Edition 24 - May 2009

$20 MEX / $3.00 USA No. 24 - www.mexicoliving.info

May / mayo 2009

In

Search

of Dolphins

W

orld’s Largest Private Yacht

PASSPORTS REQUIRED ON JUNE 1st see page 10

LIVE • WORK • PLAY • INVEST • RETIRE

Welcome to Northwest Mexico

2 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

WELCOME / BIENNVENIDO

Welcome to Northwest Mexico

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 3

DEVELOPMENT

MEXICO LIVING Best of

2008

DEVELOPMENT

MEXICO LIVING Best of

2007

Welcome to Northwest Mexico

Mexico Living Team & Contacts

Table of Contents

EACH SECTION IS COLOR CODED ON THE RIGHT MARGIN

USA: 800-576-0919 Ext. 3 Ensenada: 646-192-6965 San Felipe: 686-2314921 Puerto Peñasco: 638-388-5004 San Carlos: 622-111-2624 Website: www.mexicoliving.info Email: info@mexicoliving.info Mexico Living is a guide committed to promoting Northwest Mexico to the limits of our abilities and to provide a valuable resource to visitors and residents of Northwest Mexico. We highlight the amazing natural beauty, friendly people, opportunities and lifestyles of one of the most unique places on Earth; and to showing that Northwest Mexico is a great place not only to visit and play, but also to live and work – a place to call home.

Published by John Benjamin Pack Publisher/Editor, John Pack, john@mexicoliving.info Publisher, Rachel Pack, rachel@mexicoliving.info Managing Editor, Brenda Judy, editor@mexicoliving.info Golf Editor, Hal “Paco” Clark, bajapaco@gmail.com Regional Sales Associates Carlos Duran Rosarito Beach carlos@mexicoliving.info

Russ Black Puerto Peñasco russ@mexicoliving.info

Bill Maine San Felipe bill@mexicoliving.info

Lynn Prince San Carlos lynnprinceformlg@gmail.com

Rachel Pack Ensenada rachel@mexicoliving.info Distribution Gene & Darcy Jensen, Regional Carlos Duran, Gold Coast

Russ Black, Puerto Penasco Bill Maine, San Felipe

Writers Bob Ham, Carlos Durán, Russ Black, Naomi Black, Gretchen Ellinger, Penny Nask, Beverly Arrowood, Linda Shiflett, Carlos & Julia Bono, Lynn Prince, Steven Forman, Lisa Shannon, Steve Dryden, Alfonso Arambula, John Pack, Benjamin Eugene, Rachel Pack, Rita Pizarro, Audery Coffman, Ron Saunders, and Christa Thomas.

Ad Graphics GreetScape adart@mexicoliving.info

Production Layout Carolyn Sheltraw info@csheltraw.com

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

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

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

6 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Welcome: Regional Map................................................................. 2 Letters to the Editor........................................................ 7 Contributors................................................................... 8 Welcome to Northwest Mexico....................................... 9 Northwest Mexico Almanac.......................................... 11 Calendar & Events: Rosarito Well Represented............................................ 12 15th Annual 12-Hour Mountain Bike Race.................... 13 Blues and Arts Fiesta................................................... 14 Calendar Dates............................................................. 14 Art & Design: Joyce Dodd Harcharik.................................................. 16 Baja Nueva Ends Season.............................................. 17 People & Voices: The Need for Speed...................................................... 18 An American in Baja: Marguerite................................... 19 Mexican Men............................................................... 20 Pets: New Digs for Dogs....................................................... 21 Travel & Road Trips: El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar............................. 22 Real Estate & Development: Let Your Purpose Drive Your Purchase.......................... 24 Buy Now or Wait?........................................................ 24 News & Politics: U.S. Bars Mexican Trucks............................................ 26 Selling Mexico’s Coast to Foreigners............................ 27 Mexican Org. Receives Gates Foundation Award........... 27 New Border Crossing for San Diego/Tijuana.................. 28 Mexico: A Safe and Affordable Vacation..................... 30 Do You Feel Safe......................................................... 31 Rosarito Beach: Welcome to Rosarito Beach.....................................36 Mayor Speaks out Against U.S. Media......................38 American Classic ‘50s Restaurant and Catering........40 Ensenada: Welcome to Ensenada.............................................42 Italian Wine in Mexico at L.A. Cetto Winery...............44 Mexicali:................................................................47 San Felipe: Welcome to San Felipe................................................. 48 How to Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables.............. 50 Around Town in San Felipe........................................... 52 San Felipe News Briefs................................................. 54 The 2009 San Felipe 250.............................................. 55 Los Algodones:........................................................... 69 Puerto Peñasco: Welcome to Puerto Peñasco........................................ 70 Dining Off the Beaten Path............................................ 72 In Search of Dolphins................................................... 75 Puerto Peñasco News Briefs........................................ 76 Around Town with Tom and Rita................................... 78 Qué es Circus Mexicus?............................................... 80 San Carlos: Welcome to San Carlos................................................ 84 World’s Largest Private Yacht....................................... 85 Las Cachoreadas......................................................... 86 Staying Fit in Paradise.................................................. 87 Romancing the Mollusk................................................ 88 Brain Games............................................................... 92 Classified..................................................................... 94

IN BOX - Letters and eMails

SEND US FEEDBACK

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

You may have noticed by now that Mexico Living is no longer free. We want an opportunity to explain.

Here is the Challenge: The popularity of Mexico Living outJohn and Rachel Pack weighs our advertisers and subscribers ability to cover all the costs involved in producing a FREE guide for every person that wants and deserves it. We are getting two to five new subscribers a day online and many more from events like the Blues & Arts Fiesta, and the demand is increasing across the board on both sides of the border.

All of us at Mexico Living work very hard to produce a product unlike any other; unique in size, quality, content, frequency and market reach. We currently reach over 25,000 readers every month, across multiple mediums and the largest physical distribution area including Rosarito Beach, Ensenada, San Felipe, Puerto Peñasco and San Carlos.

With U.S. distribution nearly completed, we are going to be required to print several thousand more without the support of advertisers in the areas of distribution like San Diego, Riverside, Phoenix, Yuma, Palm Desert, etc.

The problem with being free is not knowing where they go, only how fast they’re gone. We want readers to find us anytime and anywhere, and we want our advertisers to reach as many potential customers as possible. We cannot do any of this unless we go to paid circulation. It has become impossible for us to produce enough simply on advertising dollars alone.

There are lots of free newspapers, and plenty of glossy quarterly or annual magazines, and all of them add to our communities and help tourism, but none of them are like Mexico Living. We are the only high-quality guide produced monthly, distributed across Baja California and Sonora and soon the southwestern United States.

Here is our plan: We need to bring our communities into their communities. We need tourists and U.S. residents to know Mexico is a safe country with incredible people, community and opportunity.

We need to showcase our part of Mexico as a great place to live, work, play and invest.

Our goal is to have distribution in every major bookstore across the southwestern United States

within five hours driving distance of any of our northwest communities and all possible locations from the border of California and Arizona to the southern destinations in Baja California and Sonora.

Here is how you can help us achieve this goal: • Do you have a favorite retailer on either side of the border that caters to customers that would benefit from the guide? Contact us and we’ll help get it there (anywhere in the U.S., Canada and Mexico; some requirements may apply).

• Do you have a travel group or organization that would benefit from Mexico Living? Contact us and we will mail a copy to each of them directly.

• Do you need promotional copies for your office or trade event? Contact us to receive discounted guides and additional promotional material.

• Do you need a local fund-raiser? Mexico Living has incredible fund-raising opportunities.

Subscription campaigns, direct sales, etc.

• Would one of our articles or features help you in your business? Mexico Living will provide you with sales sheets containing our article with your company logo and contact info. We can provide it in PDF format, or in printed format.

We’ve gone to paid circulation to help us all; us being you, our reader and advertiser, and all of us at Mexico Living. We all are visitors, residents and business owners in northwest Mexico.

If you’re an advertiser, thank you for supporting us and we hope you’ll continue to support us through this transitional period. We promise to provide the best marketing value and to achieve all our goals together. We’ve outlined some of your new benefits as an advertiser and have some additional services to help you achieve your advertising goals.

If you’re a reader, thank you for reading Mexico Living and supporting our advertisers and communities. We hope you’ll continue to see the value of the guide and will continue to grow with us.

After all, it’s only the price of a beer and far more filling and longer lasting. We also have new reader benefits and gifts too.

The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become. —Charles Du Bos Sincerely, John & Rachel Pack, Publishers Mexico Living - Guide to the Good Life

WELCOME / BIENNVENIDO

Publishers Letter

Welcome to Northwest Mexico

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 7

Welcome to Northwest Mexico

Contributors Mexico Living is only possible through the continued contributions from all these knowledgeable and talented people. If you would like to become a contributor, please email mexicoliving@gmail.com Carlos Durán, Playas de Rosarito – Born in Calexico. Carlos owned a Latino publication for the Long Beach/LA area for five years.

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

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

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

Centavo – aka Pamela Esther Nask (“Penny”).

Co-owner of Simpatico Arts, she is a writer and an art historian, whose luck in these fields has given her an early retirement. She attributes “laughter” as the best possible stimulus for life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beverly Arrowood, Puerto Peñasco – In 1987 she made her first trip to Puerto Peñasco and the beautiful Sea of Cortez. In 1995 she moved to the little sleepy fishing village and has had fun watching it evolve and being a part of its growth.

8 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Northwest Mexico

Welcome to Northwest Mexico

Welcome to Northwest Mexico

Live, Work and Play in Paradise.

of landscapes like no place on earth—a land of quiet, colorful deserts, endless beaches, majestic mountains, forests, unexplained rock formations, brilliant clear skies, an average temperature of seventy-five degrees, and some of the most welcoming people in the world.

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

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

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

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

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

WELCOME / BIENNVENIDO

he Mexican states of Baja California and Sonora T make up Northwest Mexico as covered by our guide. The region features an enormous diversity

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

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

Puerto Peñasco www.cometorockypoint.com.

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

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 9

Welcome to Northwest Mexico

What can I bring into Mexico?

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

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

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

• Two photographic or video cameras and charger.

• Two cellular phones or walkie-talkies, • Laptop, notebook, etc.

• Two sports equipment items.

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

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

Five storage devices or memory cards.

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

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

• One set of binoculars, one telescope.

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

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

• Strollers and baby walkers • Two musical instruments and accessories.

• Tent and equipment for camping.

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

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

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

• Two dogs or cats and pet items.

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

10 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Declaration Lane ($75 - $1000) If you are bringing more than US $75 worth of merchandise per person, but not more than US $1000, you may declare it by driving into the customs facility thru the declaration lane (carril de declaración). There you will be able to fill out the proper documents and pay any duty. Duty can be between 15% and 25% of the value of the merchandise.

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

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

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

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

WHAT CAN I TAKE HOME? You can bring back 800 USD of duty-free merchandise per person, per month, including one liter of alcohol. Mexican arts and crafts, including handcrafted furniture, are duty-free and do not count toward the 800 USD limit.

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

Temporary Importation of vehicles into southern Mexico requires a refundable fee of US$400 for models older than 1994, US$600 for 1994 to 1998 models, and US$800 for newer models. The fee may be paid with cash or a credit card. The non-refundable permit fee is US$16.50.

MILITARY CHECKPOINTS There are military checkpoints throughout Northwest Mexico. The soldiers will be carrying weapons, but there is nothing to be concerned about, they’re looking for drugs and guns. You’ll find them to be polite and friendly. They may ask to look inside your vehicle. Check points on both sides of the border, are an agreement between the United States and Mexico to fight drugs.

Welcome to Northwest Mexico

Mexico Living Northwest Mexico Almanac MAY 2009

Baja California is the northernmost state of Mexico. Before becoming a state in 1953, the area was known as the North Territory of Baja California. It has an area of 71,576 km2 (27,636 sq mi), or 3.57 percent of the land mass of Mexico and comprises the northern half of the Baja California peninsula, north of the 28th parallel. The state is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean; on the east by Sonora, the U.S. State of Arizona, and the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez); and on the south by Baja California Sur. Its northern limit is the U.S. state of California.

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Baja California Sur is one of the 31 states of Mexico. Before becoming a state in 1974, the area was known as the South Territory of Baja California. It has an area of 73,475 km2 (28,369 sq mi), or 3.57 percent of the land mass of Mexico and comprises the southern half of the Baja California peninsula, south of the 28th parallel. It is bordered to the north by the state of Baja California, to the west by the Pacific Ocean, and to the east by the Gulf of California, also known as the "Sea of Cortez." Also, the state has maritime borders with Sonora and Sinaloa to the east across the Gulf of California

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Sonora is one of the 31 federal states of Mexico and is located in the northwest of the country. The Sonoran coastline is 1,208 km long.

Sonora borders the state of Chihuahua to the east, Sinaloa to the south and Baja California to the northwest; to the north it shares an extensive border with the U.S. state of Arizona and a shorter one with New Mexico. To its west lies the Gulf of California; the state of Baja California Sur also shares a maritime boundary with Sonora. The state's total perimeter is 2,505 km. Sonora is the second largest state in Mexico (184,934 km²), representing 9.2 percent of the nation's total area. In 2000, Sonora had 2,839,969 inhabitants, of whom 50.1 percent were men and 49.9 percent were women; this represented 2.3 percent of Mexico's total population.

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WELCOME / BIENNVENIDO

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

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NORTHWEST CALENDAR

Rosarito Well Represented

At San Felipe Blues and Arts Lions Club Charity Fiesta

by Carlos Durán

SAN FELIPE – The planners and promoters of the 2009 San Felipe Blues & Arts Fiesta, held on March 28, were sure to include invitations to local Playas de Rosarito residents as well as artists.

The blues concert and art festival included nine bands of exceptional quality and technical ability that rocked the fishing village’s baseball field for over 12 hours. The event was co-sponsored by the San Felipe Lions Club and Mexico Living as part of the “Changing Lives Through Music and Art” program.

Though the blues musicians were not from Rosarito, most of them are natives of northwest Baja, the USA and Sonora, Mexico. Rosarito’s contributions were artists that are very well regarded along Rosarito’s Gold Coast.

They included such creative talents as Rocio Hoffman, Alfonso Arambula, Polo’s Fine Art Galleries, and Ugi. Of course, the lineup numbered over 40 artists and artisans including crafts from the Pai Pai native community. John Pack, publisher of Mexico Living, announced that by the end of the evening all the artist’s

12 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Eve Durán, John Pack, and “Mofo Party Band” co-founder Bill Clifton.

booths had reported at least one sale, therefore, a great success for their efforts.

The band from Fresno called Mofo Party Band was a surprise to my sister-in-law, as the old-school Chicago Blues and West Coast jump band had been recommended to us by a friend from Chico of Sierra Nevada Ale fame. All of the bands were extraordinary and Ed Main (San Felipe Mexico Living Associate) did a magnificent job of managing the stage with very little down time between band performances.

The real winners of the event are the children of San Felipe as proceeds go to Sonshine Hacienda, a haven for children who need a helping hand and guidance toward the right direction. The bands need also to be recognized for playing, “gratis.” They were rewarded with a great get-away and basic room and board during their visit. ¡Gracias a todos!

Photo by Carlos Durán

Northwest Mexico Calendar & Events

Northwest Mexico Calendar & Events

15th Annual 12-Hour Mountain Bike Race

by Christa Thomas

water from a spring. I saw all types of local desert fauna and flora, and so far I have not seen any snakes, Wendy Chan from Culiacan just ants, lizards, and birds, and have heard the coyotes far away.”

Festivities will begin earlier in the day at the staging area, located in the undeveloped land just south of Loma del Mar (take the paved Ranchitos road and keep going straight at the Nacapuli turn). The transition tent, where all participants will check in on each lap, is located here, and non-racers are welcome to watch the race from here. Convenient camping in a familyfriendly environment is available. Everyone is invited to attend the big nighttime BBQ. Proceeds from the sale of food will go to the Red Cross. There will also be movies projected onto a big screen.

The race fee is MX$250 per rider. Don’t fancy a desert night ride, but still want to get involved and earn a race shirt plus food and refreshments? Manuel needs volunteers for crowd control, and to help in the transition tent. For more information, to register or to volunteer, contact Manuel at coyotrek@yahoo.com.mx.

C AL ENDAR & EVENTS

San Carlos – Twelve hours of biking. Not challenging enough? Try it through the desert. Need a little more excitement? Do it at night. That’s right. On May 23, mountain bike racers will converge on San Carlos for the 12 Hours Salvando Vidas, an event that will see participants peddling a 10-kilometer single-track course through the cactus from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning.

According to event organizer, Manuel Espriu, over 100 riders from California, Arizona, Utah, Sonora, Sinaloa and Baja are expected to come and enjoy a full night of riding. Some participants try for a place on the podium while others just want to find out how long they can last. According to Manuel, those who race in the Solo category enter the race to prove how many hours and/or laps they can complete. The other race categories are teams of two and teams of four (either men or women). Last year, there were over 100 participants. The solo riders covered 25 laps, and one men’s team completed 37.

