s hottest designers are involved including Tania candiani, franklin collado, jorge sanchez and jorge Tellaeche. The dynamic and intriguing collections have helped make the event the dynamite it is named for. along with fashion, included in TnT are art, ceramics and musical entertainment. What about shopping in Baja, if not high fashion, for at least more than touristy trinkets? With a growing number of upscale residents and visitors,
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one can find all sorts of high-end fashion, primarily in both Tijuana to the north and cabo san Lucas in the south. Most of the trendy boutiques in cabo border the marina, anchored by the Puerto Paraiso Plaza on the north end. People might expect upscale shops in cabo, but many might be surprised to discover the depth of shopping in Tijuana. once one gets off of avenida revolucion and its cheek-to-jowl tourist shops, there is a surprising array of clothing finds. The price of fine tailored suits and custom dresses is often about a third of what one might pay in the states. There are several shops that make brides’ and bridesmaids’ dresses for weddings (bodas). Most are located along ave. constitucion, around 3rd street (calle 3). With wedding dresses so pricy these days, savings of hundreds of dollars can be realized. one shopper who pays about $75 for a tailored shirt in the states said he paid about $35 for the same shirt in Tijuana. You can bring your own fabric and allow the Mexican wizards to turn it into custom apparel while you sip a margarita around the corner. for more conventional shopping in Tijuana, i recommend the Plaza rio Tijuana, Plaza del Zapato, Pueblo amigo, and Plaza fiesta. There are department stores, fashion boutiques, shoe stores and much more. one of the largest department stores is Dorians, founded in 1959 and now with 28 stores throughout Mexico’s northwest. another department store in Tijuana is sara’s (revolucion and 3rd street), which has been around since 1929. if those aren’t enough Baja shopping and clothing options, there are now Walmarts in the major cities, including Tijuana, ensenada and Mexicali. The goal of those Mexican Walmarts, it was announced, is to have a preponderance of its products made or grown in Mexico. Hey, maybe they’ll sell those Baja jackets there. Greg Niemann has written extensively about Baja California for numerous publications, and is the author of Baja fever, Baja Legends, Palm springs Legends, and Big Brown: The Untold story of UPs. www.gregniemann.com
{AcTIVITY GUIDE}
Diving Mexico’s Socorro Island by R.J. Archer
Solmar
The live-aboard vessels that serve socorro range from 33 meters (110 feet) to 35 meters (116 feet) and offer all the luxuries a diver could want, including resident chefs, air conditioning and comfortable state rooms. The diving is considered intermediate level, but less experienced divers are welcome on most dives. Water temperatures at socorro range from 28 c (82 f) in november down to 21 c (70 f) in february, and rise back to 25 c (77 f) by mid-May. visibilities vary, but they can be as much as 40 meters (130 feet) in the strikingly blue waters. okay, so why go to the socorro area in the first place? as mentioned above, there are a number of large species that inhabit the waters around the island and they are often found in large quantities. one of the most amazing creatures you will see is the giant Pacific manta ray, which can grow to 7.5 meters (21 feet), wingtip to wingtip. These gentle giants are diver-friendly and up-close-andpersonal encounters are quite common.
Bottlenose dolphins have always been spotted at socorro, but until recently they were “shy” and kept their distance. However, according to Mike Lever, captain of the nautilus explorer, all that changed about three years ago when they began imitating the mantas by interacting with divers and “. . . even hanging on ascent lines with divers at their safety stop. There is nothing quite like seeing a dolphin hanging at a safety stop with the ascent rope tucked underneath its pectoral fin!” at least seven species of sharks inhabit the waters around socorro, including silky, galapagos, Hammerhead, Whitetip, silvertip, reef and Tiger. Whale sharks, as long as 13 meters (40 feet), can be seen in the early part of the season, and the winter months bring more than 1,200 humpback whales to the area to breed and calve.
You can also expect to see large yellow-fin tuna (the world record was caught near socorro), wahoo, turtles, octopus and large schools of jack. it’s little wonder that socorro has become known as the best big animal diving spot on earth! for underwater photographers and videographers, socorro is a true paradise. check out jason Heller’s recent expedition to socorro aboard the solmar v at www.divephotoguide.com/articles/ video__dpg_expedition_report__socorro. He’s a professional underwater photographer and he’s posted some great photos from his trip. as mentioned earlier, the only way to experience the incredible diving at socorro is to book a trip with one of the excellent live-aboards that serve the area. We’ve provided the links, the rest is up to you!
Photo by Deb smrekar
With all the incredible diving around Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, why would anyone get on a boat and travel 240 miles south of the peninsula’s southern tip to dive? Well, it turns out that there are some really big reasons! Big—as in whales, sharks and huge manta rays. for divers seeking some adventure, a live-aboard trip to the remote island of socorro is a must. The revillagigedo archipelago, known worldwide as the Mexican galapagos, is a group of four volcanic islands in the Pacific ocean recognized for its unique ecosystem and large concentrations of pelagic species. Most of the dive activity in the archipelago occurs around socorro, an island that rises abruptly from the sea to 1,050 meters (3,445 feet) above sea level at its summit. The Mexican government is heavily involved in preservation efforts, making socorro island an ideal location for diving. socorro is approximately 386 km (240 miles) south of cabo san Lucas and 600 km (372 miles) west of the Mexican mainland. it is only accessible by long-range, live-aboard boats, which depart cabo san Lucas november through May when the seas are the calmest. Tours typically last from 8 to 9 days and include 6 or 7 days of diving because the crossing between cabo and the island takes about 24 hours.
Live-Aboard Vessels Serving Socorro Island sea escape: www.clubcantamar.com/english/liveaboard solmar v: www.solmarv.com nautilus explorer: www.nautilusexplorer.com for more information about the fabulous diving available around the entire Baja Peninsula, visit www.BajaDivers.com.
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Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia – March 2010
www.mexicolivingguide.com
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{PEOPlE & VOIcES}
la Huerita on . . . Everything!
Adventures in Sp anish by La Huerita
centavo’s Two cents
The Rainbow Connection by Penny Nask
Well, it’s that time of year again. Leprechauns abound and there’s a pot o’ gold at the end of their rainbows. so goes the folklore. if you live in the Baja, you don’t have to wait for the March winds to sail your kite. You can catch a breeze on the beach most days of the week. if you’re irish, you’ll be celebrating on saint Paddy’s day with the rest of us and looking for your particular rainbow in the sky. rainbows are good metaphors for happy times and good luck. i don’t really know how Leprechauns got attached to the idea of rainbows with pots of gold . . . or if they ever get to the end of them. a little research explained that the Leprechauns were aged little men who were shoe cobblers. They loved to smoke pipes and were usually intoxicated from home brew poteen. if the Leprechaun is not a cobbler, he is a banker and a guardian of ancient treasures. The treasure came from the Danes and the Leprechauns put the gold in pots and buried them. rainbows tell you where they are hidden. scientifically, the rainbow is sunlight spread out into its spectrum of colors and diverted to the eye of the observer by water droplets. it is also a group of nearly circular arcs of color having a common center. Descartes simplified the study of the rainbow by reducing it to the study of one water droplet
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Centavo aka Pamela esther nask (“Penny”) co-owner of simpatico arts, she is a writer and an art historian, whose luck in these fields has given her an early retirement. she attributes “laughter” as the best possible stimulus for life. pennynask@yahoo.com and how it reacts when light falls upon it. seven basic colors make up the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Those are the ones you can see. The purity of the colors depends on the size of the raindrops. in san felipe, in january, we had a good share of rainfall for the season. every year as we “batten down the hatches” we are always told that it doesn’t rain much here. so far this theory has been wrong. i have seen plenty of rain . . . enough to make our desert bloom with unexpected flowers and vegetation year after year. Because of a two-day rain storm, we were able to see quite a miraculous spectacle . . . a beautiful rainbow that stayed in a clear arc over the ocean for more than 10 minutes. if you were close enough to the water, as i was, it appeared that the rainbow was coming out of the ocean. from my view, it was the finest and most steadfast rainbow that i had ever seen! it was a complete arc, something that is rarely seen because trees, buildings and landmass usually interrupt it. if that wasn’t enough for the day, another rainbow sight appeared; not as a complete arc but as a double one! if rainbows are lucky, we should be set for this year around our fishing town. How clever for those Leprechauns to bury their gold in the ocean where we’re not likely to get it!
March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia
once upon a time i rode one of Mexico’s excellent buses from cancun to Merida, just for the heck of it. if you don’t know, Mexico has a bus system that should make greyhound hang its head in shame: seats that recline nearly all the way back in case you want to snooze; movies; “flight” attendants; and they’re not only inexpensive, they’re very punctual. and you meet some very interesting people on those buses. But this isn’t about the bus system, it’s about language faux pas. You see, attached above the windshield on the bus was a sign written in both spanish and english that said: no fUMar no esMoKing Those of you who have hung around in Mexico long enough to know the difficulty some Mexicans have in pronouncing the letter “s” when it begins a word will understand why that tickled my funny bone. But of course, that tickling goes both ways. for instance, a Mexican friend of mine in cabo once offered to let me use her office as a return address for mail i sent home, on the theory that i was more likely to successfully receive mail in return that way. she worked in the sales office at a big company, so i duly noted that up in the left corner of the envelope: oficina De venTanas When she saw it, she attempted not to smile and gently told me, “i don’t think we have an office of Windows.” Well heck. i meant oficina de ventas. “What’s a couple of extra letters between friends?” i opined out loud. i imagine she still smiles about that. and there was my initial difficulty in keeping sound-alike words straight. More than once i
La Huerita an artist and writer, La Huerita and her husband operated an online travel magazine for nearly a decade— until they noticed they were doing more writing than traveling. Her philosophy: When it stops being fun, stop doing it. La Huerita now operates the blog rocky Point Tides, and she’s having fun! lahuerita2@gmail.com asked a maid for a bar of soup (sopa), or ordered soap or japan (jabon, japon) with my eggs instead of ham (jamon). Some tips to help you avoid common pitfalls: • if the person you’re addressing doesn’t understand english, talking louder won’t help. • The word Deportes on a building doesn’t mean that’s where authorities take you if you’re being deported, it means “sports.” • The phrase “Paradas continuas” on the back of a bus doesn’t mean “continuous Parades,” it means “frequent stops.” • if you want peaches (duraznos), you don’t want to ask for naked men (desnudos). • if you are hungry (tiene hambre), it won’t do you any good to ask for men (tiene hombres). • rolling those double “r’s” can sometimes be very important; if you mean to say “Me gusta su perro” (i like your dog) and don’t roll those “r’s,” you might find yourself being misunderstood as saying “Me gusta su pedo” (i like your fart). • and here’s a biggie: Try to avoid the seemingly compulsive inclination to add the letter “o” at the end of every english word, thinking that will make it understandable. This can cause general hilarity in some cases. example: if you’re a man who’s embarrassed about something, never ever say “i’m so embarrassado!” Unless, of course, you really are pregnant . . .