Manuel developed this course specifically for the night race. He says, “there is nothing hard or dangerous, lots of nice single track, and it goes across and along washes. In some points, we even cross some running

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 13

Northwest Mexico Calendar & Events May 1: Dia del Trabajo (Labor Day in Mexico) May 5: Cinco De Mayo May 10: Dia de las Madres/Mother’s Day May 15: Dia del Maestro/Teacher Day May 16: Armed Forces Day May 18: Victoria Day (Canada) May 25: Memorial Day observed (U.S.) June 1: Marina Nacional (Marine Day in Mexico) June 14: Flag Day (U.S.) June 21: Father’s Day/Dia del Padre June 21: Summer Begins – the shortest night of the year June 24: Quebec National Day (Canada)

LOCAL MONTHLY EVENTS ROSARITO BEACH May 2: Spring Motocross Series Round 4 May 2–3: 5 De Mayo Fiesta. An array of events that you can enjoy with the whole family! 10 .am. to 7 p.m. at the Rosarito Beach Hotel. (800) 962-2252, email jesus@rosarito.org May 3: XXII Mexican Food Festival June 6: Spring Motocross Series Round 5 Finals June 14: Rosarito Shooting Club June 27–28: International Volleyball Tournament/Cfest at Papas & Beer Beach Front

Ensenada

May 3: Feria Artesanal Arts & Crafts Fair. 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. FREE May 18–20: Regional Conference Club Rotario at Coral & Marina Hotel May 25: 5th Horse, Art & Wine Festival. Adobe Guadalupe Vineyard. 10 a.m. MX$160 May 25: Ensenada de Todos Heritage. Ventana al Mar, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. FREE May 30–June 1: Tecate Scores Baja 500. www.scoreinternational.com June 1: 10th Mushroom Festival. More info: (646) 174-0448 June 20–22: 250 Ensenada-San Felipe Off-Road Race.

Info: Ramón Castro Rangel (646) 176-1637

San Felipe

May 2: 7th Annual Club de Pesca International Chili Cook Off. 1–5 p.m. on the Ramada patio at Club De Pesca RV Park. Consider entering the cook off competition with your own chili team or attend as a taste-testing guest of the event. Watch for flyers around town. For information, contact Joseph Malek 14 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Blues and Arts Fiesta

Raises over $65,000 for the community of San Felipe and Sonshine Hacienda Children’s Home

by Robin Waters

On a sunwashed day, the last Saturday in March, on the shores of the Sea of Cortez, lay a small Mexican fishing village, San Felipe, Baja, Mexico. But that day was extraordinary; because the Lions Club of San Felipe and Mexico Living put on the largest event the community had ever seen, the 3rd Annual Blues and Arts Fiesta.

The stage was a behemoth of technology, soaring into the azure skies with a breathtaking mountain backdrop that looks like a picture postcard. About 2,000 people came from all over Mexico and the U.S. to hear great bands and cool music. As you entered San Felipe’s ball field, a wonderful aroma from food vendors was wafting around the incoming crowd of spectators. Tortillas, enchiladas, empanadas, hamburgers, pizza, Bar-B-Que, fish tacos and fresh shrimp made your mouth water.

Artisan booths went on and on around the perimeter with a dazzling array of paintings, sculpture, pottery, metal crafts and jewelry, including handcrafts from the indigenous Pai-Pai and Huichol Indians of Mexico.

The bands were introduced by MC Denny “Moondog” Flannigan and Co-Promoter John Pack. The bands included many award-winning groups starting with Chet and the Committee, San Diego Music Awards Best Blues Band nominee, 2007 and 2008. Second in line was Vatos Locos, 2008 Mexico Living Readers Poll winner for San Felipe Best Entertainment. Mofo Party Band kept the party going with Chicago Blues and West Coast Jump. Then the Backwater Blues Band came on strong and never stopped.

Next was Lisa Cee—and what a performance! Then as the sun was fading, Agave Blues took stage and performed one of their best ever—incredible! Shelle entertained the audience with her upbeat and sultry rhythm and blues sounds, and the audience ate it up! Back for the third year, Michele Lundeen & Blue Streak, once again, “laid it down” with their hot rockin’ roadhouse blues, classic R&B and funky soul. As the show was winding down to a close, Johnny Mastro & Mama’s Boys sent the die-hards home with their raw soul and groove that doesn’t quit.

Photo by Robin Waters

Important Dates

Northwest Mexico Calendar & Events

clubdepescachilicookoff2009@gmail.com or 011 52 1 686 233-5206.

May 2: 7th Annual Torneo de Pesca Deportiva May 2 - Baja Nueva Art Show And Anniversary Party kicks off a month-long sale being held at the store.

Come one, come all, art, music, food, and bargains galore. Saturday,May 2, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 614 Mar de Cortez, San Felipe (across from Bancomer). Info: (686) 211-4676.

May 7–10: Olimpiada de REMO May 9: Concert in the Park; 2 p.m. at the park next to the fire station. There will be music of Agave Blues.

Guests get a hot dog, T-shirt, and make a donation to the San Felipe Bomberos. It is a FREE event with food, fun and music! A fund-rasier for the San Felipe Bomberos hosted by Bill Maine; for more info email billmaine@gmail.com.

May 15–16: 7th Torneo de Pesca Deportiva & Hotel El Cortez May 23: Laguna Percebu Poker Run June 1: Marina Nacional Fiesta begins at the Fisherman Statue on the Malecon. There will be a Fiesta Queen elected, cockfights, fireworks, celebrations and FREE boat rides!

June 5–7: 40th Tecate Score Baja 500 Ensenada Race June 19-21: Ensenada-San Felipe Baja 250 Record Off Road Race June TBA: VC Promotions “La Travesia” Cotuco

May 16: Motorcycle Race. Contact Russ Black, russ@mexicoliving.info May 17: Sand Drags. Info: (638) 383-3105 May 23: CEDO Discover the secrets of the Tide Pools.

6–8 a.m. www.cedointercultural.org May 25-27: El Golfo Run. Off-road to El Golfo. Contact Rocky Point Times (638) 383-6325 or (602) 476-1939 May 28–30: Motorcycle Rally. Info: Russ Black, russ@mexicoliving.info May 30: CEDO Oyster Experience. Learn all about Biology, Cultivation, Harvesting and Cooking. Noon– 4 p.m. www.cedointercultural.org May 30: Over the Line Tournament at Baja Cantina.

Info: (638) 383-6878 or bajamiker@hotmail.com May 30–31: Deep Sea Rocky Point Fishing June 5: Hot Dog and a Smile charity event at JJ’s Cantina. Raises money for Esparanza para los Niños orphanage. Music by P.H. Naffah and The Railbenders.

Hot dogs served for donations. All proceeds will be donated. www.jjscantina.com, www.azpeacemakers. com, www.railbenders.com June 6: CEDO World Environment Day–Tide Riding.

11 a.m–5 p.m. www.cedointercultural.org June 6: Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, 2009 Circus Mexicus at Chango’s Bar & Grill. The opening band is Dead Rock West from Los Angeles. Tickets: www.peacetimegoods.com June 7: 2009 Mañanathon at JJ’s Cantina with Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers June 8: CEDO Oceans Day–Isla San Jorge. www.cedointercultural.org June 26–28: Angler of the Year Tourney (Phase II) at JJ’s Cantina

Puerto Peñasco

May 1–3: Cinco de Mayo Regata at Playa Bonita. Info: scottagan@earthlink.net or (888) 232-8142 May 5–6: Annual Larry Large Foundation Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser at Hacienda Las Fuentes Courtyard.

6–11 p.m. Info: (638) 388-5426 May 9: CEDO Day of the Migratory Birds Estero Tour.

9–12 a.m. www.cedointercultural.org May 9: JJ’s Chili Cook-off at Cholla Bay. Info: (638) 383-2785 or www.jjscantina.com May 15–16: Peñasco 300 “La Carrera de Imposible” Whiplash Motorsports. www.whiplashracing.com

C AL ENDAR & EVENTS

where there is little room for them, and a frightening experience to be so far from their homes. The new two-story facility will house 50 children and will hopefully be completed by year end.

None of it would have been possible without the 150 volunteers from the Lions Club, Mexico Living and the San Felipe community.

If you missed it, don’t let it happen again! Find the Blues and Arts Fiesta 2010 information at www.bluesandarts.com. San Felipe BC Lions Club can be reached at SanFelipeBCLlionsClub@ gmail.com.

For more information on Sonshine Hacienda, call (686) 577-0795 or email missionaries2@yahoo.com.

Photo by Robin Waters

The Grand Marshal for this year was none other than Sal Fish, CEO of SCORE International. For over 40 years the Score Baja 1000, 500 and 250 off-road races have attracted professional racers, movie stars and celebrities that are legendary in the Baja, and Sal Fish is the legend maker.

It was a natural fit of sand, sea, music, food, arts and a caring community.

The reason for all this community effort is to help fund the health and medical projects of the San Felipe B.C. Lions Club, which includes a special Lions project, Sonshine Hacienda, a home for abused or abandoned children. Currently children, whose parents are in crisis, are bussed 125 miles away to Mexicali,

San Carlos

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

San Carlos Yacht Club/Rescate de San Carlos.

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Arts & Design of Mexico

ART & DESIGN

Joyce Dodd Harcharik

An International Artist Who Colors the World

by Ruth Muñoz-Hjelm

You may know her as the artist who does those beautiful, colorful paintings, of people from Latin America. Joyce Dodd Harcharik began painting because she felt inspired to travel to Ixtapa, Guatemala, Yucatán and all over Mexico to learn the ways of the people in her paintings; from the people in the markets to those in some of the most remote towns and villages, including the Sierra Madre Mountain villages and Antigua. She takes an average of 3,000 pictures per trip and also sells some of her enlarged photographs. She is often the only English-speaking person in areas where she has been welcomed with burning of the sage cleansing ceremonies, and because of this, she feels that she paints “the people you will never meet.” She looks forward to traveling to more countries and primitive villages to collect material for her paintings and to share her experiences with others.

Some of her inspiration comes from Victor Martinez’s Peruvian children, De Grazia from Arizona and Villaseñor from Mexico. Her colors reflect the special weaves and color spectrums that are unique to each Guatemalan village and she has learned to appreciate the fact that “those children who have nothing and indulge in creative play are the happiest.”

She does not consider painting a job, but rather “a fun way to spend her time and a means to find herself.” She likes to paint subjects that show the most emotion and the spirit of the people, feeling that “you have to be the photographer of the moment to capture their spirit” and “every picture has a story.”

She paints on location and from photographs, mainly houses, objects, pots and people, done mostly in oils but also in pastels. Her latest work is doing “retablos.”

Joyce Dodd Harcharik is a successful artist, she is also generous, donating a percentage of her sales to the Larry Large Foundation in Puerto Peñasco, to “The Taste of Peñasco” event and to Puerto Peñasco Lions Club. She is a member of all the art leagues in Phoenix and does the Litchfield Park and Wickenberg shows in Arizona, but her work may also be found in Ajo, Arizona, on a Sunday at a monthly event and at Marcela’s Restaurant. In Puerto Peñasco her 16 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Joyce Harcharik at Taste of Peñasco

Joyce Harcharik - Photograph of a Guatemalan Girl

paintings reside at Galería Luis y Gaby at their new art gallery location on Alcantar #16, at Casa Bonita, at Mercedes’ Rusticos, and at Victoria’s Hormigas.

All her original paintings, however, are “being held hostage” at her own home in Phoenix, where she has her own gallery to display and sell originals and where she resides with her husband and her two boys. Art enthusiasts may browse her website at www.joycedoddharcharik.com.

Arts & Design of Mexico

Baja Nueva ends season with a final

Art Show and Anniversary Party where he worked for a number of art studios. He also worked in Santa Fe, Florida, and New Orleans.

Five years ago, he and his wife Irene moved to San Felipe where Luis is inspired by the peacefulness of the area. He feels that in San Felipe his contemporary work, punctuated by his use of bright colors, natural motifs, unique forms and personal style can reach its full potential. Luis is also known for his interesting and whimsical sculptures and furniture.

In addition to his extensive presentation at the Baja Nueva Gallery, Luis’ work is shown in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Sedona, Arizona, and New Orleans. “We are honored to have such an exciting body of work to present in our store,” said Sherry Lankin, owner of the gallery.

The art show and anniversary party kicks off a month-long sale being held at the store. Come one, come all, art, music, food, and bargains galore.

Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 614 Mar de Cortez, San Felipe (across from Bancomer). For information, call (686) 211-4676.

AR TS & DESI GN

Celebrating the culmination of an exciting and successful year in business at the Plazita, Sherry and Jerry Lankin, owners of Baja Nueva Design and Decorating Studio, will be hosting an all-day party for the public.

Painting by San Felipe, Baja Cocktails and California, artist Luis Cogley Hors D’Oeuvres will be served, live music and inspirational art will be presented. Everyone is welcome.

The final art show of the season will feature the works of our own San Felipe Master Artist, Luis Cogley.

Luis was born in Argentina and studied art in Buenos Aries. He came to Los Angeles when he was in his 20s

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People & Voices

PEOPLE & VOICES

Centavo’s Two Cents The Need for Speed

by Penny Nask

Well, I finally went to the Baja 250 Race in San Felipe. It was important for me to get into the spirit of things.

After all, racers and fans came from all over the world to this race. The town filled up like a balloon and didn’t let its air out until the last fan and racer went back to the real world.

The racers came in to test drive the designated course weeks before the actual event. You could sneak up on one of these parked machines while you were in town having breakfast. I did this. Wow . . . Tom would love a picture! Click. Click . . . Is this a car, a truck or? No one was around to answer me. Okay, no problem, I would get my questions answered later, or before the race . . . or after.

As the days went by and the race got closer, I began the process of accepting the intensity of this sport.

The racing vehicle didn’t just come with one driver and some extra parts. There were trucks with mechanics, tires and other items that could detach during the race. There were driving “teams” and “chaser cars” and lucky race worshipers that pushed the car through town where it was inspected the day before the race. This event is called the Contingency . . . or maybe it was just a parade. I’m not sure. But you couldn’t get near a racing vehicle while it was being looked over. The police were there to block you.

Everyone who was remotely interested in this race came to town to see the cars, trucks, bikes, quads and VWs before they fell apart.

The inspectors had no tools, and possibly no criteria except safety issues? . . . but they got the best view. I had anticipated a serious inspection. Oh well . . . time for a drink . . . and anyway, would you spend over $100,000 on a car that you knew wouldn’t qualify?

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On to the vendor booths! There were T-shirts, hats, stickers, helmets, gloves, pads and gear.

Novice riders would later go out and duplicate the race course when there was no one to dispute their personal riding time. They would wear these things.

The day of the race was, of course, the pinnacle of my research. Luckily, my neighbors had a special spot in the desert where you could get dangerously close to these speeding objects. Friends suggested a four-wheeler to get there. I had a truck. It got stuck in the sand on the way.

The vehicles that raced were VWs, trucks, cars, bigger trucks, bikes, ATVs and supercharged Rhinos.

Some were speeding at 100 miles an hour! Click.

Click. Can I get a video of this? Click. Click. Sand flew everywhere . . .

“Wow! That car zoomed incredibly close to us!”

My life flashed before me, as I experienced some recklessness on my part as to how close one should be to view these racers.

I may not understand the need for speed, but I’ll be there next year!

People & Voices

An American in Baja: MARGUERITE

Marguerite

PEOPL E & VOI C ES

It’s a slow night at Juanita’s cantina. The musicians are not inspired, the crowd is rather quiet and the mood is way too mellow. In walks Marguerite and the place perks up. She stops at table after table to greet and hug her friends, she grins at the band, they grin back and suddenly it’s a fiesta. Folks begin dancing, the band hits a groove and the noise level rises. Who is this woman?

Marguerite is petite, with a small face framed by a white page-boy, chin-length with bangs. She is so delicate-looking that I’m afraid to hug her too hard. When you chat with her, she leans into the conversation with enthusiasm and interest. She has a lovely sense of humor and seems to genuinely care about what you think and feel.

It’s intriguing to me that so many single women, as Marguerite is, have moved to Baja to live here full time. It’s an incredibly brave thing to do. For the woman who won’t live more than two miles from the mall, Baja must seem like living on Mars. Marguerite came down solo on a look-see when a letter came one day telling her she now owned a piece of property here on the ranch. She fell in love with the charm, the atmosphere and the sweetness of the Mexican residents. She’s been here in San Felipe for 16 years.

As a young woman, she did what most did back in the ‘50s and ‘60s. She married and had two children. Her husband was a professor of economics at Bucknell University, and she spent happy years as a faculty wife. He passed away in the ‘70s. She never remarried, says she never will, and, although her marriage was fulfilling and good back then, she doesn’t think she’s very good at the marriage

Photo by Dan Coffman

by Audrey Coffman

thing now. That fact aside, she is a self-proclaimed “Romantic.” She’s been in love, been pursued in this and other countries, and been proposed to on at least one occasion. Can I mention the Spanish bullfighter, Marguerite? But you get the idea. She’s lived and loved authentically. And bravely.

If you never have the chance to meet her, you should check out the mural she and her buddy, Nancy Friend, painted at the Le Ventana Del Mar pool. It’s huge, colorful and very Baja. Half of it is an underwater depiction—all sorts of aquatic life—and the other half is the Baja terrain from the Pacific coast to the Sea of Cortez. More than the fine artistry of the project, more than the immensity of the work, we should acknowledge her deep love of Baja. It shows in every brushstroke.

For such a little lady, she leaves a large footprint in our sand.

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People & Voices

Mexican Men

by Katrina Tinoco, co-owner of La Vendimia Restaurant

One would think that after living in Baja for over 20 years that one would be fully integrated into the Mexican culture . . . well, one would be dead wrong! I usually hate to generalize and group people Katrina Tinoco together by race, color or religion, but when it comes to nationality one cannot help but notice the difference and it is really quite difficult for us to leave our old habits behind when living in a foreign country.

We eat dinner at 6 p.m., the Mexicans have their main meal at 2 p.m.; we have a cleaning lady, the Mexicans have a maid, who is also the nanny, cook, dishwasher, errand runner and does windows; we have very little family close by, the Mexicans can fill the local baseball stadium for their Sunday “Carne Asadas.”

One of the biggest differences that I’ve noticed over the years (at risk of my husband filing for divorce) is when it comes to Mexican Men. Yes, we all the know the usual quirks of the male species, and their devout reverence for people who hit, throw or kick a ball . . . the Boys’ night out where they discuss the people who hit, throw or kick a ball . . . the extreme mental capacity to remember all the stats . . . and the lack of space in that same overworked brain to remember other stats such as the wife’s birthday or anniversary, and the inevitable grocery list where they are supposed to pick up five items—come back with three, plus new batteries for the remote control (to enable them to watch more of the aforementioned ball action on the TV).

One has to be very careful in Mexico, especially if you are ordering breakfast, because the Mexicans refer to their balls as eggs! I have seen waiters having

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a wonderful time with the foreigners ordering their morning fare.

“I’ll have my eggs fried.” (Sure will if your wife catches you with that other woman you brought here last night.) “I don’t want my eggs too runny.”

(Then don’t sit in the sun too long.) “I’d like mine scrambled.” (Just go out and buy a pair of those Fort Knox undies.)

Mexican men pride themselves on being macho romantic Latin lovers. Whilst dining at a wonderful restaurant, he will grab the local musicians and request the most wonderful Mexican love song full of passion and promises of how he wants to stay in your arms forever. Then his eyes glance at a young good looking woman with her tight jeans, half a T-shirt, black hair to her waist and wearing enough eye liner to make even Cleopatra want to check out the latest Avon catalog! Then he turns to you and says, “Huuney . . . I compare other womans to you and they cannot never match to you.” Whatever that means, but you know it’s a compliment so you receive the rose that he gives you with gratitude just like those women on the TV show The Bachelor.

(Note: For all you non-Mexican men reading this, this is not a “How To” article.)

Another Mexican trait is how to lie to the wife whilst out with the “Boys.” For years I believed that the local cell phone signal barely reached the golf course until my son, who was eight years old at the time, came home and said, “This is how daddy answers the phone to you,” and proceeded to make a noise with an empty candy wrapper into the mouthpiece. “Sorry huuney, bad signal . . . can hardly hear you.” (Again, not a “How To.”) So why are you still here and still married, one asks. Well, Mexican men love their families, are charming and aim to please, and if all else fails in this macho-driven society, just threaten them with, “I am going to tell your mother.” Believe me, it works!

Pets

New Digs for Dogs

Spaying & Neutering: San Felipe Style

Laurie Braal and Cindy Baker overseeing the recovery of puppies.

Dr. Antonio Solis working at the February clinic.

Did you know that in six years two fertile dogs can produce 67,000 offspring. In cats, it’s unbelievable; in seven years two fertile cats can produce 11 million. That’s million with an M. I only hope that Tijuana has the persistence and stamina it takes to get it done. Dealing with reproduction and biology can be like emptying the ocean, one teaspoon at a time. ZAPP knows that without the community behind us, it would not, and could not happen.

ZAPP currently does two spay/neuter clinics every month, where we spay and neuter 100+ animals.

If we had more money, we could do more clinics, fix more animals and get ahead of the problem that much faster, but, alas, we do not. Right now, we are happy to address the problem, 100 a month, one month at a time. Upcoming May clinics are Friday, May 15, and Friday, May 29. Each clinic costs ZAPP $1,500.

Join ZAPP’s FINANCIAL FRIENDS PROJECT and pledge monthly. As of this writing, we now have 136 members, who donate what they can afford every month, so that we can continue to maintain our numbers.

You can join at www.sfzapp.com and choose the donate button.

PETS

ZAPP Spay/Neuter Project has a new location.

For nearly a year, we had worked at Conalep School on Manzanillo, right here in San Felipe. Although, a really good location, our vet, Dr. Solis, performed surgeries in a home economics classroom. So, when the school recently decided that spaying and neutering would not co-mingle with their upcoming food service class, they asked us to move on. Can’t really blame them.

We are now at a brand new location, just off Mar Caribe, behind the blue Jehovah Witness Church.

Complete with central air; we even have our own baño inside. No more walking a block and a half to pee.

I’m so grateful to San Felipe for the support they continue to give ZAPP and the project. A project that for all intent and purposes could fall flat on its face, due to funding. Reaching zero population growth is only achieved when 75 percent of the stray and indigent dog and cat population is “fixed.” Although San Felipe has surgically altered 5300+ animals since 2003, there is still a ways to go.

However, that’s nothing compared to the daunting problem sister city Tijuana has. Tijuana has somewhere between 300,000 and 500,000 strays roaming their streets, alleys and neighborhoods. Edward Coward, a native of Tijuana, and a very successful playwright, has taken responsibility for advocating for these animals. He is trying to begin a consistent program that will ultimately get their population under control; hopefully, avoiding massive amounts of extremely inhumane euthanasia. San Felipe has been committed to population control for five years, and when money was more abundant, we were fortunate enough to begin our program, and it continues today. I’d hate to start over.

ZAPP needs to reach out to Mr. Coward to see how we can help.

Photos by Steven Forman

by Steven Forman, ZAPP Founder

Five adorable puppies sleeping after recovery.

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Explore, Discover, Get Out and See Mexico

TRAVEL & ROAD TRIPS

El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar, Sonora

by Beverly Arrowood

El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar is located around the cities of Puerto Pe単asco, Sonoita and San Luis Rio Colorada in the state of Sonora. From the United States it is a mere 3.5 hour drive to the Reserve on Mexico 8 to mile marker km 51. From Mexicali it is about 4 hours via the new Coastal Highway. It is here you will find the official office to the Reserve, the Biological Station and the visitor center. Soon there will be a new state-of-the-art visitor center a few miles south. The drive will be well worth it!

History The Natural Protected Areas are a priority of the Mexican government in order to conserve the biodiversity and the natural resources as well as to stop the deterioration of the environment.

Keeping this logic in mind, and as a result of several attempts carried out since the 1970s to create a Reserve in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, in June 1993 a presidential decree established the Biosphere Reserve of Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar in the northwest region of the state of Sonora.

Throughout history this is one of the driest and inhospitable regions of the Sonoran Desert. El Pinacate, as it is known by locals, is extremely rich biologically. Between the volcanic shield and both the stabilized and active sand dunes that surround it, the Gran Desierto measures 714,556 hectares. The region is characterized by an unusual beauty and a great biological diversity, and with the recent volcanic activity, it has been transformed into an open-air laboratory and has peaked the interest of both researchers and tourists from around the world.

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Travel & Road Trips Around Mexico El Pinacate is so unique, with its moon-like craters, lava tubes and sleeping volcanos, there is no other place like it in the world. In 1970, the Apollo astronauts trained at El Pinacate for their lunar landing as it was the closest match to the moon’s surface.

Craters The landscape of the Reserve and the wonderful scenery, without a doubt, make El Pinacate Reserve y Gran de Altar one of the most interesting tourist attractions in the world and is an excellent and representive sample of the ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert.

The craters range in size from 1,150 feet across and 35 feet deep to 5,100 feet across and 800 feet deep. The largest, El Elegante, is the most visited. It takes about a two- to three-hour hike to reach the crater; but once you see the awesome view, it will be well worth your time.

Lending to the awesome scenery is an enormous dune field of approximately 500,000 hectares, more than 100 ash cones, and a volcanic shield with 10 giant Maar type craters, which are extremely rare in the world due to not only their numbers but concentration.

T R AVEL & ROAD TR I P S

The Great Sonora Desert Photo by NaMĂźTeNaHi

Biodiversity With a great biological diversity, El Pinacate has close to 18 percent of the plants registered in the state of Sonora (553 species). Of the most important and protected are the towering saguaros, ocotillos, chollas and the long-living creosote bush.

It is amazing that despite the 110-degree weather in summer, and the lack of rain, there are 41 native mammal species and 5 introduced species. Five species are on the protected list: Prong Horned Antelope, Desert Bighorn Sheep, Badger, Desert Fox and the Long Nosed Bat. Between migratory and resident birds, there are 237 species such as the Golden Eagle, Burrowing Owl and Red Tail Hawk. The Reserve has registered 45 species of reptiles and 4 amphibians. At least 21 are under protection such as the Flat Tail Horned Lizard, Desert Turtle, Scorpion and Gila Monster. Fish are also represented in El Pinacate, 3 are native species and 2 are introduced; of these, 2 are near extinction.

Visit When you plan your visit, please remember you are in the desert, so long pants and long-sleeve shirts are best, along with hats and sunglasses and plenty of water. Temperatures can range from 86 down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Most importantly, bring your camera to have all the wonderful memories of the trip. Remember there is no hunting or collecting of animals or flora. The main roads are passable to cars, but four-wheel drive is even better.

Elegante Crater, El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Photo by US National Park Service (NPS.gov)

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Real Estate & Development

REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENT

Let Your Purpose Drive Your Purchase!

by Gretchen Ellinger

Clearly defining the purpose of your property purchase will help to determine which types of properties, and even which neighborhoods, to consider. Some people get lucky; they fall in love with a property, buy it, and later find that it exactly meets their needs. Many others “wish they had” just known, thought, or planned prior to making a purchase.

Investing? The property purchased strictly as an investment must be priced low enough, have great terms of purchase, or have ongoing demonstrated revenue value, such as rental history, and have potential for significant appreciation, in order to make sense from the standpoint of investment. Your investment strategy must be realistically measured in terms of the potential gain in order to determine whether a proposed property is the right purchase.

Personal enjoyment? If you don’t plan to sell, and have no expectation of the property other than to use and enjoy it, shopping is easier—establish your price range, pick your favorite neighborhood, and when you find the right property, go ahead . . . fall in love! This

kind of a purchase doesn’t have to make sense!

A bit of both? You might want an investment property that you can enjoy yourself from time to time. Properties with good rental potential, bought at great prices, work well for this purpose. Rental income helps to offset the cost, and eventually appreciation validates the investment value. Or you may be someone who is finally in a position to fulfill your dream of living in Northwest Mexico, but you want to earn a little in order to help it work. Your purchase may be a bit more challenging; depending upon your business plan, you may need a home that doubles as a business place with living quarters, or you may need both residential and commercial properties.

You will probably need to go back to clearly defining your business plan, so that you know which types of properties in which areas you will want to consider.

Regardless of the type of property purchase you are considering, opportunities abound! Let your purpose drive your purchase, and buy now while property prices are at historic lows!

Buy Now or Wait?

REAL ESTATE IN PUERTO PEÑASCO

by Gretchen Ellinger

Oh, for a crystal ball! Many are asking the same question: Have real estate prices hit the bottom, or will they fall even further? Sellers wonder whether to lower their prices even further. Buyers wonder if now is the time to buy, or will prices go even lower? If you are the buyer poised to purchase, some important considerations may help you decide if you should buy now or wait.

Your current budget, and your future budget, should both be taken into careful consideration. While dramatically reduced purchase prices on properties that were previously out of your price range may be tempting, the purchase price addresses only the current budget. The price of maintenance may move the property out of your projected budget; for 24 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

example, if the property that you did not previously consider has moved into your price range after a 30 percent price reduction, you may be able to afford the purchase price, but can you afford the ongoing Homeowners’ Association (HOA) fees and utility bills, which will not be reduced at all?

If you purchase the property at the current price, will you be happy with the property for that price? If so, then you should probably act now. Or will you make yourself crazy wondering if you should have waited for a lower price? If this describes you, then wait for a further price reduction, with the understanding that someone else may buy it while you are waiting! If you have found the perfect property, the one that

R EAL ESTATE

Northwest Mexico Real Estate

will flip your switch every time you think of it, then by all means buy now, if budget considerations are managed. If prices continue to drop, that does not affect you, because you bought your dream property at a great price.

Current prices of Puerto Pe単asco real estate are very competitive, and while we are not sure where the bottom is, nearly all the experts agree that prices will stabilize, followed by appreciation. The crystal ball says that Puerto Pe単asco real estate continues to be an excellent investment, for vacation enjoyment as well as for long-term gain, especially for buyers who take advantage of the current market conditions.

Now just may be the time to purchase your little piece of Paradise!

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 25

Northwest Mexico News Briefs

NEWS & POLITICS

U.S. Bars Mexican Trucks The U.S. has eliminated a pilot trucking program that permitted Mexican trucks to transport goods into the U.S. Mexico retaliated by placing tariffs on $2.4 billion of U.S. goods exported to Mexico annually.

The U.S. and Mexico agreed under the North American Free Trade Agreement to allow drivers of one country to drop off cargo in the other country and to pick up a load to return home. The pilot Truckers Protest Program Allowing Mexican Trucking program was an effort by Companies To Deliver Cargo Across U.S. the U.S. government to come into compliance with NAFTA. Under the pilot to the U.S. National Association of Manufacturers program certain Mexican trucks, screened by U.S. (NAM), almost 85 percent of these products are manufactured goods, including everything from wine personnel, could operate in the United States.

U.S. interests, most notably the Teamsters union, and sunglasses to toilet paper.

NAM issued the following have vehemently resisted access

by Mexican trucks. Though they “This comes at a time statement: “Mexico is our second largest export market, claim safety concerns, it probably when U.S. industry can and hundreds of thousands of boils down to a turf war. During U.S. jobs depend on those export the pilot program, trucks from least afford lost sales sales. This comes at a time when Mexico compiled a safety record and competitiveness U.S. industry can least afford comparable to that of American lost sales and competitiveness in rigs. in important global important global markets. This is Without the program, shippers the worst possible time to send have to stop at the border, pay a markets.” a signal to our closest trading transfer service to take the trailer across the border, and then an American trucking partners that the United States does not take its company picks up the trailer for the U.S. portion of commitments seriously.”

With European borders opening wider every day, the journey. This process is time consuming and it doesn’t make economic sense to not give U.S. and increases costs.

When the U.S. recently canceled the program, the Mexican trucks reciprocal access to each other’s Mexican government retaliated by imposing tariffs markets. Especially at this time, when both the U.S. and on $2.4 billion of U.S. products that are exported to Mexican economies need all the help they can get.

Hopefully the U.S. will soon realize its error and Mexico. Mexico will apply tariffs of 10 to 45 percent on at least 90 products from the U.S. According comply with the terms of NAFTA. Source: Bloomberg, Mexico’s State Gazette, www.nam.org

26 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

Photo by the 48th ronin

by Christa Thomas

Baja California & Sonora

Selling Mexico’s Coast to Foreigners

by Christa Thomas

NEWS

On March 5, 2009, Senator Mario López Valdez Senator Valdez, a member of the Partido introduced legislation that would remove restrictions Revolucionario Institucional (PRI), argues that on foreigners from directly current international economic acquiring property on Mexico’s and political conditions favor coasts. removing ownership restrictions.

“In 2007 there were The bill seeks to modify Article In particular, international 27 of Mexico’s Constitution, over 4.3 million vacation investors are looking for costto grant foreigners the ability effective alternatives to the high properties (including to acquire land near Mexican cost of housing in their local timeshare units) within markets. beaches without intermediaries.

Article 27 was put in place for In Mexico, tourism is an the coastal regions, reasons of national security, in important economic activity response to numerous historic with nearly 70 percent that contributes 8 percent to foreign invasions. Currently, the nation’s GDP, and employs of those belonging foreigners who wish to acquire 6 percent of the population. In lands situated within 50 kilometers 2007 there were over 4.3 million to foreigners.”

(31 miles) of Mexico’s coast vacation properties (including must do so indirectly through timeshare units) within the coastal trusts administered by a Mexican bank, or, in limited regions, with nearly 70 percent of those belonging to circumstances, through a Mexican corporation. foreigners.

The Constitutional prohibition does not impede Senator Valdez contends that offering simplified foreigners from owning land in the coastal zone. It coastal land ownership to non-Mexicans will further only imposes procedures that make the purchase boost Mexico’s economic growth. more costly and complicated, and the investment This legislation to amend the Constitution is now more uncertain. This can reduce the incentive for with a Committee of the Senate for analysis and foreigners to invest in Mexico. official opinion.

Source: www.pan.senado.gob.mx

Mexican Organization Receives Gates Foundation Award

by Christa Thomas

The Vasconcelos Program in Veracruz, Mexico connects people to information and knowledge through free access to computers, the Internet and training. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded this innovative organization the 2008 Access to Learning Award of US$1 million.

The program uses 24 all-terrain buses equipped with mobile technology classrooms to help improve education and economic conditions and increase opportunities for remote communities. A bus and training team spends up to two weeks in each village

providing computer literacy and other training to people of all ages.

So far, Vasconcelos has provided education and support to more than 120,000 people in more than 200 communities and has trained staff from 75 community technology centers.

Vasconcelos will use the award funds to reach more people with additional vehicles, more training and ongoing technical support. Vasconcelos plans to serve more than 200,000 people with nearly 50 buses by 2010.

Source: www.gatesfoundation.org.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 27

Northwest Mexico News Briefs

New Border Crossing for San Diego/Tijuana

by Bob Ham

The average age of the Ports of Entry along our southwest border between the U.S. and Mexico is about 43 years. Every single one of our border crossings was built prior to events of September 11, 2001, when the entire mission of these facilities was to ensure that tariffs on imports were collected and persons wishing to enter the United States were legally entitled to enter.

Today the relatively new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is now in charge of these facilities and they have been busy converting these aging port facilities into high-tech fortresses that are dedicated to making sure that persons who wish to do harm to the people of the United States are stopped at the border as well as any attempts to smuggle weapons or material that can be used to produce

State Route 11/Otay Mesa (east of Chula Vista/Tijuana)

28 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

Baja California & Sonora revenue bonds. The debt service on the bonds will come from tolls that will be collected to cross through this new state-of-the-art hightech facility. Tolls will be collected using a “value pricing” formula. Essentially the cost will be flexible depending on how long the wait is at the other San Diego area ports. The fee could fluctuate from an off-peak rate of only 50 cents per car to an on-peak charge of $7 per vehicle. Plans are to create nine lanes and a SENTRI lane for passenger vehicles and another nine lanes and a FAST lane for commercial trucks.