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{PEOPlE & VOIcES} John & Rachel Pack after marrying john & rachel traveled the United states full time producing live events, until moving to san felipe Baja to slow down. That only lasted a couple of months. since then they’ve dedicated themselves to sharing life in Mexico with the world. They have fallen in love with so many of you that they want you to join them as they explore the wonders of Mexico living.
by John Pack
Breaking in a New Boat “What do i do, what do i do!?” rachel screamed over the roar of the 2-stroke outboard. The boat was racing out to sea at full throttle and dragging me behind. My body was bobbing up and down as i tried desperately to hang on and stay horizontal to the surface. i was just inches from the propeller blades that could effortlessly slice through me. “Turn it off!” i screamed back to rachel as my mind was screaming internally “keep your balls out of the blades and don’t lose my prized sombrero.” The sombrero had been special for me every year at the Blues festival and this year with the new boat, i thought “this is the perfect fishing hat.” now, with the sombrero on my head, it was only these two thoughts that just keep repeating themselves in my head as i yelled back again, “Turn it off!” every since we moved to Baja we had wanted a boat. We wanted either an inflatable or something small enough to carry on top of our car. When rachel’s parents moved to Baja, they brought a small aluminum fishing boat and 7.5-horse, 2-stroke outboard with them, which had belonged to rachel’s late uncle. They knew we wanted a boat, so they told us we could have it. With the help of rachel’s dad, richard, we built some cool racks for the top of the car out of John taking a nap in the boat after pulling it ashore!
the broken rv awning arms, which richard had stored every since the wind tore the awning from their trailer a year earlier. With the boat securely attached to the top of the car, we headed south for the winter. from san felipe to La Paz we carried the boat on top of the car, and although it was a small boat made by sears, i felt pretty cool with it up there . . . no one knew we had never actually had it in the water. We even took the san felipe Trail from Puertecitos to gonzaga, then past coco’s corner to Highway 1, and although our car and our kidney’s took a beating, the boat never budged. in La Paz, we met gary and Patricia, just the two to get us motivated. Patricia was a nurse and would-be veterinarian and gary a fix-this, buildthat kind of guy and both were avid fishing nuts. They had been traveling about an hour south of La Paz to “Bahia Los Muertos” (Bay of the Dead Men) to go fishing and, on this trip, we were going with them and taking the boat for its maiden voyage. The boat looked solid enough and, with gary’s help, we rigged up a walker normally used by the elderly to hang the outboard. it worked really well. not only did it have wheels to move it around, but it was just the right height to put the prop in a five-gallon bucket for rinsing.
The outboard is also a sears brand, circa 1970 or older, called a “Ted Williams.” from what i remembered, Ted Williams was a baseball player . . . i had no idea what he had to do with outboards. it was an odd little outboard, aircooled, but after having sat unused for several years, it started on the second pull . . . oh my goodness, it was loud! i figure the only fish i’d catch with this outboard would be deaf. also, going on the trip with us would be our new friends Don and ivonne, and they’d be bringing their huge Bayliner. This would be their maiden voyage in the sea of cortez also, and after dragging it down the Baja and getting seven flats on their boat trailer along the way (that’s seven tires in 700 miles . . . you do the math), i’m sure they were ready to put it into the water. When we got to the bay, gary and Patricia were the first in, followed by Don and ivonne. By the time rachel and i got our boat off the car and the boat and outboard to the water, gary and Patrica were gone around the north end of the bay and out of sight, and Don and ivonne were out in the middle of the Bay, checking their systems, i guessed. The sun was just coming up and the bay was glassy and flat, with the sky a beautiful light purple. The shoreline was lined with pangas and few fishermen were preparing to go out. our preparations went smoothly as we loaded our ice chest, our dog cai, and effortlessly mounted the outboard. i decided that since i hadn’t any history with this outboard, i would stand outside the boat while starting it—just in case it took a bit to start, we wouldn’t float away from shore. i put the outboard in neutral and gave the outboard starter rope a tug . . . no go; another tug . . . no go; another tug and it roared to life. i climbed in and within a few minutes we motored, albeit loudly, into the bay. We had decided we would hug the coastline, staying within swimming distance of shore . . . after all, this was a new boat, outboard and area to us. although the boat and outboard were both older than rachel, they ran great and we cruised from one end of the bay to the next, beaching it a couple of times so that i could nap while rachel combed the beach for shells and cai chased birds. once we got comfortable, we decided to head
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out of the bay and cruise up the coast in search of new adventures. after about the third small cove we started to feel pretty good about making beach landings and getting in and out of the boat. soon the tougher beaches were doable to us, we could navigate through the rocks and, although there were some waves breaking, we could still see the many rocks hiding just below the surface. on our last cove, the beach was a real delight, from end to end the rocky beach was peppered with pieces of beautiful white coral, some were no bigger round than a bottle cap, but others were as large as a football. i had no idea what would cause this kind of coral debris, but the pieces were beautiful. of course, in addition to a piece of coral, we found many amazing stones and shells to add to rachel’s ever growing collection. We loaded our new treasures in the boat and, once cai and rachel were aboard, i decided that it was important to stay outside the boat while i started it. after all, if it didn’t start right away, we would most certainly drift into one of the many rocks appearing dangerously above the waterline. i gave the outboard starter rope a tug . . . no go; another tug . . . no go; another tug and it roared to life like a racehorse being released from the gate. “What do i do, what do i do!?” rachel’s voice was full of panic. “Turn it off!” i yelled back, knowing we hadn’t gone over any of that prior to leaving shore. “i don’t know how” she replied sounding a little frightened. “Turn the throttle to off,” i replied trying to pull myself up high enough to reach the throttle myself. With some effort, i was able to reach up and grab the throttle and give it a twist, immediately shutting the outboard down and bringing us to fast stop and causing me to hang on even harder to avoid sinking. The sea floor was somewhere below and the shore seemed like miles aways. i knew there was no way i could get into the boat without possibly flipping it or knocking rachel out, so i started swimming, pulling the boat with me. fortunately the shore was only a few hundred yards and i had a pleasant swim, whilst listening to rachel laugh, and laugh and laugh some more. in retrospect, maybe i should have tried to get in. oh well, we made it back to shore, i climbed in and it started on the first pull . . . wouldn’t you know it!
Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia – March 2010
www.mexicolivingguide.com
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{BUSINESS & MONEY}
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March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia
Turn Your Home & Garden Into Paradise! Profiles of Some Specialty Businesses Your home and garden are the embodiment of your paradise . . . the space where you spend most of your time in Baja . . . the space that is especially important to you. Turning your home and garden into the paradise of your dreams can be both invigorating and relaxing; however, sometimes even the “handyman” in all of us needs a little help. a vast peninsula extending some 1,250 km (775 miles), Baja has two time zones, the Pacific ocean and the gulf of california (or “sea of cortez”), four main desert areas, the Tropic of cancer . . . and that only includes the “garden” half of the equation. Baja is also home to fine artists, craft workers, and professionals known for their
knowledge and abilities to build, create or construct products with high degrees of excellence, to help turn your dreams into reality. Baja’s diverse professionals provide you with as many quality choices as this vast peninsula does in geography and life. from turning that boring backyard into an outdoor oasis to making your bedroom an island paradise, when creating your space, look to the businesses and artists in your Baja community. Whether your paradise is tropical or desert, seaside or mountains, gulf or Pacific, you will find professionals with a unique gift, product or service that will help you turn your space into a shangri-la!
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HOME & GARDEN BUSINESS DIRECTORY ART GALLERIES
Todos Santos jill Logan gallery www.jilllogan.com jilllogan2001@yahoo.com
ELEVATORS
Rosarito Beach Baja Lifts by To The Top elevators (661) 614-1434 info@tothetophomeelevators.net www.tothetophomeelevators.net
NURSERY
San Jose del Cabo jungle cactus (624) 122-0324 www.junglecactuscabo.com
HOME FURNISHINGS
San Felipe Baja nueva (686) 211-4676 see display ad on page 34 La Paz rickey ricardos (612) 145 0379 www.rickeyricardos.com Loreto gecko’s curious (613) 135-2505 see display ad on page 3
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
San Felipe san felipe Home improvement (686) 222-4507 bajahis@yahoo.com
{BUSINESS & MONEY} (HOME & GARDEN BUSINESS DIRECTORY CONT.) INTERIOR DESIGN
San Felipe san felipe interior Design (686) 577-3176 www.sanfelipeinteriordesign.com
LANDSCAPING
San Felipe versoleil Landscaping (686) 573-0526 www.versoleil.com
WASTE MANAGEMENT San Felipe san felipe Disposal (686) 121-1004
Rickey Ricardos Home Furnishings and Accessories, now open in Todos santos, and still serving La Paz and Los cabos by appointment, has the best quality and style choices, pricing and service, in Baja! Located at the corner of juarez and obregon, they’re open Tuesday–saturday, and available sunday unday and Monday for appointments anywhere in Baja sur.
Home Furnishings & Accessories Floor Plans • Construction • Decorating Outdoor Patio Furniture • Professional Design Services Discounted Home and Condo Furniture Packages New Faster Shipping • Fine Art Gallery
(612) 145 0379 • www.rickeyricardos.com
Jungle cactus
Specializing in Unique and Exotic Plants jungle cactus is as unique and special as the product they produce. This family-owned nursery specializes in some of the more unusual palms, cycads and exotic plants from around the world. although this alone sets them apart from many other nurseries or growers, the real distinction is their inventory of more than 40 varieties of palms and cycads, with new species continually being added. They are fully permitted with the secretariat of environment and natural resources (seMarnaT), the government agency whose main purpose is “to promote the protection, restoration and conservation of ecosystems and natural resources”; and even have a rare Unidad de Manejo para la conservación de vida silvestre, a Mexican wildlife conservation organization (UMa) permit to raise and sell endangered plants. owner john Wenzel has enjoyed growing since his grandma planted the “seed” in him when he
was just a child. john is an ex-san Diego biologist that turned a passion for plants and Baja into jungle cactus. john moved to Los cabos in 2000, found some land and got a few thousand seeds of different species, “and the rest is history!” as john says. But it’s much more than that; john grows their plants from seed, and knows and understands which species thrive along the Tropic of cancer and Tropic of capricorn, and which plants do best with Baja sun and occasional hurricanes. it’s their ambition to grow and produce the highest quality plants, and their knowledge and expertise of the growing conditions here in Baja california sur allows them to guarantee their plants. Let jungle cactus help you create your own exotic jungle garden. To get started today, call (624) 1220324, email junglecactus@hotmail.com or visit www.junglecactuscabo.com.
Best landscaper in San Felipe
Professional and courteous Home Improvement Services
voted “san felipe’s Best Landscaper” by Mexico Living’s reader Poll for three consecutive years; so, as Versoleil begins their sixth year in Baja, they’re extremely proud of the reputation they’ve gained. guillermo (William) Duclos leads a staff of 20 experienced landscaping and maintenance personnel. His personal resume includes such exotic landscaping design projects as several club Meds in italy; ishigaki, club Med Kabira in japan; and the King’s villas, and the Prince’s villas in ryadh, jeddah, saudi arabia. visit www.versoleil.com for information about their latest projects. You can also sign up for their monthly e-newsletter, “in the garden,” which will keep you up to date on gardening and planting information for your Baja garden. ersoleil at (686) 573-0526 or (686) 576call versoleil 0664.
need improvements to your electrical, plumbing or gas system installations? call Baja Home improvement services! since 2006, they have provided professional and courteous service to their many customers, and provide free estimates. They have recently added more products to their diversified offerings: instant hot water heaters, window treatments, johnson solar window film to protect your assets and save energy costs, made in the Usa classic retractable screen doors—enjoy the sea breeze without the annoyance of pesky flies—and, coming soon, custom-made wood shutters. Baja Home improvements takes pride in all they do, completing all they start. give them a try, you’ll be glad you did! call (686) 222-4507 for a consultation today.