The new port is not far from the new toll road that goes from Tijuana to Rosarito Beach as well as the toll road to Tecate and Mexicali.

Some critics complain that these “Lexus lanes” favor the wealthy who can afford to pay the tolls to escape long lines and are not fair to those who can’t afford to pay. The project sponsors contend that by taking these travelers away from the existing crossings, all of the lines become shorter and everyone benefits.

SANDAG hopes to have the new port in operation within the next five years.

NEWS

nuclear explosions. While the DHS works feverishly to install technology at these aging ports to assist in carrying out their new priorities, the traveling public has become increasingly frustrated as the wait lines to cross into the United States exceed one and even two hours.

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is planning a unique way to cope with these long lines by providing a new option for business travelers and others who would rather pay a fee to escape the long lines at the border. Now underway a few miles east of the existing Otay Mesa Port of Entry is a plan to construct the Otay II port.

Before a new “piercing of the border” can take place, an agency planning a new crossing must obtain a presidential permit. SANDAG has already received their permit in a record 18 months after applying. In the past, this process alone could take upwards of five years. Buoyed by their success, SANDAG is now pursuing the funding to construct the new port and the roadway that will connect this new port to the 905 freeway near the existing Otay Mesa crossing.

To finance the new port, road, and the operation and maintenance of these, SANDAG will issue

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 29

Cover Feature

Mexico:

A Safe and Affordable Vacation

by Christa Thomas

L

ately, there have been a lot of rumors in the news about Mexico. By now, everyone is

probably aware of the travel advisory for Mexico and has read an article from the U.S. media’s campaign against Mexico. But what is the real story from people living and vacationing in this great country?

Mexico is a huge country that 110 million people call home. Within that, several border towns have been experiencing drug cartel violence. The U.S. media has tried to create the perception that all of Mexico, including favorite sun and beach destinations, is dangerous.

Part of what started the media frenzy was the U.S. Department of State's Mexico Travel Alert. The U.S. Department of State issued a travel alert (their lowest level of warning) on February 20, 2009, about travel to Mexico. It says, in part, “While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently . . . Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help

30 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.”

This is good advice that applies when traveling in any country. It certainly should not have sparked the fear and sensationalized coverage that it has. The Travel Alert has been broadly misinterpreted to read that no one should travel to anywhere in Mexico. Clearly though, it does not tell travelers to avoid Mexico, and only urges caution.

I have lived in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, for two and a half years, and I can report firsthand that the claims of violence and disorder are extremely exaggerated. The information in some U.S. media does not reflect the reality of my life in paradise.

This week I kayaked with dolphins, played softball with a large group of ex-pats, hiked, biked, played on the beach, ate two lunches and one dinner at restaurants (including an amazing crab and shrimp tostado), and watched a live band on the beach while sipping cold cerveza. And each evening, after dark (when it had cooled down), I walked my dog. Not once did I fear for my safety. The only thing I was in danger of was a sunburn.

I drive to Hermosillo, the capital of Sonora, at least once a month. I have never experienced or seen any

Cover Feature

Do You Feel Safe?

problems and have never felt threatened or unsafe. I was once pulled over by a police officer who politely said, “drive slower please,” and let me continue on my way. I find that the majority of Mexican people are extremely helpful, kind and generous.

My sister and nephew are on their way here today and my mother will join us next week. I would not encourage them to travel here if there was any chance that they would be in danger.

I’m not the only one who feels safe in Mexico. Mexico Living recently polled its readers on whether or not they feel safe traveling to and/or living in Mexico. These are people who know the situation firsthand, and not just from media reports. The overwhelming response was that readers feel safer in Mexico than they feel in the U.S. and/or Canada. They speak strongly about how secure they feel in Mexico.

Since the Travel Alert was issued, the U.S. Department of State has tried to clear up some of the confusion. During the Daily Press Briefing on March 13, 2009, Gordon Duguid, Acting Deputy Department Spokesman, stated, “The violence in certain areas along the borders is of concern. We have made our concerns known in our Travel Alert. I would point out,

Over the last month, Mexico Living has been conducting a survey of our readers. Our questions were simple. Do you feel safe? Where do you live? And what are your feelings on the subject of safety in Mexico? Here are some of those replies. We have removed all submissions that were anonymous; these are just excerpts and sentences from the survey results. The answers in their entirety are available online in the SAFETY section of Mexico Living.

Legend: RB (Rosarito Beach), EN (Ensenada), SF (San Felipe), PP (Puerto Peñasco), SC (San Carlos) Voices from the other sides of the fence: If you check your facts (try AAA of Arizona), I believe you will learn that Northern Mexico is statistically safer than much of the USA. Grethen Ellinger, PP

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Premier Hotel Hacienda Tetakawi, San Carlos, Sonora.

Photo by Ruta Pacífico, www.rutapacifico.com

A Mexico Living Readers Survey on Safety in Mexico

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

Carlos, RB The 6 p.m. news in any major U.S. city on any single evening of news has more crime than I have ever experienced down here. Jason, EN

We recently built a lovely vacation home in south SF and try to spend every free moment we can there. Christina Wickman, SF I do not stop in the border towns. I do not believe they are safe, but south of the border, I am very comfortable. Linda Reardon, SF Have never had a problem—love it here. Ken Duffy, SF SC is very safe as is Highway 15 to Nogales.

I feel safer here than in Northern California where I lived for 17 years. Lynn Prince, SC Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 31

Cover Feature It is hard for me to comprehend the concern, we have lived here seven years and the only crime is small burglaries or drunk driving arrests. Robin Waters, SF

I have lived in SF for five years. I have NEVER had a problem, although I probably deserved one. Jim Moore, SF The last two drug incidents and one shooting incident involved the loco (dumb) Americans. Lee & Charlie Martin, SF

“This is a true paradise. The Mexicans go out of their way to make the Americans feel like a precious commodity.”

– Jan, PP

I am a 66-year-old woman who lived the biggest share of my adult life in the Seattle, WA, area. I feel much safer here. Kathy Preppernau, SF We feel very safe. It is regretful that the news media portrays all of Mexico as dangerous.

This is just not true. Pat Tullius, SF I feel it is the safest place I lived since I was a child. Sheron Curutchet, SF I personally have not known any U.S. citizen that has had their life taken by a criminal act.

Russ Penney, SC I am 80 years old, have lived in Mexico for 18 years. I drive back and forth to the States at least once every two months by myself. GD Lamberth, SC I feel bad that Mexico is taking a tough stance on drugs and then being punished by the U.S. when the drug cartels push back. Mary Tannehill, SC

The land of the free and the home of fearful (it used to be Brave) is being short-sighted with its control-them-with-fear mentality!

We feel much safer here than we do in the USA. Lynne Anderson, SC The City of PP is doing a good job in keeping the residents and visitors safe. Maureen Savino, PP The U.S. should support the Mexican government instead of pointing fingers. After all, the U.S. consumes the drugs and supplies the arms!

John Hibbert, PP Other than the military checkpoints, which are starting to get on my nerves, WE LOVE IT. Kathleen Taormina, EN 32 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Denny Flannigan with Soldiers after they fixed his tires and got him back on the road.

however, that it is localized. I would also point out that the violence is a response to President Calderon’s strong action against drug cartels. These cartels wanted to have things their own way, and the president refused to accept that and has taken them on, and they have responded with violence. Some of the violence is between the gangs themselves, and some of it is against the police and the other law enforcement authorities. So while we are concerned about the violence in these localized areas, we congratulate the Mexican Government for taking on the problem. And we note in our Travel Alert that American citizens should be aware of the problems in these areas, but that also their travel does not need to be hindered if they have the information that they need.”

Responding to a question about Secretary Clinton’s visit to Monterrey, and whether this is some kind of signal of the Department’s assurance to U.S. citizens that Mexico is safe to travel to, Gordon Duguid stated, “I think that you can judge that if we did not feel somewhere was safe, that we would not take

Cover Feature My most precious possessions are my children and grandchildren. When they visit us, I am not at all worried for their safety. Gary Lewis, SF Just today, four shootings here in Phoenix, AZ. In 23 years going to Mexico, we have never had any trouble or felt threatened in any way. Kris Olsen, PP

Baja, excluding Tijuana, is the SAFEST place I have EVER lived! The press needs to tell the truth about what’s really happening! Jeanne Pepler, SF The people are always friendly and helpful! The police in SC always have smiles and are more than happy to help in any situation! Frank J. Romero, SC We have not had a problem, despite traveling widely in the Baja region and the states along the western coast. Dr. William & Rose Marie Oldfield, SC

I have traveled all over the world and feel safer in Mexico than anywhere else. After six years here, I have never felt safer. Linda Shiflett, SC I think the media is waging an economic terrorist attack on Mexico so the Americans keep their dollars home. Russ Black, PP

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our Secretary there. So, I think it does make that statement”.

At another briefing, Gordon Duguid repeated, “We’ve said that Mexico is a safe country to travel to. I’ve said that from this podium and so has Robert Wood, my colleague.” Further, “The U.S. State Department believes that President Calderon is in full control of his country.”

Peter Kent, Canada's junior foreign minister, echoed these sentiments, stating in an interview, "You can see that certainly the conventional tourist spots, the major tourist locations, don't have any more risk involved than at normal times."

Arthur Frommer, publisher of the famed travel guides, recently traveled to Mexico and stated, “In actual fact, the resort areas of Mexico . . . have experienced no violence directed against tourists and are, in fact, almost totally serene, as I myself witnessed on a recent stay. It is as safe to vacation in the tourist part of Mexico today as to go to any city of the U.S. or Canada.”

Arthur Frommer makes a good point. Looking at crime statistics, it would appear that Americans are safer in Mexico than they are in many parts of the United States. The United States is the most crimeridden country in the world. Mexico is not even in the top five. The top five are (based on total crimes per country): 1. United States – 11,877,218 2. United Kingdom – 6,523,706 3. Germany - 6,507,394 4. France - 3,771,850 5. Russia – 2,952,370 On a per capita basis, the United States ranks 8th, while Mexico is 39th. Reporting that all of Mexico is not safe based on violence in three or four cities is like saying that the United States is dangerous based on the crime statistics for New Orleans (209 murders in 2008), Detroit and East Los Angeles. In 2008, more Americans died in New Orleans (one city) than in all of Mexico.

The U.S. media has also sensationalized a U.S. military planning report issued in January misinterpreting it to say that Mexico was in danger of becoming a “failed state.” Unfortunately, fear sells papers. The document, however, explicitly states, "This document is speculative in nature and does not suppose to predict what will happen." The document was meant to prompt creative planning and policies that would avoid the "what if?" scenarios.

Act as you would in the U.S. Don’t leave your brain at the border. Pat Sledge, PP The people here are a lot friendlier and more helpful than one finds in the USA. Charlotte H. Havens, SC I think the media has overstated any safety issues for Americans here. Doug Marshall, SC We have been bringing our grandchildren here since they were 6 and now they are old enough to come down by themselves. Beverly Arrowood, PP As a full-time resident, I have honestly never experienced any crime or violence myself, nor have I ever witnessed any. Lisa Wendt, PP

In 25+ years, I have never been robbed, accosted, threatened or otherwise felt uncomfortable. Tom Bothwell, SF Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 33

Cover Feature Kids don’t go to school with guns here; we don’t have drive-by shootings. Mexico is getting a Bum Rap. Eric Garcia, SF I’ve always felt much safer in my home and on the road here than in the USA. This is just media hysteria. Bobby Sahlen, SC I feel lucky to live in such a wonderful, beautiful community, where crime is rare and serious, violent crime is virtually non-existent. John Gelling, SC Mexicali and SF have remained the same over the past five years, a nice and safe place to live. Uria Amor, SF

Dennis Blair, the Director of National Intelligence, has since reported, "Mexico is in no danger of becoming a failed state." Secretary Clinton stated, after her recent visit to Mexico, “I don’t believe that there are any ungovernable territories in Mexico.”

Anthony Placido, chief of intelligence for the Drug Enforcement Administration, recently testified at a Senate hearing that the violence in certain border towns is not a sign of state failure so much as acts of desperation by the cartels and a sign that the Mexican offensive is succeeding.

Mexico is not a failed state, and the majority of cities are extremely safe. Tourism is still strong in Mexico as millions flock to seaside resorts and cobble-stone cities. Last year 22.6 million foreign tourists safely visited Mexico (17.6 million of them Americans). This was a 5.9 percent increase over 2007.

Mexico’s Tourism Board states, “Mexico remains the number one destination for Americans and the occupancy rates in resort areas during the first two months of this year have been higher than last year.

Tourism is the third source of foreign revenue for our country and, therefore, safety of international and national tourists is of our utmost priority.”

Spring break has now come and gone with thousands of students safely enjoying all that Mexico has to offer. Mexico continues to be an amazing, fun, sunny, warm, SAFE and affordable place to vacation and LIVE. Come see for yourself!

For 40 years, we’ve actually felt more unsafe passing through LA, California or Phoenix on our way to Mexico from Oregon. Bill & Kathy Wilson, SC In PP, I am not afraid of violent crime, only thievery.

When living in town, the worst problem is called DOGS! Genevieve Chartier, PP Remember you are in a foreign country. No one cancels their vacation to the Marti Gras due to the murder statistics in New Orleans. Jackie Alameda, RB Just simply be a good person to all around you and you should always be safe and comfortable. Jim and Jo Cates, SF I thought the NAFTA agreement meant that we were supposed to support each other, not destroy each others’ economies. Sandy Graham, PP

I feel just as safe here as I do in Victoria, B.C. I have never encountered any threatening behavior or even raised voices. Ray Mostowy, SF Bad things can happen to me here in the U.S., so I do not worry about things that might happen. Mary Leary, SF The Mexican authorities have a good presence in our community. They are polite and treat us as citizens. Allen Olson, SF I am saddened at the bad press PP is getting, but PP should not be included. Cathy Riedlinger, PP If a person is looking for trouble they can find it on either side of the border. Susan B., RB

34 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Cover Feature

No problems at all during our seven years of annual visits. Bill & Genevieve Palmquist, SC

It has always amazed me that people who have never been to Mexico, have made themselves the foremost authority on how unsafe it is. Joe Morgan, SC We feel honored to have the privilege of living here and when we show respect, the hospitality abounds.

Don Lindholm, SF I feel safer and more free in Mexico than the current police state of America. Gary Feinberg, SC We have never had any reason to feel unsafe in all the years we have been coming here. Bill & Libby Petrie, Tijuana Come and experience this part of the world and you, as I, may never leave. Douglas Rotolo, SF

We are blessed. I would recommend it to anyone.

Baja Bill Shelton, SF I have been visiting Mexico for over 20 years.

In my opinion PP is safe place to live or visit.

Glenn Castillo, PP I live here full-time and do not feel at all apprehensive. Susan Smith, RB We have never had a problem in Mexico in over 15 years. Remember Mexico is a country of laws; don’t break their laws and no problems.

Bruce Parkman, SF

I am more worried traveling in the cities in the U.S., as even stopping for gas in some places is scary. Scott Parkman, SF The press is not representing the true facts or statistics. It’s sensationalism and feeding the fear-mongers. It is a disgrace. Elinor Morrison, EN

Bad news sells. Good news does not. We all know that. Jim Ringquist, PP

I so love living here and wish many other people could enjoy the wonderful people, climate, easy lifestyle of this beautiful city.

Nancy McKee, EN

As a visitor, you are subject to the local laws.

Familiarize yourself with them and abide by them.

Tom Bothwell, SF

I have more friends in Mexico than I do in the U.S. My goal is for my wife and I to retire here.

WE LOVE IT! Gene Florest, SF

I have homes in Hermosillo, Sonora, and Mesa, Arizona. I make the trip every four weeks going through Nogales. I feel safer in Mexico.

Craig Bloom, SC In Rocky Point when a car accident happens, it is news, because most of the time nothing bad happens. Boanerges Rubalcava, PP In the South Campos I feel at peace and content among the many, many others who feel the same way. That’s why we chose this area. June Snow, SF Travel down here and experience the wonderful culture, magnificent sandy beaches and lots of quaint places to eat and drink. Bob and Lil Fleming, SC Best not to drive at night if you can help it. We have been coming to SF since 1982 and have never had a problem. Ruth E. Flinn, SF

C OVER STORY

The bad press is unfair as PP is safe, fun and a very special place to share with family and friends. Judy MacKenzie, PP

Mexico has a bad reputation for no reason!

Jill Maine, SF I choose to be here for its serenity and the Mexican people who are AGUSTO! I am blessed to be accepted as part of the Mexican community! Tammy B. Curry, SC I feel safe but very cautious; I want to move to San Carlos to live full time. Dennis Hennessy, SC The media is killing us. Michele MacDonald, SF

What’s happening in your town? Shirley Moore, SF I really do not appreciate the way the U.S. tries to scare people with the media. Life is much better south of the U.S. border! Todd, PP

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 35

Rosarito Beach, Baja California

Rosarito Beach, Baja California

P

layas de Rosarito, or Rosarito Beach as it is referred to in English, is a city in the Mexican state of Baja California and is its own municipality.

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

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

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

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

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

WHILE IN ROSARITO BEACH Rosarito Beach offers a large variety of places to stay and thing to do. Rosarito has more than 900 hotel 36 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

Rosarito Beach, Baja California

ROSARITO DIRECTORY ICON Descriptions

#

- Pool/Spa

- Accept Credit Cards

- Pet Friendly

- Wi-Fi / Internet

- Serves Breakfast

- Kitchen/Restaurant

- Beer/Spirits

- Map Number

- Reader Poll Winner

Rosarito Beach, circa 2006

Playas de Rosarito

Mexico Living Contact Information

Associate Publisher Carlos Duran 661-614-3019 / carlos@mexicoliving.info

rooms from 25 resorts, hotels & motels and luxurious spas and incredible shopping in any of the Artisan shops with some of Mexico’s finest leather goods, furniture, wrought iron, pottery, marble and traditional Mexico crafts.