San Felipe Interior Design Custom Services at an Affordable Price san felipe interior Design has existed and been a part of san felipe Home Builders since its inception, but available only to their custom-home clients. They are now offering their design services to the public. You can now get the service you expect with the advantage of having access to local artisans and suppliers that have a proven track record. They will help you with your dreams and ideas, with no sales pressure. They are not in the business of selling you products and services, they are here to help you achieve the look and feel you want, and also give you the advantage of buying through the network they’ve developed through their years of building in san felipe as well as california. They offer the services of the best faux finish painter in all of northwest Mexico. Martin has done
faux work in some of the richest homes in Baja, as well as sonora and sinaloa. He has been in the san felipe area for the last five years and they feel privileged to have him working with their team. imagine a mural over your stove, fireplace or on a wall as you enter your home. in addition to custom murals, they have custom doors and quality door hardware from all around the world, as well as window coverings from the U.s. and Mexico, all types of cabinets and accessories with over 100 door styles and finishes that can be imported for less than custom cabinets in the U.s. cabinetry is imported from Hertco Manufacturing in Washington with different price levels to suit your budget. contact them for a consultation at (686) 577-3176 or, if calling from the U.s., (619) 200-6456.
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Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia – March 2010
www.mexicolivingguide.com
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{BUSINESS & MONEY}
Stretch Your Money . . . South of the Border by Alejandra Esquivel
Many americans with reduced and fixed incomes are looking outside of the U.s. for retirement and economic relief in these tough times, finding it just south of the border. Baja california, Mexico, is leading the trend to cater to retirees, by offering services at significantly lower prices than in the U.s. U.s. stores such as Home Depot, Walmart, applebee’s and ashley furniture are becoming
more common in the area. state-of-the-art medical facilities equal to those in the U.s. have been and are being constructed in order to provide quality medical care services to the growing number of foreign residents, the only difference being the lower cost. The area between rosarito and ensenada, just 45 minutes south of the border, has become the preferred area, where developers are also getting onboard by bringing amenities to these new homeowners. Calafia Condos & Villas is one of these developments, where their new tower offers more amenities and social atmosphere for people with an active lifestyle. Plus, it is pet friendly. some of these amenities include a clubhouse with a Tv room, game room, computer area, large gym, and a public and private jacuzzi. a current resident of northern Baja, Karen Erstad says, “i purchased a second home in Las gaviotas over 10 years ago with the intent to some-
day live my retirement years by the ocean.” When she decided on early retirement and made her move to Baja, her family and friends thought she was not in her right mind. even though she would be only a two-hour drive away, their primary concern was medical care and the question of who would look after her. some doctors in this rosarito-ensenada area make house calls, and there are also excellent medical facilities throughout the state. Serena Senior Care is a corporation dedicated to improving the quality of life for senior residents in Baja; among their services are nursing assistance and doctor visits, which gives family members peace of mind. in addition, oceanfront developments in Baja are largely inhabited by expatriates, who look out for one another. Karen is one of many americans discovering the benefits and lower cost of in-home services that the northern Baja region offers. furthermore, with the increased purchasing power of the U.s. dollar against the Mexican peso, they can lower their monthly expenses considerably. Most of these coastal Baja developments are also located just 10 to 15 minutes from the newest
hospital in the area, shopping, and a 45 minute drive to the wine country, where on Wednesdays and saturdays they offer an organic farmers market. Living in these communities, americans have the same lifestyle as they currently enjoy in the U.s., but for much less. Max Katz, a long-time reputable rosarito Broker says, “not only the newer developments are following the trends, even long-time established communities such as Las Gaviotas, an oceanfront community that has been a model of success for retirees over the last 35 years, are upgrading to larger gyms, creating social committees and having weekly golf and tennis tournaments.” clearly, relocating to northern Baja california has become a solution for Baby Boomers and american retirees. especially for those who would like to remain closer to their families and the U.s. amenities. Alejandra Esquivel is a News and Article Ghostwriter with over 10 years experience. She is currently part of Baja Real Estate Group marketing and sales services. www.bajarealestategroup.net
Immigration And Naturalization Process by Lic. Jacques-Edouard Beaulne
one who comes to Mexico must have either a tourist visa, an fM-3 or an fM-2; the first document is always a tourist visa (except if you requested and obtained an fM-3 at a Mexican consulate prior to entering the country). This being said, the general opinion that you cannot have an fM-2 without having first completed five years with an fM-3 is wrong; you can obtain an fM-2 at any time after you are in Mexico, the only requirement is that you prove that you have fully immigrated. The length of time you can stay in Mexico under a tourist visa is decided by the immigration officer who revises the entry document, the maximum days allowed is 180; in the case that you have been given less than said time, you can request an extension; the extension is at the discretion of the immigration officer who authorizes the extension. in the case of an fM-3, the same rules apply regarding the number of days but, in general, the document is good for a one-year period. after five years you can choose to continue with an fM-3 or request an fM-2, which can be renewed for five years; after the fourth renewal of an fM-2, you are eligible for the immigrant status or you can ask for Mexican nationality. a few years ago the rules regarding the process and requisites to obtain the said nationality were changed. Persons with an fM-3 could no longer be naturalized after five years; in 2009 the rules were changed again and, at this time, the new rules regarding the naturalization process are:
one must have had an fM-2 for five years, and must present himself with his request completed and having paid the government fees. as per the rules, which you can read on http:// sre.gob.mx/tramites/nacionalidad/tema1c.htm, one must present himself at the sre on the last day his fM-2 fourth extension expires and be prepared to pass the exam on said day if he has not reached his 60th birthday. (The age limit does not appear on the internet page. in the event that one has reached said age, the only requirement is that he must be able to speak spanish.) in the event that the fourth extension terminates on a non-working day, the person must then request “inmigrado” status at inM and, once obtained, present his request for naturalization at sre. There are situations when you can request naturalization with less than five years with an fM-2: Marriage to a man or women of Mexican nationality (this can be interpreted not only for heterosexuals but also for same sex marriages); child adoption; having a child born in Mexico; being an adopted child by a Mexican person or that the tutor is Mexican; contributing toward the good of the country or having participated in cultural, social, scientific, technical, artistic, sport or business (in these cases it would be up to the authority to judge if the activity is to be considered sufficient to permit the emission of the naturalization card); born in Latin america or the iberia peninsula; be a descendent of a Mexican
Certified Certified Certified Master Master Master Dog Groomer Groomer Dog Grooming Estética Canina DogGrooming Grooming-- Estética - EstéticaCanina Canina Groomer
Located just south of PEMEX AM-PM across from Tacos Jr. Located just south of of PEMEX AM-PM across from Tacos Jr.Jr. Located just south PEMEX AM-PM across from Tacos Libre Km 28.5, Popotla Blvd. Rosarito, Appts: Tues, Weds and Thurs Libre Km 28.5, Popotla Blvd. Rosarito, Appts: Tues, Weds and Thurs Libre Km 28.5, Popotla Blvd. Rosarito, Appts: Tues, Weds and Thurs
661-100-6218 661-100-6218• •125*317*7317 125*317*7317
26
March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia
CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
person in direct line. The big question is: Do you need a lawyer when requesting either immigration status or naturalization? The answer is “Yes.” You want to ensure that your rights are protected by a knowledgeable professional and to ensure you are not spending money for nothing. The second question is: is the request presented at the local sre office or directly to the sre headquarters in Mexico city? The answer is that you can obtain naturalization in a shorter time if the dossier is presented in Mexico city, but there are additional costs such as travel and lodging. no matter where the request is presented, you should always have a legal advisor with you. More information can be obtained by contacting me at can-am-mex-law-firm@hotmail.com. Lic. Jacques-Edouard Beaulne is an attorney with CANAM-MEX FIRMA JURIDICA/LAW FIRM. Abogado, Avocat, Lawyer, Miembro del Colegiado de Abogados en B.C.S. Member of Lawyer’s college in BCS, Senior member of the Firm, Notaria 8, Planta Alta, suite 4 & 6, Esq., Allende y Serdan, La Paz, BCS, Mexico.
Baja Solar cooking
{DINING GUIDE}
by Steve Dryden
The solar oven is a great appliance. it helps reduce energy costs and is environmentally friendly. it uses no fossil fuel or wood products, only the sun to cook. it is convenient, easy to use and portable.
You can take it with you on your boat, camping or anywhere you need to fix your next meal. You can use it anywhere there is sun. it does not have to be hot out to cook, they use them at the base camp in the Himalayan Mountains. The oven works on the same principle as your car when all of the windows are rolled up and it is parked in the sun. The sun coming through the glass intensifies as it is trapped in the enclosed space. The solar oven has been around for quite some time. History has it listed as far back as the 1700s. We all hear the comments about the science project where we made one ourselves, or as a boy scout used one on a camping trip. Your food will not burn in the oven. You can place your food into the oven and go about the day’s activities and come back and the meal is done. The solar oven is about 21 inches in each direction and weighs approximately 20 pounds. You control the heat by placing the oven directly facing the sun, then tip it up or down to get the fullest effect. The oven has been accredited for saving lives of the women in africa. as mentioned in an article in Parade magazine in 2009, by using the sun, the women no longer had to go into the jungle to collect wood to cook with, where previously they had been attacked, beaten, raped and murdered when leaving their camps. The sun oven group of manufacturers, dealers and distributors are committed to helping the developing countries of the world. just recently after the earthquake in Haiti, they, in conjunction with one of the charity groups, sent a container full of the sun ovens to the displaced people from the earthquake.
Booth display at the November 2009 Mexico Living Home Show in San Felipe, Baja California, at La Ventana del Mar, at El Dorado Ranch.
The oven being distributed by Bc solar cooking is manufactured in the Usa. it has polished aluminum reflective panels that reflect the sun into the oven. You can fold the panels flat onto the oven for moving. The recipe that you use for regular oven cooking or slow cooking can be used in the solar oven. if you are unable to get the oven to the temperature of the recipe, the food will still cook, it will just take a short while longer.
CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
The cost of the oven is Us$289, plus $29.85 for shipping and handling. They can be shipped directly to any U.s. address; or you can purchase one in san felipe, Baja california, along with lightweight dark pans. The 3-quart pan is on special for Us$10, regularly $12; and the 6-quart pan is on special for $12, regularly $15. for more information, call (686) 106-9693 in san felipe, (480) 720-1273 in the U.s., or email bcovens@ gmail.com.
Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia – March 2010
www.mexicolivingguide.com
27
ROSARITO BEACH American Food La Bamba ............................................. 661-100-2560
ENSENADA Mexican Magana’s ..................................................... 646-155-0586 Steak & Seafood el rey sol .................................................... 646-178-1601
SAN FELIPE American Los arcos .................................................... 686-577-2585 Baja jimmys ................................................ 686-139-7373 Blowin’ smoke BBQ .....................................686-576-0710 road runner cafe .........................................686-227-7668 The Beach Bar & grill. ...................................686-577-3144 Burgers chilis & Burgers ........................................... 686-577-6196 Mexican The Beach Bar and grill. ............................... 686-577-3144 rosita restaurant ........................................ 686-577-1903 Pizza fatboy’s ....................................................... 686-577-4092 Los arcos - Happy jackass .......................... 686-577-2585 rabbit Pizza Delivery .................................... 686-577-0987 sand rail Pizza ............................................ 686-576-0441 Steak & Seafood Baja Mar & Taco factory .............................. 686-577-2648 Los arcos .................................................... 686-577-2585 La vaquita .................................................... 686-577-2837 Fine Dining The Latin garden .......................................... 686-209-6369 2-Highway 5 KM 183, san felipe, Bc Pavilion restaurant ...................................... 686-577-0022 juanitos (el colorado) .................................. 686-133-6500
{DINING GUIDE}
Gourmet Breads and Pastries at Hogaza Hogaza Bakery by Steve Dryden
ensenada is a blessed with an excellent pastry chef via the skills and craftsmanship of Ms. Teresa Santiago of Hogaza Hogaza bakery. she and her husband, Roger, are pastry artisans who are creating gourmet delights that compliment and enhance this region’s revolution in becoming Mexico’s “wine and food capital.” Hogaza artisan breads can be found on a diversity of tables along with Mexico’s best wines, as well as with the finest culinary dishes in the region. Many wineries in the region sell and serve Hogaza breads along with regional gourmet cheeses. Teresa and roger have brought the quality of artisan pastries to new levels with several gourmet breads that have gained much attention and popularity with local wine and food lovers. Teresa’s organic nine-grain loaves and olive breads are the most popular. Her portfolio
of culinary delights also includes: Hogaza Mediterranea, Hogaza de ajo, Brioahe frutal, baguette Zen, Hogaza vendimia, sourdough, clabatta and Biscotti y focaccia. Local residents can purchase day-old bread at a reduced price and use the savings to indulge in her other dessert specials. They also create a diverse assortment of gourmet delights to include cookies, muffins, specialty cakes, fruit tarts, pies and more. custom cakes can be created for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and other special events. The bakery is conveniently located across the street from Bodegas santo Tomas in downtown ensenada at av. Miramar 637-3. They’re open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through saturday. visit www.hogazahogaza.com or call (646) 177-9210.
LORETO Breakfast cafe sagitario ...............................................613-135-0718 Mexican 1697............................................................ 613-135-2538 Seafood augie’s Bar & Bait shop ............................... 613-135-1224
LA PAZ cafe capri .....................................................624-123-3737 gorilla’s grill1 ...............................................612-128-8095
CABO SAN LUCAS American applebee’s ....................................................624-172-6472 Asian Baan Thai Pan asian restaurant and Bar........624-142-3344 Burgers & More Baja Brewing company .................................624-146-9995 cactus jack's Bar and grill ............................624-142-5601 Die Trying cafe..............................................624-142-5657 Coffee & Baked correcaminos cafe .......................................624-142-3510 International Local eight restaurant...................................624-142-6655 Havana supper club ......................................624-142-2603 Italian & Pizza Buon appetito ...............................................624-142 4040 La Dolce italian restaurant ............................624-142-6621 Mexican Don emiliano restaurant ...............................624-142-0266 casianos restaurant ..................................... 624 142 5928 Brisa Beach club and restaurant .....................624-142-244 Habanero's restaurant ..................................624-142-2626 jazmin restaurant.........................................624-142-1760 Seafood La Panga antigua restaurant and Bar ............624-142-4041 Steak La Bodega steak and Wine House .................624-142-6619
Now in TWO LOCATIONS
NEW SPOT!
At Playa de Oro next to Sand & Sea Market for PIZZA TAKE-OUT! Mar de Cortez & Chetumal for
SAN JOSE DEL CABO
28
March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia
Free Breakfast Sundays*
*with purchase of alcoholic beverage
MEXICO LIVING
PIZZA
MEXICO LIVING
PIZZA
Mexican Panchos .......................................................624-143-2891 ay... chihuahua .............................................624-143-3280 Baja cantina..................................................624-143-0225 Margaritaville ................................................624-143-7401 Mi casa ........................................................624-143-1933 restaurant Pancho’s & Tequila Bar ................624-143-2891 Seafood La golondrina ...............................................624-143-0542 Lorenzillo’s ...................................................624-105-0212 The Blue Turtle ..............................................624-143-1118 villa serena ...................................................624-145-8244 International Peacocks ......................................................624-143-1858
Tortilla Soup DAILY Baked Ziti!
NOW SERVING BREAKFAST! one (1) alcoholic North Phone *with purchase ofIn-town Phonebeverage Best of
2008
Best of
2009
(686) 577-3168 (686) 577-4092 CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
{DINING GUIDE}
See Back Cover BAJA CALIFORNIA to Subscribe Today! MEXICO CO LIVING
Guide to Pacific Baja & The Sea of Cortez
The Baja Peninsula Community Newspaper
The Pavilion Restaurant
20% OFF
Any breakfast, lunch or dinner expires 28-Feb-2010
Excluding shrimp or scallops dishes. Not valid with any other special. Items only discounted off regular price.
cesar.quirarte@doradoranch.com.mx San Felipe BC Mexico
Hogaza Hogaza bakery was featured on a new wine and food show produced by varivision de Baja california, a cable Tv station in ensenada. cable Tv channel 8 began filming a unique new series in november featuring the wineries and gourmet culinary establishments in this region. The Grapevine is a promotional adventure show featuring an in-depth investigation into Mexico’s wine and food cultures. cable Tv 8 producers decided to add some local flavor for their viewers by creating a bilingual program on wine and food awareness by offering spanish and english hosts with bilingual subtitles to reach each specific audience, and to build a bridge of understanding between the two cultures. every show features a different winery matched with a local restaurant, offering the audience an educational insight into wine and food pairing. The real “stars” of The Grapevine are the winemakers, chefs and other members of our regional wine and food cultures. for interested readers who are not hooked into varivision channel 8 in ensenada and would like information on how to receive copies of the show, or if you want permission to broadcast this
show, please contact me directly at sbdryden@ hotmail.com. steve Dryden is a wine, food and travel writer living in Mexico’s premier wine country, where he guides private wine tours.
CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia – March 2010
www.mexicolivingguide.com
29
{lODGING GUIDE}
ROSARITO BEACH RV Park/Parque de RV Popotla rv Park ........................................... 661-612-1501
ENSENADA Hotel Posada el rel sol ..........................................646-178-1601
SAN FELIPE RV Park/Parque de RV club de Pesca .............................................. 686-577-1180 Kiki's rv Park on the Beach .......................... 686-577-2021 Rentals casey’s Place .............................................. 686-577-1431 rancho del sol ............................................. 686-231-4921 redwagon Property services ....................... 686-576-0081 sandollar condotels ..................................... 686-123-7688 su casa elegante ......................................... 686-577-0745 Motels/Hotels La Hacienda de la Langosta roja .................. 686-577-0483 olympia Motel (Los algodones).................... 658-517-7347
MULEGÉ RV oasis rio Baja ..............................................615-153-0425 villa Maria isabel rv Park ..............................615-153-0246 Hotel Hotel serenidad.............................................615-153-0530 Mulegé Hotel .................................................615-153-0090
LORETO RV Park/Parque de RV rivera del Mar.............................................. 613-135-0718 Rentals coco-cabanas.............................................. 613-135-1729 el Tiburon casitas ...................................Us 805-748-4566 Hamman’s vacaciones ................................. 613-135-0791 rental Loreto ............................................... 613-135-2505 Motel Motel el Dorado ....................................686-613-135-1500 Hotel Hotel coco cabana .......................................613-135-1729 La Damiana inn .............................................613-135-0356 La Daminanas ...............................................613-135-0356 Tripui Hotel....................................................613-133-0818 rentals coco-cabanas...............................................613-135-1729 el Tiburon casitas .................................Us (805) 748-4566 Hamman’s vacaciones ..................................613-135-0791
Old Baja charm and the Best Value in cabo! by Stockton Hill
fishing village. The architecture of its rooms and suites reflect the charming Mexican flavor of southern Baja, and each year the hotel upgrades various aspects of the facilities. each is attractively appointed and very popular. Many of the accommodations open up to the pool area, others to the courtyard. family owned and operated for the past 30 years, the hotel has also retained many of its friendly staff members who recognize returning guests with an especially warm smile. in fact, their repeat clientele is significant, surely attributed to their great service, excellent rates and downhome hospitality. What else do guests love about them? There is private parking behind the hotel, a satellite Tv in the bar, filtered drinking water in each room Hotel Mar de Cortez Owner/Manager, Simon Yee and his son, and a public phone in the lobby. There Assistant Manager Danny Yee are safe deposit boxes at the front desk and security precautions throughout Hotel Mar de Cortez is a charming and the hotel 24/7. free wireless connections are popular colonial-style hotel in the center of cabo available for your laptop and there are internet san Lucas, just steps away from world-class cafe hookups nearby for a reasonable fee. car restaurants, shopping and night clubs, such as rentals are available too and a multitude of activity reservations can be made at the front desk. the famous cabo Wabo. The rates at Hotel Mar de cortez are the best This classic hotel with its 90 air-conditioned rooms provides great accommodations at the value offered in all of cabo san Lucas. “others best value in cabo san Lucas. They have a large may saY they have the best value, but when you swimming pool, restaurant and bar, and the consider that for the same rates we also have the large swimming pool, indoor-outdoor restaurant, charm of old Baja, not found elsewhere. Hotel Mar de cortez was among the first three and spacious bar,” says the owner’s son, Danny, hotels in cabo san Lucas when it was a quaint “there is nothing like it in cabo san Lucas!”