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

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

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

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

R OSAR I TO BEA C H

DIALING INSTRUCTIONS: USA to MX Cel Phone: 011+52+1+Area Code+(Tel #) USA to Mexico: 011+52+Area Code+(Tel #) Mexico to USA: 001+Area Code+(Tel #) MX Landline to MX Cell Phone: 045 or 044+Area Code+(Tel #) MX Cell Phone to MX Landline: Area Code+(Tel #)

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

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 37

Rosarito Beach, Baja California

Mayor of Rosarito Beach Speaks Out Against U.S. Media

By Hugo Torres, Mayor of Rosarito Beach, Mexico

Mayor Mayor Hugo Torres Chabert of Playas de Rosarito (Rosarito Beach), Baja California

In Rosarito Beach, as in much of Mexico, we are fighting two battles these days. One is against organized crime. The other is against misleading media coverage that wrongly implies that much of Mexico is unsafe for visitors and residents, and which is devastating our economy. Some reporters, stories and outlets have been responsible and balanced, including some of those who know this area best. Many, perhaps most, have not.

The war that Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon has launched against drug cartels, which are fed in part by a $38 billion yearly U.S. drug market, is indeed a serious one, one of vital concern for both our countries.

We welcome and invite serious and analytical coverage of this struggle. Such coverage can be of significant help to both countries, which have much at stake. What we don’t welcome is inaccurate, sensationalized, unbalanced and unfair coverage, which provides no insight but only promotes fear 38 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

and misunderstanding. There has been far too much of this and it continues largely unabated.

Some media reports are simply biased and inaccurate. They are from individuals or media outlets that have an agenda against Mexico and will publish anything to promote it, whether or not it is true. What is more troubling are reports from mainstream media that present an unbalanced, superficial and worrisome portrait of what life is like in Mexico, including Baja California.

This is sometimes done because sensationalism sells; other times because of lack of understanding: many reporters never even visit. At other times, the situation in one city is presented as if it represents all of Mexico, a vast country.

Reports repeatedly talk of 6,000 drug-related deaths in Mexico in 2008. That surely is a troubling number, as is the existence of organized crime and the corruption it has caused. We’ve had to work hard in Rosarito to clean it up and it is a continuing challenge. But what the reports don’t mention when they talk of killings is that Mexico is an immense country of 110 million people.

The reports often don’t mention that while some law enforcement personnel have been killed, cartel members primarily are killing each other as it becomes harder for them to do business, as they fight each other for shrinking territories.

What the reports also don’t mention is that in 2008, according to MSNBC, the murder rate in New Orleans was much higher than that of Tijuana.

Yet you will not see many, if any, stories warning people not to go to New Orleans. Much of the U.S. media uses far different standards when reporting stories outside the U.S. More troubling, the reports seldom state clearly that 90 percent or more of the killings in Mexico are drug-related. The typical resident is not targeted, nor is the visitor. As in New Orleans—as in gang wars in Los Angeles—the tourist is not the target.

Yet, those who watch or read many sensationalized media reports in the U.S. have

Rosarito Beach, Baja California the class, Gregory Payne, saw a vast difference between life in Rosarito, where his family has a home, and what the media was reporting.

He simply could not recognize the safe and enjoyable Rosarito he knows first-hand from the one he was encountering in media reports. He knows that with recent changes, Rosarito probably is safer than ever—despite the impression created by many media reports.

We hope the Emerson project, along with other efforts and the media’s self-examination of its own reporting, will result in fairer coverage in the future.

In the meantime, please talk to those who know the area first-hand—or visit yourself—to get an accurate picture.

Right now, you’re not getting one from many media reports.

R OSAR I TO BEA C H

become afraid to visit our region of Mexico, where tourism has dropped more than 50 percent, a reduction that has caused painful economic hardship here.

Sometimes reports cite, out of context, the U.S. State Department alert concerning travel to Mexico, indicating it advises people not to go.

In fact, while noting that drug-related violence has increased recently in Mexico, the alert (not a warning) in part advises “common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate businesses and tourist areas.” That’s good advice for travelers most anywhere.

The U.S. State Department also notes that “millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the U.S. land border every day for study, tourism or business).”

You can read the entire alert on the U.S. Customs website.

Our many frequent visitors and expatriate residents—we have 14,000 in Rosarito alone—are among those who speak strongly of feeling secure here. They know the situation first-hand—not from media reports.

This is not to say that Mexico does not have some crime problems, or that no visitor or U.S. resident will ever be victim of a crime in Mexico.

With more than 20 million annual visitors and hundreds of thousands of expatriate residents, a crime will occasionally happen, just as it does in the U.S. and other countries. But that is rare here.

More typical is the experience of Jack Flynn, owner of the Professional Longboard Association, who is a part-time Rosarito resident and has been coming here for decades to surf. He never has had one problem. He encourages people—including fellow surfers—to come see for themselves.

A graduate-level public affairs class at Emerson College, a prestigious communications school in Boston, recently began doing a study on U.S. coverage of Mexico. Already it has found many instances of sensationalism and bias, including some from prestigious media outlets from which better should be expected.

No one at Emerson is getting paid for this project.

It is being conducted because the professor of

Hugo Torres is in his second three-year term as Mayor of Rosarito, which he began in December of 2007. Since taking office, he has reformed the police force, adding a special tourist police force, and an office for visitor assistance.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 39

Rosarito Beach, Baja California

American Classic ‘50s Restaurant and Catering for Homemade Delicacies The song La Bamba performed

by Richie Valens, which catapulted to fame in the 1950s, represents an era of down-home rock 'n' roll and traditional American values and cuisine. The folk origins of La Bamba date back to Mexican colonial times, when it was sung near the port city of Vera Cruz, using a harp and a variety of acoustic guitars.

Today, in Rosarito, you can find La Bamba Diner in Rosarito Beach, Baja California. Great food, the very best American classic huge, menu and amazing pies and baked goodies. Wonderful 1950’s feel. dishes being served at La Bamba on Popotla Blvd., just two turnarounds south of the AM-PM. Look for the checkered wall and every detail meets their standards of quality and signage and prepare yourself for some great and service, except Wednesdays and Thursdays homemade treats not available anywhere else in when they close to shop and rest.

Baja. Your hosts, William and Susan, are always The décor, reminiscent of '50s diners, provides on hand, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., making sure each the mood for the experience, in addition to the music

40 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

Photo by Carlos Durán

by Carlos Durán

Rosarito Beach, Baja California background ranging from Elvis to Dean Martin and more. The menu is an array of dishes ranging from hamburgers to corned beef hash. Oh, did I mention that everything is homemade, from scratch! As you slip into the plush tuck-and-roll booths, the daily specials are before you on a your placemat, which change daily. And the desserts, to die for, as there are cakes, pies, muffins, cheesecakes and even sugarless pies for those of us curbing our sugar intake.

According to William, “On Saturdays and Sundays we will make you the very best eggs Benedict available in all of Baja, guaranteed,” which

is another reason they have been so successful and open for nearly two years. Watch for a special celebration for their June 1 anniversary. Visit their website for more information on this event, www.labambarosarito.com, and also to peruse their daily specials. You are encouraged to call them if you are planning to savor their specials, just to make sure they save some for you (661-100-2560).

They are also available for catering private events for 2 to 100 guests. William and Susan will personally assure a successful dining experience, both on and off site.

Maria Sabina................................................661-613-1532 The Palm Grill (Puerto Nuevo)......................661-614-1203

INSURANCE Jorge Cuadros y Asociados.......................... 661-612-1295

Steak & Seafood Bobby’s Baja by the Sea .......................661-614-1135 El Nido.........................................................661-612-1431 La Guerita Restaurant . ................................661-612-1019 Los Pelicanos..............................................661-612-1757 Villa Ortega’s...............................................661-614-0706 Vince’s Old Pier ..............................661-612-1253

WHERE TO STAY RV Park/Parque de RV Baja Season RV Parks..................................661-628-6128 Popotla R.V. Park......................................... 661-612-1501 Motel Camino Inn..................................................661-612.2803 Hotel / Condo Baja Rentals.................................... www.BajaCatalina.com Bobby’s Baja by the Sea ...................661-614-1135 Costa Azul ...........................................800-800-9632 Grand Baja Resort (Puerto Nuevo) ..............................................877-315-1002

R OSAR I TO BEA C H

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

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

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

Click On

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

REAL ESTATE AGENTS/AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES Nicolas Santos (Rosarito).............................619-917-5695 Laura Miller . .................Rosarito Beach 661-612-5844

Member NAR (US) AMPI (Mx) US 619-888-6171 REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES Ensenada Remax.........................................661-612-1132 RESTAURANTS/RESTAURANTES See WHERE TO EAT section Call to list you business., $5 per month.....686-230-9933

BUSINESS DIRECTORY A-Z

RV PARKS See WHERE TO STAY section

CHURCH Rosarito Beach Christian Church .................661-613-1985

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

DOG GROOMERS D’ Groomer Dog Grooming ....................661-100-6218

Satellite TV Installation Cisco-Sat.....................................................661-616-0779

Elevators/Elevadores To The Top Elevators....................................661-614-1434

STORAGE SERVICES Baja Public Storage............. 619-272-3271, 661-614-1642

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

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

FISH/PESCADERÍA Vince's Old Peir ...........................................661-612-1253 HOTEL/HOTEL See WHERE TO STAY at the beginning of each city section.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 41

Ensenada, Baja California

DRIVING DISTANCES

Rosarito Beach B.C.................. 44 miles Tijuana Border B.C................... 62 miles San Felipe, B.C. ..................... 140 miles Palm Spring, CA . ................... 204 miles Los Angeles, CA ..................... 120 miles Phoenix, AZ.......................................358

42 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Ensenada, Baja California

Ensenada, Baja California

E

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

GETTING TO ENSENADA

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

Taking The Bus from San Diego is another option.

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

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

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

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

GETTING AROUND TOWN

The healthiest and most personal way is ON FOOT. Ensenada is a great city for getting around on your own

Ensenada

Mexico Living Contact Information

Associate Agent Nuria E. Bocanegra 686-230-9933 / sales@mexicoliving.info

ENSENADA

Bajamar Golf Resort in Ensenada. http://www.golfbajamar.com

energy. Most of the shopping is at sea level and easy to navigate with all numbered streets running north and south and celebrity named streets running east and west.

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

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

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

LODGING & ACCOMMODATION

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

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 43

Ensenada, Baja California Cetto Wine

Italian Wine in Mexico at L.A. Cetto Winery

by Steve Dryden

Nebbiolo was once a famous Barolo grape from Piedmont (actually the “noble grape” of Italy), but lately it seems that Nebbiolo grown in Mexico is stealing the show. In fact, Nebbiolo grapes grown in Mexico and shipped to a winery in Carlsbad, California, has recently won two significant “world-class” awards, Best of Show and a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition in 2008 and 2009.

It was the Italian family of L.A. Cetto winery and their winemaker, Camillo Magoni, who first introduced the Nebbiolo grape to Mexico and created awardwinning wines from that varietal. Years of research and experimentation has shown that Mexico has more stable weather than Piedmont, Italy, and this adopted Italian grape has found a favorable Mexican home in Valle de Guadalupe.

Camillo Magoni has a Ph.D. in enology from Italy and has shared a lifetime relationship with this particular grape.

In addition, he was selected as “the top winemaker in the World for 2004,” and makes some excellent, international award-winning Private Reserve Nebbiolo wines.

L.A Cetto family winery is a hybrid of Italian and Mexican cultures, fueled with a serious passion for wine, food, entertainment and the fine arts. Their winery is Mexico’s largest wine producer and the largest winery in Latin America with a production of about one million cases

annually. One of their specialties is introducing Mexicans to the “world of wine” with affordable pricing and effective education programs. Their marketing program has been successful in awakening a mostly “beer and tequila” culture to the dynamics of wine drinking and the culture that follows it.

Most folks are familiar with their high volume labels of value wines priced from US$4 to about US$25, but they also make some excellent Private Reserves and Boutique wines for serious consumers and devoted connoisseurs.

The recent release of the 2004 Private Reserve Nebbiolo has received high marks and great reviews, especially for a wine priced at US$15. This wine is the best full-bodied, Mexican red wine on the market for that price!

This Italian/Mexican family knows how to entertain and educate in a fun and “classic” manner. For example, the Cetto family will host the renowned Mariachi Vargas with singer Carlos Cuevas at the Guadalupe Valley winery on June 20. And, their annual Fiesta de la Vendimia event on Saturday, August 15, is a noteworthy, 12-hour production for serious fun-goers only. In fact, you really have to pace yourselves to experience the whole event! Tickets are extremely limited for both events, so move fast to secure tickets and to attend these wine culture extravaganzas. It’s best to purchase tickets from the valley winery NOW at valle@gpocetto.com or at the Tijuana offices: (664) 6853031, www.cettowines.com.

One thing is certain, you’ll see me there for both events, and I successfully experience the entire 12-hour la Vendimia event by rotating my palate from wine, to bottled water, to iced mocha and back. It’s usually about 100 degrees, so be safe, hydrate and use common sense. If you move fast, you can still find lodging online at Rancho Malagon and Hacienda Guadalupe Hotel. Driving after this event is NOT an option, unless you have a designated driver. I’ve learned the hard way at past events, once I had to crawl and stumble back to my house in San Antonio de las Minas for 10 miles.

Don’t try that, it’s too hot and ruins your pants . . .

Table grape varieties: Thomson Seedless Red Globe and Superior Wine grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Tempranillo and Grenache Grena

Tel. 01 (646) 155-2044 vinosfuentes@gmail.com

Rancho San Martín, Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada, B.C., CP 22750

44 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Ensenada, Baja California

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

ENSENADA DIRECTORY ICON Descriptions

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

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

WHERE TO EAT Coffee & Breakfast ......................................646-175-7320 La Casa Antigua Chinese . .....................................646-178-2516 Bamboo Garden Italian Gondolieri Ristorante Italiano...........................646-174-0976 Mexican Amigos Cantina...............................................619-917-5696 Casa Mar Restaurant Bar.................................646-174-0417 www.restaurantcasamar.com . ..................................646-108-4702 Brisa del Mar .........................646-176-4900 Broncos Steakhouse . ......................................646-154-2540 Costa Azul ............................646-178-3210 Hussong’s Cantina Magana’s........................................................646-155-0586 ............................................646-176-3720 Haliotis Steak & Seafood El Rey Sol.......................................................646-178-1601

ENSENADA

DIALING INSTRUCTIONS: USA to MX Cel Phone: 011+52+1+Area Code+(Tel #) USA to Mexico: 011+52+Area Code+(Tel #) Mexico to USA: 001+Area Code+(Tel #) MX Landline to MX Cell Phone: 045 or 044+Area Code+(Tel #) MX Cell Phone to MX Landline: Area Code+(Tel #)

Las Cazuelas . ...................................646-176-1044 ...............................646-172-5833 La Finca de Ensenada .....................646-174-0807 La Embotelladora Vieja . ................646-178-3271 La Mansion de Ensenada ......................................646-174-0969 La Vendimia

WHERE TO STAY RV Park/Parque de RV Mona Lisa RV Park..........................................646-177-5100 Popotla R.V. Park.............................................661-612-1501 Motels/Moteles ..........................................646-176-1333 America Motel . ...........................................646-176-3245 Rudis Motel Ensenada Inn..................................................646-176-1361 Hotel El Joker..................................................646-177-5151 Posada Don Fernando.....................................646-177-0127 Azteca Inn.......................................................646-177-4015

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 45

Ensenada, Baja California

Hotel Best Western El Cid.........................................646-178-2401 ..........................................646-176-0901 Corona Hotel . ...................................800-800-9632 Costa Azul Grand Baja Resort (Puerto Nuevo) . ...............................................877-315-1002 Hotel Coral & Marina .........646-175-0000 .........................646-155-0007 Hotel La Fonda . ...................................646-178-1601 Posada El Rel Sol San Nicolas Hotel............................................646-176-1901 Oxidox Cafe....................................................646-178-8827 Rentals Baja Rentals.......................................www.BajaCatalina.com

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

INSURANCE Lynda’s Insurance (English speaking)..............686-577-1622 MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS ISSSTE ..........................................................646-176-2230 IMSS .............................................................646-120-7771 Centro de Salud..............................................646-152-1371

46 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

MUSIC/MUSICA Pharmacy Regia & House of Music.................646-174-0557 Professional Services PSN Mexico Professional Services..................646-178-8280 Legal/Immigration Assist FM3/FM2/FMT Import documentation www.psnmexico.com POLICE/POLICÍA Policia Ministerial............................................646-176-3636 Policia Federal Caminos................................. 646-683-8040 Policia Federal Preventiva ...............................646-176-2579 Prefectura Naval........................................... 469-0376/2948 public transportation/el transporte público Terminal de Buses...........................................646-224-1041 RENTALS/RENTAS See Rosarito/Ensenada Lodging Guide section REAL ESTATE AGENTS/AGENTES DE BIENES RAÍCES Nicolas Santos (Rosarito)................................619-917-5695 RESTAURANTS/RESTAURANTES: See WHERE TO EAT section RV PARKS: See Where TO STAY section REAL ESTATE SERVICES Baja Closing & Escrow Services......................760-494-7053 utilities/empresas de servicios públicos CFE ...................................612-143 0064 or 612-142 0237 TELMEX . ....................................................... 612-142 0001 CALIGAS......................................................... 612-142 0122 Winery ..............................646-171-7070 Vinos Fuentes Winery

MEX I CAL I

Mexicali, Baja California

Mexicali, Baja California

M

exicali is on the Mexico border adjacent to Calexico and is the northernmost city in Latin America, located at 32°40 0 N 115°28 0 W. Mexicali is the capital of the Mexican state of Baja California. Mexicali is also the seat of the Municipality of Mexicali.

For centuries, the Colorado River fertilized these lands, which would eventually become one of the most important cotton hubs in the world. Americans, Chinese, Mexicans, East Indians and Japanese were so involved in productive endeavors that they forgot to formally found the city. Combining the words “Mexico” and “California,” they came upon the name Mexicali.

Years later, on March 14, 1903, Mexicali was officially founded and gradually transformed into the capital of Baja California. Today, it is a progressive

city and its main industry has gone from agricultural to industrial.

The standard of living is the highest in Mexico.

It is recognized in Mexico for its sizable investment in education and low unemployment. Annually, thousands of people arrive in Mexicali for a variety of reasons—business, family, hunting, those who are looking to enjoy the surrounding nature.

Mexicali’s geographical location and modern infrastructure has also made it a prime location for business meetings, fairs, expos and conventions.

Offering a variety of quality products and services, as well as sports and cultural activities, Mexicali has what it takes to suit every visitor’s needs.

Source: Mexicali Tourism Board and Wikipedia.org.

EMERGENCY PHONES Policía, Cruz Roja, Bomberos.......................................... 066

Hospital General..................................(686) 556-1123 Al 29

Asistencia Turistica.......................................................... 078

ISSSTE................................................(686) 557-2240 Al 44

Comisión Federal De Electricidad.................................... 071

ISSSTECALI.................................................(686) 557-2626

Comisión Estatal De Servicios Publicos De Mexicali...... 073

IMSS.............................................................(686) 555-5151

Policia Federal De Caminos.........................(686) 554-2909

Centro de Salud............................................(686) 554-4686

Rescate Brigadas del Sol.............................(686) 568-7878

Procuraduria Federal del Consumidor.........(686) 557-3085

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 47

San Felipe, Baja California

The San Felipe Arches 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.

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

686-577-1182 Health Dept.

686-577-1521 Hospital 686-577-0117 Immigration Office 686-577-1083 Mayor’s Office 686-577-1021

Police Local 686-577-1134 Police Federal 686-577-1045 Police State Judicial 686-577-1203 Port Captain 686-577-1577 Red Cross 686-577-1544 Secretary of Tourism 686-577-1155 Telnor 686-577-1000 Tourism Dept.

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

48 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

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

San Felipe, Baja California

Photo by Sean Harrington of San Felipe

San Felipe, Baja California

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

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

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

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

GETTING TO SAN FELIPE

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

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

San Felipe

Looking fromContact Club deInformation Pesca to the Malecon Mexico Living

Associate Publisher Bill Maine 686-231-4921 / bill@mexicoliving.info

ATM/GETTING CASH

SAN FEL I PE

S

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

THINGS TO DO

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

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

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

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San Felipe, Baja California

How to Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables (in your yard or containers). Yes, even you can do it!

by Anita Kaltenbaugh If you love to cook or even if you just love to eat, nothing tastes better than fresh herbs added to your salsa, sauces or salads.

Better yet . . . nothing tastes better than a salad made from lettuce you grew with your own two hands and sweet ripe tomatoes that you nurtured and watched turn deep tasty red. Add to that your mix of fresh herbs, your sense of accomplishment of growing something you can eat and taste, and your cooking creations become a piece of art.

Have you ever done the tomato taste test? It is the taste test that you could bet on the outcome with a million dollars. The taste test goes something like this: Your neighbor or friend is visiting you, you want to show off your tomatoes so you have one tomato from the local supermarket and then one of your homegrown tomatoes. Cut both up, season to taste and ask them to take a bite of each tomato. The flavor is so intensely different, there is no question. Your homegrown tomato will win every time.

Fresh Herbs are expensive in these economic times and somewhat limited in Mexican supermarkets.

However, if you are able to grow them and have them on hand to cook with, the smell of fresh herbs is a rich experience. It makes you want to be a chef. It makes you proud of your accomplishment of growing something and eating it; and who doesn’t like fresh basil, rosemary, cilantro, or oregano?

Now there are many books on how to grow your 50 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

own garden, fancy herb pod growers with special lighting and even “How To” videos. Once you try the basics of growing herbs and a few vegetables and you succeed then by all means get into the nittygritty of growing. However, just to get started here are some basic tips and suggestions to growing your very own herbs and vegetables. Yes you can do it!

• Pick what you want to grow by what you love to cook with or eat. Narrow your choices down to five or six different fairly easy items.

Pick a few vegetables and a few herbs.

Start slowly and add more after you find out how much of a green thumb you have. My suggestions are lettuce, peppers, tomatoes and basil, rosemary and sage. Also check out the miniature varieties of garden vegetables.

• Buy containers that are big enough for your choices. Lettuce, peppers and herbs have shallow roots, which makes them easier to grow in containers. Containers should be 12 to 18 inches in diameter and be at least 15 inches deep. Containers need to have good drainage—plastic works better than terra cotta.

If you are really trying to contain costs, plastic milk jugs can work great. Buy a bigger pot for the tomatoes; one with good drainage and room for the plant to spread out. Don’t over crowd.

San Felipe, Baja California

• Find a spot where you will not neglect your plants and provide at least six hours of direct sunlight. Most require at least five to six hours of sun. You can find this information on the back of the seed packet or online. Find a spot on your balcony, patio, in front of the sliding glass door that will capture enough sunlight and where you will not forget to water it. Do the water test daily, stick your finger in the soil to see if it is too wet or dry, but do not forget to water. Remember the drainage holes as well.

If you follow the above steps, you can grow herbs and vegetables even in a small space. In as little as 50–75 days (each type varies) you are ready to enjoy the best part!

Harvest your plants, leave inner leaves so your lettuce or herbs will continue to generate new growth.

Clean out any dead leaves and don’t harvest too

early. It is impatiently exciting, but your taste buds will agree it is worth the wait.

Now you can cook with your creations; this is the most exciting part. Rosemary chicken rubbed with olive oil and a little basil and black pepper never tasted so good. Organic lettuce (extra special because you didn’t use any pesticides in your lettuce) tastes delicious beside the chicken and the juicy red tomatoes. Peppers, well if you’re a pepper lover, anything with peppers taste better.

Nurture your plants, talk to them, don’t forget them and you will be proud of your creation in both your efforts on growing them and cooking with them.

Gardening is an inbred concept. We may not think it applies to us, but it has been the foundation of history forever. It will open your eyes to the basics of farming on a very small scale. You plant it, nurture it, grow it and eat it. Yes . . . even you can do it!!

Rosemary

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• Buy good fertilizer, this is important. Whether you buy plants or seeds, make sure they are fresh and ask the most skilled gardener at the store what they recommend for fertilizer.

Most recommend a mixture of organic with specific commercial fertilizer. Don’t skimp on the fertilizer, it will make a difference.

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San Felipe, Baja California

Around Town in San Felipe This San Felipe “Around Town” is dedicated to all the Lions members and Mexico Living staff and volunteers who coordinated the 3rd Annual Blues and Arts Fiesta. The show was amazing, featuring award-winning artists from all over the U.S. as well as our local awardwinning bands, Vatos Locos and Agave Blues and Arts Fiesta Blues. We also had an array of extremely talented artists from Baja coast-to-coast and the U.S., with the Pai-Pai Indians in authentic garb and beautiful pottery and handmade jewelry.

San Felipe’s own Best of winner, Andrena Joyce, had her talent displayed proudly, a real treat for all who took the time to see her work. Funds raised at the event benefit Sonshine Hacienda, a home for displaced children in San Felipe.

Other events in March included the 1st Annual Charity Golf Classic, promoted by San Felipe Youth DIALING INSTRUCTIONS: USA to MX Cel Phone: 011+52+1+Area Code+(Tel #) USA to Mexico: 011+52+Area Code+(Tel #) Mexico to USA: 001+Area Code+(Tel #) MX Landline to MX Cell Phone: 045 or 044+Area Code+(Tel #) MX Cell Phone to MX Landline: Area Code+(Tel #)

Golf Tournament

Foundation with the assistance of the Universal Golf Foundation. D’Andre White and Eusubio “Chevy” Reyes worked diligently to make this tournament a success. Thanks to all the volunteers, who helped to make that event a success, also raising money for Sonshine Hacienda.

Steak in the Park was held at the park in downtown San Felipe, hosted

by Rotary Club, Tech Inspection and featured the music of 2AM, Tom O’Neill and Alan Mayov. Let’s not forget the Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250 that donned our town with racers from all parts of the (Continues on page 67.)

SAN FELIPE DIRECTORY ICON Descriptions

#

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

- Pool/Spa

- Accept Credit Cards

- Pet Friendly

- Wi-Fi / Internet

- Serves Breakfast

- Kitchen/Restaurant

- Beer/Spirits

- Map Number

- Reader Poll Winner

PLACES TO EAT American Los Arcos . ............................686-577-2585 Baja Java ......................................686-577-2465 Beach Bar & Grill .....................686-577-3144 Blowin’ Smoke BBQ ....................................686-576-0710 Breakfast The Bistro “Java Jitters”

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

Burgers Baja Burger..................................................686-577-2465 Chilis & Burgers...........................................686-577-6196 Ice Cream Chumpo’s Pizza and Ice Cream....................686-577-0085

San Felipe, Baja California Mexican The Beach Bar and Grill ...........686-577-3144 El Club.........................................................686-577-1175 La Palapa Bar & Grill ...............686-200-4083 Mi Casa es Tu Casa......................................686-577-1495 Rancho Alegre ..........................686-576-0648

Rice & Beans .........................................686-577-1770 Rosita . ...........................................686-577-1903 Pizza Fatboy’s ..............................686-577-4092 Los Arcos - Happy Jackass . ............686-577-2585 Popeye’s Pizza.............................................686-577-1122 Rabbit Pizza Delivery....................................686-577-0987 ..................................686-111-2257

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

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Spanish Miguel & Paco

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San Felipe, Baja California

San Felipe News Briefs

Photos by Julia Bono

by Carlos and Julia Bono of Sahuaros Realty

March was busy in San Felipe, and while tourism to Mexico is down, the San Felipe economy seems to be holding up. Home construction in the Mexican neighborhoods is consistently moving forward, and some of the finished condos at Playa del Paraiso are already being occupied after U.S. investors bought the development. Businesses opening this month included Oshii, San Felipe’s first Japanese restaurant.

Ken Jackson and Elsa Carrasco are the proprietors of Oshii. It is next to Motel Super 7 at the corner of Manzanillo and Mar Jonico Sur. Another addition popular with Mexican families is La Cabana Restaurant, located on the corner of Mar Rojo Sur and Ensenada.

Also, Rosita’s Restaurant, a San Felipe Malecon favorite, has added The new Cabana Restaurant.

Wi-Fi service and a computer terminal for their Net-savvy clientele. The San Felipe Title Company, a bookstore offering new and used books, mostly in English, has relocated to Mar Caribe. It was formerly next to the downtown Baja Java, which will be closing in June and transferring operation to its already-open café in Playa San Rafael that features a live music Sunday brunch.

Regarding infrastructure development, the section of the highway to Mexicali that was under construction is in the finishing stages and is scheduled to open mid-April. Also, the San Felipe Rotary Club donated two ambulances to the municipality of Mexicali that includes San Felipe. On April 3 a meeting took place at the San Felipe delegacion to finalize security arrangements for Semana Santa, the huge Mexican festival on April 7–12. The event brings a large influx of Mexican tourists to San Felipe, and the combined

54 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Rainbow Bug at the Tech Checkpoint before the Tecate SCORE 250 race.

federal, state and local police forces needed to coordinate to keep the peace. As an additional security measure, four CCTV security cameras were installed on the Malecon.

Concerning events, the Tecate SCORE 250 offroad race was held on March 14, and over 200 racers signed up, a better-than-expected turnout. The Cancer Walk sponsored by the San Felipe Rotary Club on March 21 drew a large yellow-shirted crowd that walked down Chetumal from the Arches and began partying upon reaching the Malecon. The Hobie Cat Regatta was the same weekend with 26 entries, and so was Benito Juarez’s birthday when local officials including Delegado Hazael Sierra gathered before Bandidos to honor the ex-president.

Hobie Cat regatta in the That same weekend, The San Felipe Bay. Lighthouse Restaurant hosted the 5th Annual Folk Music Festival and Cowboy Poetry event. On March 28, San Felipe partied at the 3rd International Blues and Arts Fiesta, organized by Mexico Living and the San Felipe Lions Club. The event was well attended, with blues music fans enjoying a variety of U.S. bands, plus local talent like Agave Blues and Vatos Locos.

Art booths exhibited work from regional artists. That same weekend, the Universal Golf Foundation held a Charity Golf Classic Tournament benefiting Sonshine Hacienda, a children’s center in San Felipe. The tournament featured a celebrity challenge and was held at the Las Caras de Mexico Championship Golf Course in La Ventana del Mar.

San Felipe, Baja California

The 2009 San Felipe 250

NASCAR’s Robby Gordon Racing to a 2nd Place Finish.

The first motorcycle team of Robby Bell and Mike Childress, riding a Kawasaki this year, took the green flag promptly at 6 a.m. Each minute thereafter, another motorcycle racer was given the start signal until all motorcycles and ATVs had left the start line. In order to give all the motorcycles time to get well under way before the larger (and often faster) trucks are started,

there was a three-hour lull before the first trophy truck started the grueling 232.4mile course.

At 10 a.m, after getting a personal “good luck and be safe greeting” from SCORE President Sal Fish, the first trophy truck driven by Damon Jeffries of Apple Valley, California, took the green flag and was quickly racing into the desert towards the famous Zoo Road and eventually through three different washes south of town before racing back to the start/finish line at the Arches.

NASCAR star Robby Gordon, who is taking advantage of a weekend off on the NASCAR schedule, started 7th in truck number 77, and last year’s winner Brian Collins went off three minutes later.

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Photo by Bob Ham

by Bob Ham

(Continues on page 67.)

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San Felipe, Baja California Lighthouse Restaurant

Los Arcos

..............686-577-2540

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

Casey’s Place

.........686-577-1431

Rancho del Sol . .....................686-231-4921 Redwagon Property Management.................686-576-0081

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

PLACES TO STAY RV Park/Parque de RV Club de Pesca..............................................686-577-1180 Rentals Baja Bill's Property Managment....................686-577-4014

56 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Seaside Shangri-La Apartment..................... 686-577-1573 Su Casa Elegante .......................... 686-577-0745 Motels/Hotel Marina Resort

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

San Felipe, Baja California BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) ACCOUNTING/CONTABILIDAD CP E&A Accounting...........................................686-577-0836

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

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

BANK/BANCO BBVA Bancomer...........................................686-577-2224 Silvia Elizabeth Urbea, Preferred Customer’s Unit Ext. 13 BANDS/BANDAS Agave Blues.................................................686-184-9237 BARS/CLUBS Al’s Backstreet Cantina ....................686-577-1580

Alterations/sastre San Felipe Seamstress (Vickie Silva)............686-175-5420

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

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ARCHITECT/ARQUITECTO Freddy Hernandez........................................686-946-7897 Licensed, CAD, Blue Prints, Graphic Design Rosa Lina Ramos Lazcano...........................686-184-6172 ART GALLERY Oasis Fine Art Gallery...................................686-221-1245 ARTIST/ARTISTA Andrena Joyce ....... E-mail: andrenajoyce@yahoo.com Melody Ashley..............E-mail: melodya2004@yahoo.com Robin Waters...............................................686-115-0526 Sandy Colomb "The Gourd Lady" . ...............686-576-0384 Watercolors by Mary Lou.............................686-171-5513 Los Arcos - Happy Jackass ATTORNEY/ABOGADO Carlos A. Martinez Monges..........................686-120-1650 Lic. Francisco Sosa Mendez.........................686-577-0624

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

BEAUTY SALONS/SALONES DE BELLEZA Hair By Nancy .......................................686-113-3682 Lilly Ana’s Day Spot ..............................686-577-6253

ADULT CARE/ATENCION DE ADULTOS San Felipe Adult Living Facility......................686-576-0661

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San Felipe, Baja California

58 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

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

San Felipe, Baja California COMPUTER SERVICES Computing Integral Solutions........................ 686-577-2370 CSI Baja....................................................... 686-577-2928 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE CONSTRUCCIÓN San Felipe Management Services.................686-576-0553

Pro-Construction..........................................686-576-0430 Building Materials, Plumbing, Paint supplies Brick Block, Wood, & Hardware. Delivery Services Call us!