LA PAZ
Beach-side Vacation condo or house rentals
Hotel Baja vacations. ............................................ 877-462-2226 Barcelo Hotels and resort ..........................(624) 146-7500 cabo surf Hote ............................................ 624-142-2666 Desire resort & spa..................................... 624-142-9300 Posada chabela ........................................... 624-172-6495 Posada real Best Western.......................... 624-142 - 0155 suites Las Palmas........................................ 624-142-2131
www.stayinloreto.com C ontaCt L ynn H amman 011-52-613-135-0791
lynnhamman@yahoo.com
Hotel Bahia Hotel ......................................... .........624-143-1888 Best Western cabo Las flores Hotel ........... 624-143-6199 casa Pablito ........................................ .........624-143-1971 Hotel and Plaza Los arcos ........................... 624-143-0702 Mar de cortez Hotel ............................ .........624-143-0032 siesta suites Hotel .............................. .........624-143-2773
March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia
Los Barriles BCS Mexico
Vacation Rentals & Property Management www.rentalsloreto.com
SAN JOSE DEL CABO
30
www.fisheastcape.com
613-135-2505
Hotels La concha Beach resort ..............................612-121-6344 Los arcos ....................................................612-122-2744 Marina Hotel ................................................612-121-6254 Mediterrane ..................................................612-125-1195 seven crown Hotel .......................................612-128-7787
CABO SAN LUCAS
Walking distances to North Beach for all you Wind & Kite Surfers
CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
{HEAlTH & BEAUTY}
Safe and Affordable Obesity Surgery in Baja by MaryJo
Many people don’t realize that many obesity surgical procedures are not covered by medical insurance in the U.s. However, hundreds of americans seek various procedures, including bariatric surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric balloon surgery, laparoscopic surgery, tummy tuck, and liposuction south of the border to Mexicali. facilities in this area of Mexico are excellent and growing increasingly popular with americans venturing to Latin american destinations for superlative, experienced and affordable weight loss and obesity surgical procedures. one of the most popular bar-
iatric surgeons in Mexicali is Dr. Marco Sarinana of Mexicali Obesity Solutions. Dr. sarinana offers affordable bariatric surgery for individuals seeking a multitude of procedures, including those listed above, and for treatment to help reduce or eliminate symptoms like snoring, reflux disease, sleep apnea, heart attacks and strokes. Band surgery at Mexicali obesity solutions costs an average of $7,500, much less than the average cost in the U.s. for safe, reliable and experienced care, don’t hesitate to look beyond the border. Your well-being is at stake. MaryJo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. Prior to joining PlacidWay (www.placidway. com), she worked for the nation’s leading health care IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.
California Dental Spa & California Optical ONE CONVENIENT LOCATION!
COME SEE US TODAY!
DENTAL SERVICES
Melina California Fierros Z., DDS White Fillings Teeth Whitening Cosmetic Dentistry Root Canals Implants Permanent Bridges
Removable Partials Extractions Dentures Metal and Porcelain Crowns
Mar Caribe Sur #1088-4 Across from ABC Bus Depot Visit us online or e-mail for more information
OPTICAL SERVICES
Licensed Optometrist Efrain Castellanos, OD, FCOVD Complete Eye Exams Vision Problem Evals Frames and Lenses Contacts
YOUR VISION SOLUTION
SEE your way to better DENTAL care! E-Mail: californiadental@hotmail.com E-Mail: californiaoptical@hotmail.com
www.CADentalOptical.com CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
(686) 577-0708 Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia – March 2010
www.mexicolivingguide.com
31
Baja’s Saltwater Scorpion: Saga of the Sculpin
FISHING} {FISHIGN
“What the heck kind of fish is this ugly sucker?” chirped the 16-year-old angler from arizona. He then turned from the rail of the ensenada sportfisher holding the blotchy, spike-finned toad by the lip, as if it were some type of freshwater bass. “Watch out, amigo!” shouted out a nearby deckhand who immediately realized what was going on. “just drop the fish on the deck, my friend, i’ll take it . . .” But it was already too late. “YeoWWWW!” shrieked the unfortunate young man. “He sTUcK me! oh, man . . . this really hurts!” he screamed as his fellow passengers looked on, stunned and frozen by the unexpected turn of events. Within five minutes he was lying on a bench inside the galley writhing in indescribable agony, his hand swollen to nearly twice its normal size. our trip was ultimately cut short; as the boat quickly headed back to port so that the passenger could receive much needed medical attention. even though this event took place in the summer of 1965, almost 40 years ago, i still recall it just as clearly as if it happened last weekend. While growing up, i had always heard the horrible stories about what happened when unlucky anglers found themselves on the wrong end of a sculpin’s dorsal fin, but this was the first time that i had seen it in living color and it was not a pretty sight.
anyone who has ever spent much time around tide pools in northern Baja and southern california has probably noticed smaller members of the sculpin family. They dart quickly between limpets, barnacles and sea anemones, and nearly disappear when they sit motionless; their natural camouflage blending with the mottled rocks around them. The most common of these, the wooly sculpin is generally only two to five inches in length. it is known for its tendency to lie motionless in one place to blend in with the terrain until it can quickly lunge at unsuspecting prey, such as small worms, crabs and snails that come within its range. The sculpin’s body is stocky and slightly compressed, with a relatively large head and poisonous dorsal and pectoral fins, which can be painfully sharp. These fish range in color from a dark orange/brown to bright red, and rarely exceed four pounds. Most sculpin found in Baja california live in Pacific ocean waters, but there are also isolated populations that occur in the central and upper portions of the sea of cortez. sculpin are generally caught over hard, rocky bottoms from just below the water’s surface, to depths of over 600 feet and occasionally over mud or sand. Their diet includes mussels, small crabs, squid, octopus and a variety of the small fish that share their territory. They will readily take a piece of squid, mussel or anchovy that has been
The sharp, poisonous dorsal fin of Baja’s notorious scorpion fish can inflict a painful wound to the unwary, yet its delicate white fillets offer a gourmet delicacy.
lowered to the bottom in one of the rocky areas that they are known to inhabit. a lot of time can be saved by using bait such as squid strips, which are harder for the fish to steal from the hook. at times, chumming with small pieces of squid, mussel or sea urchin will help attract them to the area. as previously mentioned: after a sculpin has been landed, it must be handled very carefully! The sculpin is the most venomous member of the scorpionfish family on the Pacific coast of north america. all who come in contact with it should be forewarned that its dorsal, pelvic and anal fin spines are connected to poison producing glands that are capable of causing an extremely painful wound. Penetration of the skin by any of these spines is followed almost immediately by intense and excruciating pain in the area of the wound. Many treatments have been used for sculpin stings, but immersion of the affected part in very hot water seems to be one of the most effective.
Photo by Tom gatch
by Tom Gatch
Having said that, sculpin can be safely handled by using a sharp pair of clippers to carefully snip off all of their dorsal and pectoral fins prior to placing them into a live well or onto a stringer. They can then be filleted in the usual manner. it is also a good idea to place a rag over the head while pressing down on the cutting board, so that your hand can be shielded from a few additional prongs and spikes. once landed, sculpin are highly prized as table fare. My favorite way of preparing them is to lightly dust the small fillets in flour, dip them quickly in beaten egg and then roll them in panko-style, japanese breadcrumbs. Let them set up in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, then fry until golden brown in an equal mixture of olive oil and garlic butter. serve with fresh lemon wedges, rice pilaf, steamed vegetables and, if you like, a cold glass of crisp sauvignon Blanc. good luck and Bon appétit!
Sportfishing with heart – azteca by the government, and keeping in accordance with environmental and federal requirements, they strive to avoid fishing protected species. They are perhaps one of the only sportfishing crew who promotes “catch and release” fishing, simply for the sport of fishing and preserving the natural habitat to virtually hundreds of species in the sea of cortez. in 2008, the noaa came to san felipe to research the habitat and population of the Vaquita, and azteca was an integral participant in their study, providing boat services and information for their research. They continue
to support such organizations and maintain the highest regard for the environmental conscience of this community. in addition to their integrity as fisherman, alex and his crew are dedicated to helping the san felipe community by donating fishing trips for raffles, donating funds to different charitable organizations, including casa de fe and ZaPP, and by attendance at fundraising events. azteca is the exclusive sportfishing service for el Dorado ranch, but they provide adventures to anyone, with reasonable fees and a professional
staff for the best possible fishing experience in san felipe. alex is an amazing person with a warm smile and pleasant sense of humor, and he is sure to make your excursion one to remember. azteca was voted Best Fishing Tours in San Felipe 2009 in Mexico Living readers’ Poll . . . for obvious reasons! visit their website for more information or call: U.s. (760) 618-0521, Mx (686) 577-0741 or Mx cell (686) 946-1028.
all photos courtesy of azteca sportfishing
Alex Herrera arrived in san felipe in 2000 looking to provide services that were not available in the area. establishing Azteca Sportfishing in 2004, they provide a safe, comfortable and reliable half- or full-day sportfishing trip. clients sometimes have their own boat but simply need knowledgeable and reliable guidance. in addition, azteca hosts fishing clinics for beginners and advanced fishermen alike at el Dorado ranch as an activity for residents and guests. visitors can count on azteca to comply with all of the safety regulations and requirements set forth
Fishing Class at El Dorado Ranch
32
March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia
Very happy fishermen!
CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
Alex and the Catch of the Day
0
Lun
6
1
150 75
18
0
Oceanografía Física
Mar
6
2
18
0
Mie
6
3
18
0
Jue
6
4
18
(31 51 N, 116 37 W)
0
Vie
6
5
18
0
Sab
6
6
18
PMS NMM
1731 72
BMI 256 -2
150 75
7
1518 -22
2134 166
8
1936 84
7 42
900 173
344 -7
946 152
1549 -3
2209 169
9
435 -5
1035 128
1619 17
2247 165
10
531 3
1131 103
1648 37
2327 155
11
639 13
1247 1715 83 56
018 143
12
813 20
150 75
1837 84
309 127
14
1118 8
15
1837 2237 94 80
436 131
1206 0
1856 2339 102 69
16
13 0 2
534 138
1241 -6
1914 108
019 57
17
618 144
1309 -8
1933 115
052 46
13
18
653 148
1334 -9
1951 121
123 35
PMS NMM
19
725 150
1356 -6
150 75
1416 -2
2026 136
222 16
21
824 143
1435 4
2045 143
253 9
22
855 135
1454 12
2106 149
326 5
23
927 125
1514 20
2130 153
24
3 01
402 3
1002 112
1533 30
2156 154
20
25
443 5
1044 1553 97 41
2227 152
PMS NMM
26
534 10
1140 1612 82 52
27
PMS NMM BMI
150 75
13171626 70 63
001 139
28
826 15
129 133
29
1004 6
17432047 87 82
315 135
30
18 26
1106 -7
1801 2238 100 67
438 145
1150 -18
1825 115
2340 46
540 156
1228 -24
1852 132
030 24
632 162
1302 -24
0
BMI 117 3
720 162
1335 -19
1951 164
203 -14
807 155
1407 -9
2023 175
249 -24
150
853 143
145 82
75 0
1439 5
2055 180
335 -28
941 127
1509 21
Hora del Meridiano:
0
50
7
BMI
2
930 101
1553 -7
2157 96
8
8 42
414 -5
18
0
6
3
1005 87
1607 7
2211 100
9
Mie
18
0
6
4
Jue
18
100 50
2238 77
14
1259 3
453 -3
1036 70
1613 18
2224 101
10
15
2110 114 500 70 62 67
1322 -5
2035 111 70 50
16
14 0 2
Dom 18
6
0
Lun
6
1
400 200
18
0
Mar
6
2
18
0
Mie
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100 50
3
0
Jue
6
4
18
Vie
5
18
0
Sab
6
6
533 2
1104 1600 54 26
2237 100
11
618 75
1346 -11
2035 71
128 39
17
827 90
1455 -6
2102 81
21
259 6
854 87
1509 -1
2111 86
22
327 1
922 83
1525 4
2122 91
356 -2
23
400
7
200
751 -116
1354 519
2007 -120
210 514
8
7 42
823 -107
1433 501
2044 -76
244 465
9
854 -79
1516 459
2119 -13
316 403
10
924 -38
1559 400
2154 60
11
346 336
955 11
1652 335
2232 134
12
413 269
18
1028 64
1807 276
400
1114 116
2146 272
510 926 157 181
14
15
200
1549 104
2252 315
528 112
1048 223
1640 67
2326 352
16
13 0 2
547 74
1122 266
1714 35
2352 381
17
603 43
1147 307
1742 8
013 402
13
18
620 16
1207 345
1806 -14
029 416
19
635 -7
1227 379
100 50
2247 94
28
756 8
2313 85
29
400
652 -27
1249 409
1854 -35
100 431
21
709 -44
1312 430
1918 -33
117 433
22
200
728 -55
1336 440
1941 -24
134 430
23
747 -60
1400 439
2004 -5
152 418
24
3 01
810 -56
1427 427
2029 22
211 398
25
1458 402
2057 58
235 367
26
906 -22
1537 367
400
943 9
1633 324
2215 152
28
337 275
1034 51
1812 289
29
200
001 195
456 219
1213 90
2042 304
354 146
30
18 26
851 235
1519 58
2157 358
435 77
1005 305
1618 2
2242 414
510 10
1108 3
949 75
658 82
1407 -13
2041 72
1705 -47
2321 462
544 -48
1139 450
1749 -83
1219 502
1830 -101
033 509
648 -111
1258 530
1911 -98
108 499
31
719 -113
400
408
200
204
0
1336 532
1948 -74
142 470
749 -97
1415 509
Hora del Meridiano:
0
Nivel de Referencia:
PMS
120
NMM
60
BMI
0
1428 -8
2035 95
252 -13
855 90
BMI
PMS
120
NMM
60
BMI
0
PMS
120
NMM
60
BMI
0
PMS
120
NMM
60
BMI
0
120
NMM
60
BMI
0
cms
0
Dom 18
6
0
6
1
80 40
Lun
18
0
6
2
Mar
18
0
6
3
Mie
1450 2
1538 11
2134 96
427 -3
1016 66
0
6
4
Jue
18
0
(26 01 N, 111 22 W) 6
Vie
18
0
Sab
6
6
18
PMS
7
1527 -9
2158 62
8
8 42
350 -5
959 51
1535 5
2159 67
9
434 -7
1027 1524 37 15
2159 71
10
519 -6
1037 1422 23 17
2203 74
11
615 10321318 -1 13 9
2215 74
12
1546 18
2149 99
75410101315 3 5 1
14
13
1318 -11
15
2223 58
1316 -15
2124 138 553 53 48 53
16
14 0 2
1323 -17
2107 103 50 39
17
642 58
1338 -18
2102 120 49 30
18
718 61
1355 -17
2101 49
19
143 21
749 63
20
819 62
1426 -9
2056 54
21
234 5
848 59
1439 -3
2058 59
22
301 -2
917 55
1448 4
2104 65
23
331 -7
947 48
1455 10
2112 70
24
4 01
403 -11
1017 1455 39 15
2122 74
25
439 -12
1048 1438 29 18
2135 77
26
142 51
523 -9
1216 -8
2005 018 67 54
509 75
1256 -15
1952 72
40
1411 -13
2213 76
28
0
1330 -18
2001 79
948 -6
2238 71
29
19 26
1144 -15
2257 63
30
1215 -23
2041 006 55 50
2019 030 54 35
621 56
1310 -27
2020 56
106 19
720 60
31
812 60
1400 -11
2036 64
226 -11
901 55
1420 1
306 -21
88 44 0
951 1432 47 14
2048 75
345 -25
2053 102
331 -19
933 81
1508 13
2108 106
408 -20
1009 69
1521 22
Hora del Meridiano:
105 W.G.
Nivel de Referencia:
BMI
1er Cuarto: Luna LLena: 3er Cuarto: Luna Nueva:
105 W.G.
Nivel de Referencia:
BMI
1er Cuarto: Luna LLena: 3er Cuarto: Luna Nueva:
2224 99
PMS
726 93
1401 -15
2017 87
23 29 7 15
Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.
18
0
6
2
Oceanografía Física
Mar
18
0
6
3
Mie
18
0
6
4
Jue
18
0
(22 53 N, 109 55 W) 6
5
Vie
18
0
6
6
7
844 132
1458 -31
2111 125
8
8 42
317 -25
922 117
1523 -18
2139 126
9
357 -22
958 99
1545 -2
2206 121
10
436 -12
1033 78
1559 12
2233 113
11
519 2
1106 1602 59 25
2300 102
12
1122 18
PMS
615 17
1146 1528 42 33
2334 90
PMS BMI
111 78
14
1151 12
15
20172316 65 62
436 80
1218 1
1927 2355 69 48
16
14 0 2
541 90
1240 -8
1918 75
17
023 34
619 100
1301 -14
1924 82
18
049 21
650 107
1321 -19
1936 90
114 9
19
718 111
1340 -20
1950 97
20
PMS
NMM BMI
744 113
1400 -19
2006 103
21
205 -10
810 112
22
1419 -17
2024 110
231 -16
836 108
1436 -12
2043 115
23
1355 34
259 -20
903 101
1453 -5
2103 118
24
4 01
328 -19
930 91
1509 3
2124 118
25
359 -15
959 79
1524 11
2146 115
26
433 -7
1029 1535 64 20
2210 110
27
PMS
NMM BMI
1105 1533 49 29
2239 101
28
633 16
1247 34
29
2329 89
19 26
1027 14
218 80
30
1125 -1
1838 2253 67 51
445 91
1159 -14
1834 2344 79 30
546 105
1229 -23
1850 94
026 8
632 116
1258 -27
31
1912 108
PMS
NMM BMI
714 120
1326 -26
1938 121
145 -28
754 119
1354 -20
2005 130
224 -36
122 61 0
833 111
1421 -11
2032 133
302 -38
910 99
1445 0
2100 132
Hora del Meridiano:
105 W.G.
Nivel de Referencia:
BMI
1er Cuarto: Luna LLena: 3er Cuarto: Luna Nueva:
23 29 7 15
Tide calendars are sponsored by these great companies:
NMM
2152 78
PMS
1336 -21
18
NMM
PMS
1335 16
Sab
13
2028 59
2052 79
Hora del Meridiano:
1113 1529 43 28
2123 108
PMS
1041 1429 37 23
PMS
NMM
NMM
2044 69
2055 77
PMS
NMM
1243 -27
534 -0
133 16
BMI 145 2
40
630 85
2058 51
27
0
80
054 35
BMI 633 -6
1440 -10
27
PMS
0
80
2205 100
BMI 208 13
40
1044 1544 55 24
2231 71
0
80
458 -2
BMI 2245 65
759 89
20
NMM
1319 -6
40
210 21
BMI 923 64
0
80
2048 74
NMM
307 1
40
1425 -13
http://oceanografia.cicese.mx/predmar MAR V0.9 2010 J.I. González
0
80
1
0
5
730 87
26
CICESE
Lun
6
60
Loreto, B.C.S.
18
0
120
23 29 7 15
CICESE
Oceanografía Física
149 30
BMI
516 5
PMS
http://oceanografia.cicese.mx/predmar MAR V0.9 2010 J.I. González
MARZO 2010
PMS
NMM
106 -12
1er Cuarto: Luna LLena: 3er Cuarto: Luna Nueva:
Dom 18
6
237 -22
2024 -33
120 W.G.
2259 87
31
54
2357 496
0 616 -89
738 1144 18 25
13
19
25
2341 72
30
19 26
0
139 -1
27 1056 382
2251 95
NMM
107
0
2129 102
0 303 326
1129 1519 39 29
BMI 813 94
1026 25
20 836 -44
NMM
0
1830 -28
0 044 425
PMS
1334 24
BMI 1157 1416 31 28
2338 198
0 421 210
619 10
12
18
24
4 01
MARZO 2010
0 135 540
18
http://oceanografia.cicese.mx/predmar MAR V0.9 2010 J.I. González
(31 01 N, 114 49 W) 6
Sab
6
6
NMM
0
0
0
0
San Felipe, B.C.
18
18
BMI 233 13
cms
cms
0
Vie
0
50
CICESE
Oceanografía Física
6
5
http://oceanografia.cicese.mx/predmar MAR V0.9 2010 J.I. González
MARZO 2010
(24 10 N, 110 21 W)
0
NMM
100
23 29 7 15
Oceanografía Física
Mar
BMI
213 -1
1er Cuarto: Luna LLena: 3er Cuarto: Luna Nueva:
6
0
2129 178
120 W.G.
Nivel de Referencia:
100
621 4
PMS NMM
0
BMI
1921 149
31
18
0
2306 147
0 643 15
50
1247 13
BMI 755 148
1
100
2008 128
0 152 25
Lun
6
334 -2
BMI 1004 17
0
1514 74
0 129 132
Dom 18
6
TIDE cAlENDARS
0
0
La Paz, B.C.S.
CICESE
MARZO 2010 cms
cms
Dom 18
6
Ensenada, B.C.
CICESE
MARZO 2010 0
23 29 7 15 http://oceanografia.cicese.mx/predmar MAR V0.9 2010 J.I. González
CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia – March 2010
www.mexicolivingguide.com
33
{ARTS}
The Baja Blues: local Writer Pimentel Weaves a Magical Tale by Carla White
“somewhere between the desert and the sky, the mountains and the sea, is a timeless place where the lost soul is found.” What does a man search for so desperately in his middle years? This is the question that author Joel Guerrero Pimentel poses in The Baja Blues, a novel about a disfranchised dot-comer from northern california who has escaped to Limon, Baja california, to figure out his failing life. When this frustrated gringo becomes enmeshed in the world of Limon and its colorful characters—and of the wise and mysterious el viejo—it seems that perhaps the answer is obvious. in fact, suggests Pimentel, the answer is all around us. Perhaps what the gringo seeks, and what we all hope to find, is just a little bit of magic.
certainly, magic abounds in this alluring tale of Baja california. from Mayan spacecraft that patrol the peninsular night skies, to Hector’s Tooexpensive-or-out-of-it grocery store, to the fiesta of the Leaking Pangas, Pimentel weaves a story that is based upon charming vignettes of people and places. He gently draws the reader into a world where coyotes speak and the moon cries. Like the novels of pre-eminent Baja author Daniel reveles, The Baja Blues pokes soft fun at human nature and our constant search for . . . well . . . for something better. Pimentel seems to come to the conclusion that sometimes,
in order to find true happiness, you’ve just got to believe, even if what you are believing in is simply unbelievable. it’s a story rich in wisdom, wit and laughter . . . and it could only happen in Baja california. a resident of rosarito, Baja california, Pimentel is at once an architect, painter and writer, having authored five novels, three screenplays, several collections of short stories and a bilingual children’s book. The Baja Blues is available at www.booksurge. com, and at local stores including cha cha’s café, the Tamale inn and Usa Mailboxes. it is also available on amazon, www.amazon.com.