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

Sweitzer Construction Management

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

SWEITZER CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COMPANY BJ Sweitzer Consultant Carlos Mora Contractor

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

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Perez Construction.......................................686-576-0650 COUNSELING-THERAPY/CONSULTA TERAPÉUTICA Inner Connection..........................................686-255-5447 DELI Sand & Sea Market & Deli ......................686-577-3168 SunDance Deli .......................................686-576-0369 CHOCOLATE/CHOCOLATE Baja Chocolate Lovers . .........................686-576-0348

DENTIST/DENTISTA California Dental Spa . ............................686-577-0708 Dr. Felix Rodriguez........................................686-577-1919 Consultorio Dental Y de Ortodoncia .............686-577-6212

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

Mission San Felipe

Non Denominational Church

(English Speaking)

2 Blocks west of the Glorietta at Chetumal and Mar de Irlanda

SUNDAY SERVICE 8:45 AM Please call 577-0877

CITY SERVICES/SERVICIOS DE LA CIUDAD District Attorney’s........................................686-577-1110 Mayors Office..............................................686-577-1021 COFFEE & TEA/CAFÉ Y TE The Bistro (Java Jitters)...............................686-114-7735

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San Felipe, Baja California DEVELOPMENTS/FRACCIONAMIENTOS Casablanca..................................................686-157-1728 Diamante Residencial...................................686-569-2347 El Dorado Ranch..........................................686-577-0015 La Perla Del Mar...........................................760-458-7602 Playa de Oro ..........................................686-576-0223 Playa del Paraiso................................ 888-647-5292 x 704 San Marino..................................................686-577-0611 San Rafael...................................................686-576-0223 Discount Store El Cheap-O...................................................686-577-6263 DOCTORS/DOCTORES Dr. Victor Abasolo............ 686-577-1706 or 686-573-0174 ENTERTAINMENT/ENTRETENIMIENTO Name That Tune - Denny Flannigan...............686-576-1683 The Singout Sisters & Chuey (Karaoke) ..686-576-0047 EVENT SERVICES/servicios acontecimiento Produciones Baja.........................................686-576-1683 FINANCING/FINANCIAMIENTO Baja Lending Company.......... ......................686-576-0653

MexQuest Mortgage Corp........... Toll Free: 1-888-257-9162 FILM DEVELOPMENT/IMPRESION DE FOTOS Fotografia Alvarez.........................................686-577-1144

Baja Nueva

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

Muebles Coloniales Rosy.............................686-577-1214 GENERAL CONTRACTOR/CONTRATISTA GENERAL See HOME BUILDERS/CONTRATISTAS

60 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

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

San Felipe, Baja California Oscar Parra..................................................686-163-6514 Oscar Perez.................................................686-120-6506 Perez Construction.......................................686-236-4927

GOLF/GOLF Kelly’s Golf Range & Snack Bar....................686-576-0094 Las Caras de Mexico....................................686-576-0517 Graphic Design/Diseño Gráfico GreetScape..................................................686-188-2393 GYNECOLOGIST/GINECÓLOGO Annel Becerra Prado....................................686-577-6350

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

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

HEALTH & fitness/SALUD Y ejercicio KenSue Martial Arts.....................................686-577-6023 Excerise, Taewaonndo, Mixed Martial Arts Heaven & Earth............................................ 686-182-3513 Squats Gym .......................................... 686-125-1555

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HEALTH FODDS Sea Star Health Food Store...........................686-577-6250

HOME CLEANING/LIMPIEZA DE CASAS Redwagon Proerty Management...................686-576-0081 Housekeeping - Jackie’s Home Help.............686-228-7480 HOME IMPROVEMENTS/MEJORAMIENTO CASERO Baja Home Improvement..............................686-222-4507 Tropical Home Improvement.........................686-577-0041

HOSPITAL Hospital San Felipe . ....................................686-577-0117

or call 686-569-3019 or 686-212-1672 HOTEL/MOTEL - See the San Felipe Lodging/Dinning Guide Section

IMPORT SERVICES/SE RVICIOS DE IMPORTACIÓN San Felipe Storage Company........................ 686-576-0432 Insurance Alani’s Mexican Insurance............................686-577-2464

HOME BUILDERS/CONTRATISTAS Baja 24/7 Construction & Real Estate...........686-577-6196 BC Homes...................................................686-569-3730 www.bajahomes.com.mx, riccardo@bajahomes.com.mx Construcciones Luevano..............................688-576-0304 HouSing.......................................................686-577-0810 Manuel Pacheo............................................686-577-0745 Contractor-builder building to American standards for 20 years contact Robert Brittain at Su Casa Elegante USA.........

760-477-5963 M & O Construction.....................................686-124-3908

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

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San Felipe, Baja California

62 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Orval Insurance............................ orvalquotes@gmail.com INTERIOR DESIGN/DISEÑO INTERIOR Baja Nueva..................................................686-211-4676 INTERNET CAFE/CAFE DE INTERNET Soluciones Integrales en Computacions........686-577-2370 Kitchen/Bath Cocina/Bano Concepto Casa .......................686-576-0731

San Felipe, Baja California LIFEGUARD/SALVAVIDAS San Felipe Lifeguards...................................686-233-7730 Ask for Franscio LIQUOR/LICORERÍA Tecate Six - Julio..........................................686-119-0030 LOCKSMITH/CERRAJERO Gomez Locksmith........................................686-221-8337 24 HR Service, Professional Service. Homes, Cars, Boats, Motorcycles, English Spoken Pest Control Luis Lagarde................................................686-573-0258 POSTAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS POSTALES Yetmail......................................................... 686-577-1255

LANDSCAPING/JARDINERÍA Mauricio's Landscaping................................686-151-8002

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Sand & Sea.................................................. 686-577-3168 SunRunner Mail Center .......................... 686-147-6752 MASSAGE/MASAJE Casey’s Place (Massage).............................686-577-1431 Prestige Landscape and Maintenance...........686-170-8651 Your Paradise...My Passion Versoleil ................................................ 686-576-0664

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

Sea Star Health Food Store........................... 686-577-6250 MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS Ambulance..................................................686-577-0500 Health Center.............................................. 686-577-1521 Red Cross....................................................686-577-1544 Dr. Victor Abasolo............ 686-577-1706 or 686-573-0174

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

Optometrists/Opthamologists California Optical..........................................686-577-0708

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San Felipe, Baja California OpticaMaxi Vision....................................... 686-577-0320

Custom Vacation Homes..............................928-277-6863 928-277-7559 & visit www.sanfelipevacations.com Enjoy Baja....................................................686-576-0697 Redwagon Enterprises.................................686-576-0081 PUBLICATIONS/PUBLICACIONES Gringo Gazette............................................. 686-111-3692

PAINT/PINTURA John B. Ross...............................................686-109-9544 PHARMACY/FARMACIA Santa Fe Pharmacy .....................................686-576-0546

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

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

REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES Amor Property ......................................686-577-0611 Baja Ranch & Sea Realty..............................686-577-1304 Baja 24/7 Construction & Real Estate...........686-577-6196

California Real Estate & Construction.. 686-576-0420 Call Margaret Realty.....................................686-577-1156 Desert Hawk................................................686-577-1244 Desert Mother..............................................686-577-2552 Desert Realty...............................................686-577-6336 Enjoy Baja....................................................686-576-0697 Sea Mexico Realty (SMR).............................686-576-0223 REAL ESTATE SERVICES/servicios DE BIENES RAÍCES Baja Closing & Escrow Services...................686-576-0653 POLICE/POLICÍA Federal Preventive Police .............................686-577-1045 Police .........................................................686-577-1134

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

PRINTERS/IMPRESORAS Papeleria Copicentro....................................686-577-1402 The Print Supplier.........................................686-230-9933

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

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/MANEJO DE PROPIEDADES Baja Bill’s Property Management..................686-577-4014 Casey’s Place..............................................686-577-1431

64 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

San Felipe, Baja California SATELLITE TELEVISION & INTERNET/TELEVISION SATELITALES Y INTERNET CSI - Computer & Satellite Installation..........686-577-2928

Computer & Satellite Installation • Dish Network TV • Satellite Internet

686-577-2928

• Computers • DVD Rentals

shane@csibaja.com

SHOPPING MALL/CENTRO DE COMPRAS La Plazita.....................................................686-577-2119 Solar Baja Solar Systems......................................686-111-0504 SPANISH LESSONS Kelly Walsh..................................................686-149-6747

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

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San Felipe, Baja California

66 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

San Felipe, Baja California (“Around Town in San Felipe” continued from page 52.)

world. Tech inspection is always a favorite, parading the racers along the Malecón, handing out all sorts of memorabilia to their fans. Lots of beer was needed for this event! This reporter got to see a rollover at Mile 25, an incredible sight. Fortunately, no one was hurt in that incident, but the driver and passenger appeared to be a little disoriented from the roll after roll the racecar took.

Caminata Contra el Cancer was a great success, bring out even the smallest of participants, including a Chihuahua pup, aptly numbered “1/2.” San Felipe Ladies Yacht Club held a Scavenger Hunt in town, one list included a chrome lug nut. So, one of the gals decided to be really resourceful, taking one off of Tom Edwards’ Jeep outside of Fat Boys. Ending

Cancer Walk

another funfilled month in San Felipe gives invitation to more excitement to come!

Nearing the end of the snowbird season, we must remember that local charities will still be operating and need your help. Contact San Cancer Walk Felipe Rotary (686576-0112), San Felipe Lions Club (686-212-3599), Club Las Amigas (686-202-0455), ZAPP Spay/ Neuter Project (686-577-2708), and Carol Spradlin for Casa de Fe (686-577-3176).

SAN FEL I PE

Tecate SCORE 250 Wreck

(“The 2009 San Felipe 250” continued from page 55.)

Brian Collins, driving a Dodge truck, was the first Trophy Truck to finish, followed by Robby Gordon, and then the class 1 buggy driven by longtime racers Ronny and Rick Wilson of Long Beach. For the next several hours, lasting well into the night, the racers who were competing in slower classes or trophy trucks and class 1’s who ran into trouble along the course continued to finish well into the night.

“It was a perfect day,” according to Collins, his BF Goodrich tires “survived with absolutely no flats.” He also gave kudos to his navigator Billy Goerke. “I put a plan together, being patient, and I told Billy that’s what we’re going to do and he monitored my speed all the time down the really tough parts.” For his part, second place finisher Robby Gordon said he suffered a flat at about race mile 40 and the jacks didn’t work.

“I got back in the car and drove about a mile and a half on a flat tire to some locals who had a floor jack and were pitting their car. I had a breaker bar and that was our flat tire changer. That was the only problem we had,” Robby said.

Ronny Wilson, the first buggy and third place overall, followed a similar strategy to Collins. “We had zero problems, we stuck to our game plan, we drove 75 percent to the 61 mile mark, then we started pushing. It’s always a good sign when the Herbst helicopter is coming back to see where you are. We chased them and we passed them when they were getting fuel at (race mile) 92 and were just on a mission after that.”

By the time all the finishers were in, of the 226 starters, 162 racers took the checkered flag for an extremely high 71.6 percent finisher rate. The winner covered the 232.4-mile course in just 3 hours, 47 minutes, 49 seconds for an average speed of 61.21 miles per hour.

The next race in the SCORE Baja series will be the Baja 500 that will start and finish in Ensenada the first weekend of June, with the actual running of the race set for Saturday, June 6. If you plan to go to Ensenada to watch any part of this Baja Classic, make your reservations early as the hotels in town fill up by race day.

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San Felipe, Baja California

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

TRANSLATION/TRADUCCIÓN Carlota Villagran B........................................686-212-9951 TRANSPORTATION/TRANSPORTACIÓN Airport.........................................................686-577-1368 Taxi Service.................................................686-577-1293 Bus Station .................................................686-577-1516 utilities/empresas de servicios públicos Electric (CFE)................... 686-577-1060 or 686-577-5602 Estrella Azul (Water Dispensery)...................686-577-1314 Propane Gas................................................686-577-2373 State Com. of Services Public......................686-556-1383 Telnor Phone Co...........................................686-577-1000 Water Company...........................................686-577-1022

STORAGE/ALMACÉN Lock Box..................................................... 686-576-0606 San Felipe Storage Company........................ 686-576-0432 TATTOOING/TATUAJES Baja Ink Spot Tattoo & Body Piercing............686-577-0746 TIRE SHOP/lLANTERA Llantera Aguilar............................................686-192-8462

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

Los Algodones, Baja California

Los Algodones, Baja California

os Algodones, Baja California, is a small Mexican L town located on the extreme northeastern tip of the municipality of Mexicali, approximately 16 km (10 miles) west of Yuma, Arizona, USA. It is the northernmost town in Mexico, and at its northeastern tip is the northernmost point in Mexico. Its official name is Vicente Guerrero, although most people use Algodones when referring to it. It reported a population of 4,021 as of the 2005 Mexican census (Segundo Conteo de Población y Vivienda 2005).

Situated near the borders of both southeastern California and southwestern Arizona, Los Algodones has become a popular tourist attraction in recent years due in part to inexpensive shopping and restaurants as well as inexpensive medical care and prescription medicines. The warm, dry climate of the area attracts a number of older tourists from across the United States and Canada who settle during the winter in the nearby U.S. towns of Yuma, Arizona, and Winterhaven, California, and Mexican resort towns of Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, and San Felipe, Baja California.

From the U.S. side, Los Algodones is most easily reached via Interstate 8 and south a short distance (3.33 Km/2.07 mi) along State Route 186/Andrade Road to the international border at Andrade, California.

From Andrade, visitors can elect to park their vehicles for a small fee and walk across the border or to drive across.

The exact geographical location is 32°42 55 N 114°43 44 W at an elevation of 110 feet/33.5 meters above mean sea level. The Spanish-language name Los Algodones translates into English as “The Cotton (plants).”

Source: wikipedia.org

Los Algodones

Mexico Living Contact Information

Associate Publisher Bill Maine 686-231-4921 / bill@mexicoliving.info

Los Algodones

los algodones

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Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

PUERTO Peñasco SONORA MEXICO

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

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

Puerto Peñasco has two main beach areas. To the 70 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

west of the Old Port area, there is a wide, flat area known as Sandy Beach. This is the home to several large hotel/resorts with more under construction.

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

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

GETTING TO PUERTO Peñasco FLYING

No commercial flights. Puerto Peñasco airport supports private and charter flights and AeroCalifa. has initiated air travel; there are flights scheduled to depart Puerto Peñasco to Hermosillo Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. and will depart Hermosillo en route to Peñasco at 11:45 a.m. Fares will run between MX$1,300–1,500.

Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

Photo by Rachel Pack

Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

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

DRIVING

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

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

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

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

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

Looking west across Governors Square to the Sea of Cortez, on the malecón in the Old Port area of Puerto Peñasco, Sonora.

Puerto Peñasco

Mexico Living Contact Information

Associate Publisher Russ Black 638-113-4591 / russ@mexicoliving.info

PUER TO Pe ñasco

DRIVING DISTANCES

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

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

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

THINGS TO DO

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

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

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

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Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

Dining & Lodging Guide

Dining Off the Beaten Path Gems Beyond the Tourist District

Rafael Arredondo is a sandwich artist, and two years ago he decided to share his talent with the rest of us by opening a sandwich shop in the heart of town.

Imagine a bolillo (Mexican sandwich roll) piled high with shredded pork, ham, white and yellow cheeses, bacon, avocado and tomato . . . that would be a “Super” at Tortas San Luis, the king of Rafael’s sandwich selection! Served with marinated carrots and onions, plus a chili for extra zip . . . add a side of crispy fries and a drink . . . what a meal!

Tortas San Luis offers a variety of sandwiches at crazy low prices; the Super is only 30 pesos! While Rafael makes sandwiches, his sidekick, Alejandro Solorio, takes orders, waits on tables and attends to customers. Alejandro is also the delivery guy, and the good news is that he will deliver anywhere in Puerto

72 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Photo by Gretchen Ellinger

by Gretchen Ellinger

Owner Rafael Arredondo (right) and Alejandro Solorio.

Peñasco, even Cholla Bay, at no extra charge, and there is no minimum order. Rafael says to watch for a menu expansion; he will soon be serving breakfast.

Located in the heart of the commercial district of Puerto Peñasco, called “Centro” by the local people, Tortas San Luis is open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m, except Sunday when closing is at 6 p.m., and easy to find. From Blvd. Benito Juárez, turn east at the traffic signal onto Melchor Ocampo; go east three blocks, and turn right onto Calle Cuauhtemoc.

Tortas San Luis is on your right. Call 388-6405 to order ahead, or better yet, ask for delivery! ¡Buen provecho!

Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

Puerto Peñasco DIRECTORY

#

. ..........................................636-388-7068

- Pool/Spa

- Accept Credit Cards

- Pet Friendly

- Wi-Fi / Internet

- Serves Breakfast

- Kitchen/Restaurant

- Beer/Spirits

- Map Number

- Reader Poll Winner

DIALING INSTRUCTIONS: USA to MX Cel Phone: 011+52+1+Area Code+(Tel #) USA to Mexico: 011+52+Area Code+(Tel #) Mexico to USA: 001+Area Code+(Tel #) MX Landline to MX Cell Phone: 045 or 044+Area Code+(Tel #) MX Cell Phone to MX Landline: Area Code+(Tel #) DIALING 800 NUMBER: 800 DIALING to the US From Mexico (dial 001+) To Dial USA 800.................................... dial 880 To Dial USA 866.................................... dial 883 To Dial USA 877.................................... dial 882 To Dial USA 888.................................... dial 881 IMPORTANT NUMBERS: MX 411 (Spanish only).................................040 Tourist Assistance Hotline............................076 Green Angels (MX toll Free)......1-800-903-0092 Worldwide Emergency No.for Mobile is....... 112 Emergencies.................................... 060 & 066 Sky Medical (from Mexico)...001-866-805-9624 Air-E-Vac ............................001-880-321-9522

PLACES TO EAT American Maxs Cafe ..................................................638-383-1011

Breakfast Giuseppe’s Coffee . .....................................638-383-5181 Chinese Rocky Point Chinese ...................................638-383-5940 Mexican Betos Place ................................................638-383-5198 Cocodrilos ..................................................638-383-6376 La Curva . ...................................................638-383-3470 Manny’s Beach Club ...................................638-383-3605 Aladinos Restaurant.....................................638-383-6175 Pizza Augustin’s Pizza and Wings..........................638-383-1699 13th Street in front of Kenos Steak & Seafood Friendly Dolphin ..........................................638-383-2608 Lighthouse . ................................................638-383-2389 Latitude 31 Rest. & Sports Bar.....................638-383-4311

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

PUER TO Pe ñasco

ICON Descriptions

Thirst Parrot

Motels/Moteles Baja Hotel....................................................638-383-6878 El Mirador Village.........................................638-383-6333

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Puerto Pe単asco, Sonora

74 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

In Search of Dolphins

by Naomi Black

Close up with a dolphin.

amidst about a dozen dolphins. Wildly waving my arms, I made crazy gestures to my husband, who jumped in another smaller kayak with his camera and paddled like mad to meet us.