International Festival of Arts and culture
The 4th “festival internacional de arte y cultura por la Pax” takes place in La Paz, March 17–22. This year africa will be the guest of honor, with active participation of the african embassies in Mexico and collaboration of the “festival de cultura africana, a.c.” More than 50 foreign artists will join the local talent. The african percussion and dance group “colectivo Máiz negro” will perform on March 19 at 7 p.m, at the Teatro de la ciudad. Tickets will be on sale at the theater for only 80 pesos. The proceeds will benefit the fundación ayuda niños La Paz, a.c. (fanLaP). The main programs of fanLaP are: a dining room in colonia Laguna azul, where an average of 150 children receive a hot lunch five days a week during the school year; scholarships for children who would not otherwise attend junior or senior high school because of the cost; and a library/study center, where students have a quiet place complete with computers to do their homework and small children have access to books and computers.
“Big Surf”
30” x 40” oil on canvas $2700 by JILL LOGAN
34
March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia
CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
We are organizing english classes for all levels from preschool to college students, p a i n t classes and others for whom we need volunteers. We are also looking for help with our newly formed “patronato,” much like a PTa in the U.s. for more information about how to volunteer, sponsor a student or make a donation, visit www. lapazninos.org or call 121-2166, or email fanlap@hotmail.com or jupete49@hotmail.com. Together we are making a difference.
{HOME & REAl ESTATE}
Move from ANYWHERE in the USA to ANYWHERE in Mexico!
Let our team of professionals handle everything for you From
Z
to
MX (686) 576-0432 E-mail: sfelipe3@prodigy.net.mx
www.sanfelipesafestorage.com
An Exclusive Gated 8 Unit Townhome Complex in San Felipe DEVELOPER FINANCING AVAILABLE
Starting at $159,900 US 760-208-1700
www.oasisdecortez.com
the 2010 Outlook for Baja Retirement and Second Home Sales
Construction Pé“Best rezinC onstruction PC Pérez Baja” * e*st*in* B * a ja ” “B El Dorado Ranch * *5*Star * * Contractor El Dorado Ranch 5 Star Contractor
Lupe Pérez, General Contractor Lupe Pérez, General Contractor 011.521.686.170.3979
by Patrick Osio
011.521.686.170.3979
Jane Allen, Contract Manager Jane Allen, Contract Manager SWEITZER CONSTRUCTION US: 480.600.2114 or MX: US: 480.600.2114 or MX: 011.521.686.236.4927 MANAGEMENT COMPANY 011.521.686.236.4927 www.sanfelipehomesbyperez.com
BJ Sweitzer Consultant www.sanfelipehomesbyperez.com Carlos Mora Contractor bestinbaja@gmail.com
bestinbaja@gmail.com Phone: 577-0195 USA: 011-52-686-577-0195 Email: bejota10@aol.com
since it is widely acknowledged that the majority of Baja coastal properties are bought by U.s. citizens, it would behoove us to overview the U.s. real estate and economic situation. Data is accumulating indicating the U.s. economy is emerging from the greatest economic downfall since the Depression, this one dubbed the great recession. However, the same data indicates the recovery will be slower and with more uncertainty than past recessions due to the significant effects on the labor market and the loss of trillions of dollars of personal household wealth. families experienced falling home equity, in many cases house values dipped below mortgage debt, coupled with the sharply reduced assets in the stock market, which amounted to trillions of dollars, and the biggest factor, the massive loss of jobs in all sectors with health care as the only exception. job losses led to
further massive home foreclosures that, in turn, could pay. so, when the bubble burst and banks fueled further job losses. The combination led to and savings and loan institutions began to close consumers’ inability to buy bigger ticket items under the weight of billions of dollars of non-persuch as cars and white forming loans, followed products, again furby the greatest housing thering job losses and foreclosure numbers in Baja real estate developers adding to the deepenthe history of the U.s., ing recession. and selling professionals must the table was set for To add fuel to the the great recession. fire, during the great now, the evidence be careful not to get over real estate boom, and shows that families are the dramatic increase optimistic, as the word on the attempting to strengthin home values, hunen their economic situdreds of thousands street is that real estate sales in ation by saving more, of homeowners refispending less and lownanced their homes the U.s. are on the increase. ering their debt. This availing themselves to indicates that growth the equity so rapidly will be slower as conincreasing. This put homeowners in a precari- sumers will exercise caution by spending less ous position by carrying far more debt than they and will not rely on credit as much.
CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
www.SanFelipeHomeBuilder.com
Home Builders in San Felipe
Providing Quality, Integrity and Professionalism since 2005
San Felipe (686) 577-3176 San Diego (619) 920-2292
Computer & Satellite Installation Satellite Internet
Also Computers, Cell Phones, and DVD Rentals
Av. Mar de Cortez, Plaza San Felipe Visit us Online: www.csibaja.com
686-577-2928 shane@csibaja.com
Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia – March 2010
www.mexicolivingguide.com
35
{HOME & REAl ESTATE} Baja real estate developers and selling professionals must be careful not to get over optimistic, as the word on the street is that real estate sales in the U.s. are on the increase. analysis of those sales indicates that the trend does not translate into a potential high number of sales in Baja. one needs to realize that U.s. home prices are well below peak levels as seen in 2005 and part of 2006. The biggest home sales numbers are taking place in those regions with the deepest decline in home prices. for instance, in the california counties of riverside and san Bernardino home prices have reached levels where close to 70 percent of county residents can afford to buy; the percentage was below 15 percent during 2005/2006. Due to a first Time Home Buyers Tax credit, home sales to that group accounted for over 47
percent of home sales throughout the U.s., with a median age of 30; whereas the repeat buyers’ median age was 48. However, new home purchases were at an eight year low of 18 percent. Homes were typically around 1,800 square feet, and 78 percent were single detached homes with a median price in the West of $240,000. The “second-home” (vacation) buyer dropped to 1 percent. Those buying for retirement represented 5 percent of ages 45 to 64; and 10 percent of those age 65 or older. The potential for Baja home sales is to be found within the retirement group, as the second-home/vacation buyer is all but gone for the foreseeable future. The problem we face is that a large percentage of those contemplating retirement have postponed their plans due to heavy losses in their retirement account portfolios and, in many
cases, the severe reduction of equity of their home that for most represents a large percentage of their total assets. older americans were not spared by the recession. There are today 6.6 million americans age 65 or older in the job market compared with 4.1 million in 2001. Less well known is that nearly half a million workers 65 or older cannot find work—representing more than five times the number of the early 2000s. for this group the figure represents the highest unemployment level since the Depression of the 1930s. in times past, preparing for retirement meant paying or nearly paying off the 30-year mortgage to cash in on the equity for retirement use or to lower living costs. Unfortunately, the level of indebtedness among older americans has risen faster than for any other age group due to cashing
LIVING IN BAJA HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER SAT OCT 30,10AM - 5PM 2010
THE PAVILION, LA VENTANA del MAR San Felipe Baja California HUNDREDS OF EXHIBITORS & DOZENS OF EXPERT SPEAKERS “Everything you need to start living your dream, all in one place!
MEXICOLIVINGHOMESHOW.COM
36
March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia
CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
in on the equity when housing prices ballooned. Housing prices have dropped dramatically placing many homes without equity and in jeopardy of foreclosure. for Baja the opportunity is to present the lower cost of quality housing, coupled with the great savings in living expenses that, depending on one’s income, will allow them to live with some quality of life and, above all, with dignity. The push must be on savings, savings and more savings with ocean views thrown in for free.
Patrick Osio is co-founder of TransBorder Communications (www.TransBorderCommunications.com) and Editor of HispanicVista (www.HispanicVista.com).
{HOME & REAl ESTATE}
SeaMexico Realty and RE/MAX San Felipe Join Forces
challenging times call for innovation and change, and change has come to Playa de Oro and Playa San Rafael’s sales programs. seaMexico realty (sMr) was created a few years ago to provide a “real estate” trade name for the two developments. in these economic times, the lack of brand recognition became an issue. so,
changes had to be made. Parkstrong, the developer, has always been flexible, open to change and willing to do what it takes to continue providing stability and growth to its developments. sales have been difficult at best these last few years for developers and sales professionals, both above and below the border. We all know that in an economy without sales, everyone loses. it is a buyer’s market and the buyers are looking for reassurance working with companies, brands and credentials they recognize and trust. so, putting their heads together, they considered their options. RE/MAX San Felipe was looking for legal, safe and secure property to list and sell to their clients. Parkstrong was looking for an honest, dependable and recognizable marketing vehicle. an affiliation between Parkstrong’s premium developments and re/Max san felipe became inevitable—both being highly successful and
“make-progress” companies. in november, Parkstrong contracted with, and are excited to have, re/Max san felipe as the exclusive listing agent for the developments; a name that is known both north and south of the border. Parkstrong starts off a positive new
year with Giovanni Abatti, heading up the re/ Max Playa de oro and san raphael sales office, and with Don Koontz, a re/Max agent, as the developments’ contract specialist. This joining of forces only strengthens both companies and they look forward to a long association.
Baja Lending Company www.BajaLendingCo.com
• #1 Mortgage Broker on the Baja • Competitive interest rates • 6 major international financial institutions • Construction loans • Purchase money loans • Refinance loans
Baja Closing Services
• Protecting your real estate
transaction • From Contract, Closing, Fideicomiso, & Disbursements • Our 3rd party oversight insures that funds are disbursed correctly US 760-494-7053 MX 011-52-686-576-0653
Mary@BajaLendingCo.com
CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia – March 2010
www.mexicolivingguide.com
37
Open HOuse us$199,900 OPEN HOUSE PHOTO ADS Publish your real estate photo
Home Sweet Home
ad for onLY $50. simply email your copy and photo to sales@ mexicoliving.info and Mexico Living will contact you. if you have questions, please call
La Paz, Baja California Sur This stylish home must be seen to be appreciated! Located in el comitan roughly 15 Km north of La Paz. Has a large, bright living/ dining area and an open kitchen with state-ofthe art appliances. Master bed and bath are located on the main floor with a covered patio to the pool area. a separate stairwell takes you to the terrace with a guest bedroom, bath and outstanding views. approximately 1,700 sq. ft., fully furnished, professionally landscaped with an automatic irrigation system. PriceD To seLL at Us$340,900. contact alexander at 011 52 (613) 104-3625 or alexander@loretorealty.com.
686-230-9933 in Mexico or 877-LUvMex1 from the Us.
San Felipe, Baja California This beautiful 2 Master suite home is located in the gated community of el Dorado ranch in san felipe, Baja california. front and back tiled patios offer sea and mountain views. The rooftop deck is perfect for stargazing and relaxing. includes great room, garage and billiard table. Home is fully furnished, ready to move in ToDaY! offered at $209k Bill Maine 686-231-4921 or 619-203-5129.
Located in Playa de oro, voted Mexico Living readers’ choice for “Best Development in san felipe” for the last three consecutive years (2007, 2008, and 2009), this 1,500-square-foot house features a large kitchen, dining and living area; two large bedrooms, each with two queen-size beds; two full baths; walk-in closet in the master; and an oversized shower in the master that has two shower heads.
Loreta, Baja California Sur Beachfront rental. Two bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, sleeps six. Unique, private home, five miles north of town. Kayaks, bikes, etc. $1,000/week or $3,500/month. email jwbaja1@gmail.com.
There is tile throughout, and the interior of the house has just recently been repainted. The laundry area is located in the over-sized two-car garage. asking price is onLY $199,900, and comes furnished as shown. Los Barriles, Baja California Sur ensenada de Palmas, Buenos aires, Los Barriles, has lots, in a new community, nestled between the sierra Madre Mountains and the Beautiful sea of cortez with views to the north and the south. Lots range from 800 M2 to 1,500 M2, so you can build your dream home. Lots are near the town of Los Barriles. Prices from Us$40,000 to $100,000. Lots are also available in other communities. cell: (624) 355-5782, nextel 72*698805*3, ask for jorge ortiz, or email jorgeortiz_medrano@hotmail.com.
38
March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia
address any questions or enquiries to Don Koontz, reMax san felipe, at Mexico (686) 576-0223, U.s. (888) 433-5471, Mexican cell (686) 221-9858, or email DonKoontz@remaxsanfelipe.com.
WWW.MeXICOLIVInGGuIDe.COM/OpenHOuse CALL US 1-877-LUVMEX1
San Felipe, Baja California one can truly appreciate the beauty and peace of Baja in this gorgeous, 2,100 sq. ft. home. it comes completely furnished, has a separate two-bedroom casita, and the amenities are too extensive to list them all; upgraded furniture and appliances, ceiling fans, entertainment center, 109-inch Projection DLP Home Theatre and many, many more. The outdoor living area is over 9,000 sq. ft., including pool, spa, shower, kitchen, and lots of privacy. This million dollar property is PriceD To seLL at only Us$499,000! To start living your dream, contact Bill Maine at (619) 203-5129; from the U.s. (760) 688-6238; or viPearthevents@gmail.com.
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Rentals San Felipe BC: MINI RV PARK, Long Term Rentals. Newly developed: 8 RV sites within Campo Ocotillos, 5 miles north of San Felipe. Complete hook-ups $220 + elect; 2 full-size trailers already set-up $330 + elect. Also trailer on private residential property with complete overhead cover, 8’x16’ deck and small fenced in yard for your pet. (686) 576-0347 or email shirleythomp@gmail.com La Paz BCS: House For Rent. New 2 bedroom house with pool for rent for June and 2 weeks in July. Directly on Bay of La Paz. Willing to rent at a reduced price in return for taking care of two outside dogs. Would prefer mature couple, no children please. Also no other pets please. $1,000 per month. Julie, julienone@hotmail.com. Todos Santos BCS: Beach Cottage In Las Tunas. Brimwater Hollow Beach Cottage is booked through February but some March dates are still available. Large cottage sleeps 3 and is right at the beach. Contact Jim Elfers bajasurvey@yahoo.com. Ensenada BC: RENTAL WANTED. RV Rental in Ensenada for Summer. We are looking for a spot to hang out in our RV. We have a 30-foot RV and would like a place with full hook up in the Ensenada area. We are looking to pay $400 or less per month, July, August and September. If you have such a place, email caicai422@gmail.com, we have great references. Property for Sale
La Paz BCS: Lot for sale in the lovely community of
must contain contact info and price. Mexico Living reserves the right to edit all ads for length, or to refuse any ads. We will not print ads submitted with ALL CAPS.
Bellaterra. Located in the hills above Marina Palmira. The ocean views are stunning, and it’s just a few minutes away from downtown La Paz. Call Dax at (612) 140-3070 or, for pictures, email mav_1070@yahoo.com Loreto BCS: 2br Exciting Sports Fishing Casita at the Tripui Resort (www.tripuihotel.com.mx) #B-07/8 in La Mano de Dios, the heart of world-class big game sports fishing, cruising, sailing, off-roading and all kinds of recreation, security, solitude, serenity and all the comforts of home. US$120,000. Contact Joe at AmigoJoe2@yahoo.com for details, directions and extensive pictures.
ever met. She has big brown eyes, and a nice golden brown coat with black trim. She is gentle, affectionate, playful, and very mellow. She is 5 months old and will be spayed next week. Ann Pibal, annpibal@earthlink.net, (612) 144-1656 or (612) 144-1672. La Paz BCS: VHS Tape Player In Good Condition. I’ve inherited a huge VHS library and would like to buy your oldiebut-goodie VHS player if you’ve gone digital. Lee Moore, bajalee@aol.com, 122-8694.
For Sale
Wanted
Baja California: Car Dolley to pull car behind an RV. Please email caicai422@gmail.com. Loreto BCS: Good home for a really nice small dog. He is a male and has been neutered with rusty and white colored long hair. He is warm and friendly, relatively quiet, but a good watch dog at night. He loves to be petted . . . a really good family dog! He is five years old, with all of his shots up to date. Call Lorraine or Don Karsgaard at (613) 135-0772. Los Barriles BCS: Woodworking equipment including woodworking quality table saw (not contractor’s table saw), radial arm saw, miter saw, joiner/planer, drill press, clamps, biscuit joiner, sanding station, etc. Looking for good quality equipment. Darby - La RIbera ddaarrbbyy@aol.com Los Barriles BCS: Does anyone have the equipment to copy some VHS tapes onto a DVD? Cassandra704@aol.com or call (624) 141-0486. Los Barriles BCS: Looking for a gently used Western saddle for a small rider/small horse. Please call (614) 141-0489 or Vonage (949) 940-8928; or email twoapples2@hotmail.com. Todos Santos BCS: Air Conditioning/Mini Splits. I am looking to put Mini Splits into my casita in Pescadero. Need info for how to have the units installed. Has anyone recently put in? Did you purchase in La Paz or CSL? Contact Brian Knott elskel@aol.com or U.S. (949) 422-2090. Todos Santos BCS: Sweetest Puppy Needs Home! She is clearly homeless, and yet is one of the coolest dogs I have
San Felipe BC: 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 asking US$4,950. Great condition! Extended cab 2-wheel drive. Air conditioner, power windows, power door locks, spray on bedliner, deluxe interior, automatic transmission, towing package, recent tires, Magnum 5.9L V8 engine, heated mirrors, and power mirrors. Email kingairpilot@yahoo.com La Paz BCS: If you are looking for a dog to adopt, please call between 11am and 4pm for directions or an appointment to visit our shelter “Baja Dogs La Paz” in El Centenario: 044 (612) 155-8948 www.bajadogslapaz.org La Paz BCS: Travel Trailer For Sale. 30-foot travel trailer in good condition; Built in 1995 by Prowler, it includes all factory options and comes with a microwave, AC, full awning, and more. Room for 6, completely self-contained. Asking US$8,500 or best offer. CASH ONLY! Call Dax at (612) 1403070 or email mav_1070@yahoo.com. Los Barriles BCS: Winfsurfing and Kite Equipment. All offers considered. Email lisiklausin@gmail.com. Buena Vista BCS: 16-foot Aluminum Boat w/30hp Johnson on a trailer ready to go. Email how5678@aol.com. Buena Vista BCS: 2001 Polaris Jet Ski. Runs great, extremely low hours. Email how5678@aol.com. Cabo San Lucas BCS: 1994 Ford Taurus. 120,000 miles. AC and Cruise. S.Dakota licensed. Pretty good condition. US$1,500. Call Ron, (624) 125-5482 or email ronlaribera@ yahoo.com
US$900, email David or Sarah david.kalousdian@gmail.com
Community Announcements
Rosarito Beach BC: Free Spay/Neuter Clinic. (SCAAT) Km 31.5, 2nd Sunday of each month 9am to 1pm. Call Karen Patonai (661) 613-0737 or email karenpatonai@yahoo.com Rosarito Beach BC: Rotary Club meets Tuesdays at the Rosarito Beach Hotel at 8:30 a.m. This is a bilingual international club. San Felipe BC: Rotary Club meets every Monday at the Barefoot Bar El Cortez Hotel, 8 a.m. San Felipe BC: Lions Club 2nd and 4th Thursday each month (Sep.–Jun./Jul.–Aug. last Thurs) 5pm Los Arcos Rest. San Felipe BC: Las Amigas 2nd and 4th Wed each month at Lodge Ocotillo, 10am San Felipe BC: SFARP Club 1st and 3rd Wed each month at the Lodge Ocotillo, 10am Loreto BCS: The Optimist Club of Loreto is looking for new members. Enjoy the camaraderie of friends while having the satisfaction of helping the youth of Loreto. The club meets every 2nd Thursday of the month at the Oasis Hotel Bar. Join today and get a authentic Loreto Optimist T-shirt! Contact Jupiter Jones at 135-0143
BAJA TRAVEL
San Felipe BC: Caravan to San Felipe with other seasoned travelers and first-timers. Contact Rich Mockabee at VisitSanFelipe1@aol.com or (831) 247-4093.
BAJA TRAVEL Rehab in Mexico, now in Los Cabos, is looking for tourism
promoters that want to earn extra money referring persons to our recovery centers for problems of alcohol or drug abuse, chemical dependency among others, contact us (624) 183 8217, www.rehabinmexico.com, email director@ rehabinmexico.com
Cabo San Lucas BCS: 12-foot Zodiac with 35 horse motor.
Across 1: Browning of pages of verse, for example 5: Campaigned for office 8: Shortchange 11: Exhaust 13: Casting director’s assignments 16: Hazarding a guess: doughy metaphysician? 18: Cumbersome boats 19: Displays clearly 21: China purchase 24: Player’s peg 25: Long haul 26: Subordinate staffer 27: Toil 29: Heartburn cause, often 30: Geek’s cousin 31: ‘Caught you!’ 32: ___ fiber (flax, hemp, ramie, or jute) 33: Take to court 34: Restricted 36: Choose 39: ‘Far out!’ 41: ‘Sister Act’ extra 42: Farm tower 43: Bracelet fastener 45: Fender flaw 46: Waiter’s tote 47: Dagger handle 48: Garden tool 49: Cuts back on calories
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50: Barnstormer 52: Injure badly 54: Between Earth and Venus, e.g. 59: Judges 60: Similar version 61: Undercover worker 62: Hairdo helper 63: Beaks Down 1: The old man 2: Some gametes 3: Slim swimmer 4: Picked up the tab 5: Curling surface 6: They may be liberal 7: Opposite of paleo8: It may be full of lemons 9: Ranger Smith’s cartoon nemesis 10: Supports for columns 12: Ripped apart 14: Desk 15: Iron alloy 17: Onion’s cousin 20: Biathlon need 21: Bad reviews 22: Stead 23: It may give you a rush 24: New hire 27: Be on standby 28: Electrical unit 29: Lowlife
Mexico Living’s Baja California – March 2010
32: Crooked 34: Full circle, on the track 35: Merlot cask 37: City map 38: Stocking stuffers 40: They get left behind 42: English cheese 43: Dance part? 44: Furious 45: Village or hamlet 48: Heavy and awkward-looking 49: Swordfight 51: Secretarial fill-in 52: Lion’s pride 53: Uptight, slangily 55: Fail to keep up 56: Historical period 57: Massage 58: ‘Sure thing!’
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MEXICO LIVING Guide Pacific Baja & The Sea of Cortez Po Boxto 9019-460 calexico, ca 92232
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March 2010 – Mexico Living’s Baja caLifornia
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