The pedal kayak is very stable even with two people, and Braden steered the kayak in tight curves and turns as we followed the dolphins back and forth around for about a half an hour. I pedaled until I thought my legs would fall off!

PUER TO Pe ñasco

When I am at the beach, my eyes are always scanning the ocean searching for dolphins! When we first got a new Waverunner, after everyone rode, I finally took my turn in Cholla Bay. Within a few minutes, I noticed dolphins. They were swimming fast under the water and straight at me! Just as one swam directly under me, an alarm went off on the Waverunner.

I was completely excited! Quickly I rode back to the beach. “Russ, you didn’t tell me the new Waverunner has a FishFinder!” That’s a family joke now because the alarm was actually telling me that I was running out of gas. Technology often confuses me . . . But I do love dolphins.

Recently on a sunny Saturday morning, we rented a new pedal style kayak from Kayak Rocky Point. We took it out to the water near Las Conchas in Puerto Peñasco. The ocean was peaceful and clear; we could see deep under the calm water. My son, Braden, and I took the first ride. Before we knew it, we were kayaking

(Continues on page 79.)

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Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

Puerto Peñasco News Briefs

by Rosie Glover

F.I.S.H. Ministries feeds the hungry in Peñasco. Realizing that the economy is taking its toll on the poor, the Peñasco Christian Fellowship began The people who come to F.I.S.H. Ministries are thankful a project to feed, to those who contribute. inspire and serve the hungry. Pastor Stan Tedrow and his congregation started with two locations and have grown to three due to the generosity of the community. The food is humble.

Rice, beans and tortillas are the staples. “We would love others in the community to join us in thinking of the less fortunate, so they may also be blessed,” said Monroe Riddle. “We can feed 150 people per day for $1,000 per month. Donations of beans, rice, or literally any donation of food or money would be greatly appreciated.” All gifts are tax deductible.

Make checks payable to Mission Heartbeat, P.O. Box 1032, Lukeville, AZ, 85341. “Thank you so much for helping us serve the people of Mexico.”

Citing mutual trust as a fundamental premise, the Governors of Sonora, Eduardo Bours, and New Mexico, Bill Richardson, signed an agreement to establish a New Mexico/Senora Commission similar to the one Sonora currently has with the State of Arizona. Economic development, agriculture, tourism, health, education, and science and technology, along with border safety, will be the topics addressed once the New Mexico Congress approves the agreement.

Richardson said the states have much in common,

76 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

and he is confident that this agreement will lead to a firm and prosperous friendship. Specifics New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson & Sonora Governor of the issues named Eduardo Bours shake hands over were discussed in agreement to form commission detail, among them benefitting both States. were air travel to Peñasco, temporary work visas for New Mexico and a student exchange program.

Hermosillo-Peñasco air travel available. AeroCalifa has initiated air travel from Puerto Peñasco to Hermosillo. Citing the importance of linking the two cities, a company representative introduced the 13-passenger Airport administrator Cessna Caravan that Alonso Dominguez with Heriberto Morales, can double as an air representative of Mayor ambulance. Flights Renteria and Roberto Anaya are scheduled to deof AeroCalifa. part Puerto Peñasco Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. and will depart Hermosillo en route to Peñasco at 11:45 a.m. Fares will run between MX$1,300–1,500.

The Vecinos de Las Conchas delivered a check for US$1,000 to Puerto Peñasco’s First Lady Minerva de Renteria for the benefit of DIF. The hope is that this donation will motivate other community organizations to contribute to DIF, specifically for abandoned children.

Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

Puerto Peñasco gets its own Google! Bracken and Nina Cherry launched Peñasco Portal, a search engine Puerto Peñasco at www.penascoportal. com with an interactive Calendar of Events that will be of great use to those who organize events and meetings!

On his first visit to Puerto Peñasco, Luis Carlos Soto, new State Director of Tourism, met with hoteliers, checked on the projected visitor’s center for the Pinacate and attended the inauguration of the golf course at the Mayan Palace. Accompanied

by Sub-Secretary of Public Safety for Sonora, Remigio Martínez, he met with service providers and promised to increase tourism in this region from California, Arizona and New Mexico.

PUER TO Pe ñasco

Photos courtesy of Ramon Contreras

Minerva de Renteria, First Lady of Puerto Peñasco and President of DIF, was happy to receive the donation from Vecinos de Las Conchas.

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Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

Puerto Peñasco Scene

Around Town with Tom and Rita

by Rita Pizarro and Tom Thomas

The last month of spring is here and we have fantastic weather in Puerto Peñasco. Event season is on and locals and tourists alike are enjoying the great promotions and fun gatherings all around town; this is also a good time to give back to the community.

The city of Puerto Peñasco has been in dire need

Las Conchas Committee Relations presenting the first of many donations to the Children’s Home. Left to Right: Samuel Ortega, DIF Director; the Mayor’s wife, Minerva de Renteria; Lori Ramirez, Las Conchas Community Relations Chairman; and Gary Spray, Committe of Las Conchas Community Relations.

78 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

of a new Children’s Home since the Amor Children’s home closed. Now with the efforts of Rodger and Jeannette Clifton, together with Minerva de Renteria (the Mayor’s wife), we will have a new children’s home that will hold up to 50 neglected, abused or abandoned children. The economic downturn has drastically increased the need for this shelter and we all can help with some items needed to complete the shelter including a laptop computer, office furniture, linens, clothes, toys, furniture and a vehicle to transport kids to school. You can bring your donations to the Offices of FMI on Boulevard Freemont. Special Thanks to Las Conchas HOA for donating US$1,000 to this noble cause. We invite all other HOAs to join with their donations.

Portofino Sports Bar and Grill in the Old Port has a new Open Mic Night with Vania and Tony providing the music from 7–10 p.m. You can enjoy the versatile duet and join them with any of your talents while you enjoy an affordable dinner special of just MX$120.

Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

We have had several guests with great talent blending in perfectly with Vania and Tony for a fabulous evening.

Thirsty Parrot has a new special: Monday Madness with La Culebra, one of the locals’ favorite bands featuring songs in both English and Spanish from rock to salsa. If you like music and a good deal, don’t miss the 20 percent discount on all menu items and US$1 off all drinks, Monday from 7–10 p.m. La Culebra also performs Sundays from 1–4 p.m.

We see that Regina’s Restaurant has moved back to where it used to be, on the street that takes you out of the Old Port, with the same good food they have always had.

Sunday, April 5, brought the Extreme Challenege Motorcycle and Stunt Thrill show. Held in the parking lot of the Peñasco del Sol hotel, the motorcycle club Rebeldes de Villa organized the event made possible by the sponsors: Fetasa, Nissan, Tecate and Ace

(“In Search of Dolphins ” continued from page 75.)

Dolphin’s tail slapping.

The dolphins jumped as many as six wide in unison.

They are sleek creatures, barely gliding out of the water and then quietly diving back under water. We continued to watch in silence. Experiencing the moment! After quite a few minutes, one dolphin started to slap his tail on the water each time he came to the surface.

Braden said, “Mom, I think we’re making him nervous or something!” Later, some online research showed

“Extreme Challenge” Motorcycle and Stunt Thrill Show

Big news from Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers.

The previous May concert will be moving to June 6 and the stage will be moving to a new location as well.

The big sand lot in front of the Sonoran Spa will be transformed into the playground for Circus Mexicus hosted by Changos Cantina and Larry Large. Hope to see you at the show.

PUER TO Pe ñasco

Portofino Open Mic night with Tony and Vania

Hardware. Everyone was wide eyed with the motorcycle and car stunts; there was a stuntman wearing roller skates maneuvering a motorcycle, riders on front wheels and on back wheels, acrobatics on motorcycles, car tricks and even a Nissan truck driving on two wheels maneuvering around the brave participants from the public that were left shaken with excitement. It was a great success with a great turnout! Look for Rebeldes de Villa during the Rocky Point Bike Rally.

that he was probably right. Dolphins will slap the water with their tails for a number of reasons. Repeated tailslaps directed at a boat may indicate that the dolphin is “telling” the boat to “back off.” Other studies show that tail-slapping could be linked to feeding or social behaviors; perhaps the dolphin is “calling” other dolphins to come close because food is near.

In the silence of the pedal kayak, we could hear each dolphin as it emerged from the water making a loud “pooff” sound as it expelled air. Words simply cannot describe what it was like to be so close to these grand animals in such a quiet atmosphere. Finally, the dolphins made their exit, swimming away much faster than we could follow. Talk about making our day . . . Wow! For more information about pedal kayaks (rental or sales), contact Tammy at Kayak Rocky Point at (638) 103-2038, toll-free (866) 687-2510, or visit www. kayakrockypoint.com. For more information about dolphins, check out the Dolphin Research Institute at www.dolphinresearch.org.au.

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Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

Qué es Circus Mexicus?

by Naomi Black

“Rock ’n’ Roll and Mexico . . . with color, tequila, the sea, the desert . . . all the good things in one place and at one time! It is the most fun in the world!”

That is how Roger Clyne sums up what is Circus Mexicus.

Each year, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers pack up their panchos, sombreros and music and head to the beaches of Puerto Peñasco for their biggest concert event of the year. The music is rock ’n’ roll with Mexican mariachi spice and some indisputable Roger Clyne with drummer P.H. Naffah, lead guitarist Jim Dalton and bassist Nick Scropos, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers are the only independent band to debut in the Top 10 on world beat rhythms; Billboard’s Internet Sales chart for six consecutive albums, including two #1 entries. joined by the ocean, the sunset, the stars and fireworks to create the perfect that we love. Only by doing so will we “reclaim our blend of Circus Mexicus. rational minds by thinking outside of the fear box.”

The audience is likewise a diverse blend of all Roger recalls, as an example, a recent trip when ages. Many long-time fans will travel to Peñasco for he brought one of his sons to Puerto Peñasco for a Circus Mexicus, which is a three-day extravaganza! sailing trip. Of course, he would never put any of his Roger Clyne has a loyal following (formerly of The children in danger. But, he adds, “we cannot cower Refreshments, whose single Banditos, released in in fear; but live life with gusto!” Roger speaks with an 1996, remains their best-known song). The band obvious pride when it comes to his family. “The most hopes that along with offering great music, Circus precious thing in my life,” he says when speaking of Mexicus will be a positive economic boost for the his family: wife Alisa, his partner of 18 years, and his local businesses and vendors of Puerto Peñasco. children, Otis who is 12, and the twins, Rusty and Likewise, the hope is that the local audience will Lillie who are 10. be receptive to the blanket invitation to be a part of Themes of love, passion, the desert and Mexico Circus Mexicus, thus demonstrating that no border run strong in many of Roger’s lyrics. He tends should ever keep people apart! to haunt Peñasco when in search of some new Roger has a passion for Mexico, which demands inspiration. A favorite spot is under the salt cedars on notice in his lyrics and music. This passion extends the porch of JJ’s Cantina in Cholla Bay where lines to his candid and realistic response to the recent to many of his songs were written, including the song media campaign that generalizes the entire country of Your Name on a Grain of Rice, which includes this Mexico in an extremely negative sweep. Of course, he reference to JJ’s Cantina: recognizes that there are dangers anywhere, even in And now my second home is a third-world cantina our own backyard. However, his belief is that “a rational I spend years alone every day I don’t see you mind will trump fear.” That by being judicious and And to me the sunset is sinkin’ in the sea using common sense, we CAN travel safely to places Looks like my own bleedin’ corazon 80 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Puerto Peñasco, Sonora The lyrics are a bit of conscience and a lot of pure, overt fun. When you add decibels, sombreros and fireworks, you have Circus Mexicus!

The three-day 2009 Circus Mexicus extravaganza begins on Friday, June 5, with the Hot Dog and a Smile charity event at JJ’s Cantina to raise money for Esparanza para los Niños orphanage. Music by P.H. Naffah and The Railbenders. Hot dogs served for donations and 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated. The main event will take place at Chango’s Bar & Grill just behind the Sonoran Sea and Spa at a new outdoor venue. The opening band is Dead Rock West from Los Angeles. On Sunday everyone can return to JJ’s Cantina for the 2009 Mañanathon.

Event details www.changosrockypoint.com, www.jjscantina.com Band information www.azpeacemakers.com www.deadrockwest.com, www.railbenders.com

PUER TO Pe ñasco

Tickets www.peacetimegoods.com

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Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

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

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) ACCOUNTING/CONTABILIDAD BBBS Inc.....................................................928 329-8000 ARCHITECT/ARQUITECTO Plinio Rivero Architects & Builders . ......638 383-4710 ARTIST Marianne Menditto.......................................638-383-7616 BARS/CLUBS JJ’s Cantina ............................................ at Cholla Bay BooBar........................................................683-476-2665

Puerto Peñasco , Sonora

church/iglesia Family of God Christian Fellowship Non-Denominational 044-638- 107-7150 Church Worship Services, Sundays at 9 a.m. Placita Melanie, Suite #211 Blvd. Fremont Clothing/ropa Mad Gringo Clothing...........................mex.madgringo.com CONTRACTOR Manuel Pacheo......................................... (686) 577-0745 Contractor-builder building to American standards for 20 years contact Robert Brittain at Su Casa Elegante USA 760 477-5963 PMD Developments......................................638 105-9182 Casas Colibri Tom Swanson.........................638 383-7616 Curio SHOP Jose’s - Rosy’s - Carlos’s Curios.................638 383-8508 Just under Augustin’s Pizza and Wings DEVELOPMENTS/FRACCIONAMIENTOS Bella Vista ..............................................638-388-7194 "Parayso" Desembembogue Devept..............638 388-5707 DOCTORS/DOCTORES Dr. Luis Vasquez, M.D. ................................638 383-3014

CAR RENTAL/alquiler de autos The Point Rent-A -Car..................................638 388-5823

82 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Fire Department/Departamento de Bomberos Fire Department................................... 638-383-2828/068

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

Century 21 Cholla Bay ...............................638-382-5147 From the US 602-412-3311 ask for Grechen GretchenEllinger@century21penasco.com

FURNITURE/Mobiliario Disenos Furniture.........................................638-383-8633 Designs by Eddie Wharez Consign and Design ...................................638-110-6121 HOME INSPECTIONS Tom Thomas................................................602-748 4134 Immigration Services/Servicios de Inmigración Sun Valley Immigration Services .................638-383-8891 Ask for Bianey or Dynora INSURANCE Services/Servicios de SEGUROS Alejandro Portugal Insurance........................638-383-2390

Century 21 Puerto Peñasco USA Office # 480-626-4687

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

Puerto Peñasco, Mexico Fremont Blvd., Plaza Palmillas century21penasco.com Susie Flinn - Remax Puerto Penasco............638-360-5876 REAL ESTATE SERVICES/servicios DE BIENES RAÍCES Baja Closing & Escrow Services...................686-576-0653

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

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

RECREATION/RECREACIÓN Kayak Rocky Point ................................638-103-2038 Rocky Point Parasailing................................638-107-5922 www.RockyPointParasailing.com Rocky Point Jetski........................................638-110-8115 Jet Ski rental, fishing charters Choya Bay at JJ’s Cantina PARTY SUPPLIES/Fiestas provisiones Tips.............................................................638-383-3002 Stuff for your Events, Parties and Meetings

PUER TO Pe ñasco

Mexico Office # (01152) 638-388-1295

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

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

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

MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS Clinica Hospital........................................... 638-383-2447 City (Municipal) Hospital ............................638-383-2110 Central Clinic ..............................................638-383-2110 Hospital IMSS ............................................638-383-2777 Red Cross . .................................................638-383-2266 REAL ESTATE/BIENES RAÍCES Baja Lending Co...........................................760-494-7053 Buena Vide Real Estate.................................638-110-4127

Seamstress/Modista Naomi Black (habla ingles)...........................638-388-5004 naomi@rhipeo.com TEQUILA Manny’s Tequila Factory...............................638-388-0607 Translation / Transducciones Shandra (Sami) Keesecker-Rivero................638-383-8217 www.recursosmexico.com info@recursosmexico.com utilities/empresas de servicios públicos Power Company ..................................638-383-2492/071 Propane .....................................................638-383-2630 Telephone Office .........................................638-383-2288 Water Co. ..................................................638-383-2060 Window Coverings Blinds Depot................................................638-105 1275 Seaside Window Coverings..........................638-383 5181

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 83

San Carlos

Mexico Living Contact Information

Associate Agent Lynn Prince 622-111-2624 / lynnprinceformlg@gmail.com an Carlos is a beachfront subdivision within the port city of Guaymas, in the northern state of Sonora in S Mexico. It is noted for the exceptional clarity and warmth

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

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

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

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

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

TRAVEL INFORMATION

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

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

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

Private planes may land here also. Administrator is Juan Jose Jauregui Kawakita. Tel: +52 (01) 622 1-00-44 +52 (01) 622 1-06-34 +52 (01) 622 1-08-04 More information on private aircraft is available from AOPA at: 1 800/USA-AOPA www.aopa.org/members/resources/international.html 84 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

The amazing cactus forest at the entrance to Paradiso Resort in San Carlos, Guaymas, Sonora Mexico.

Transportation from the airport to San Carlos – the taxi union at the airport has set their fares to a standard rate of $30 usd (300 pesos) from the airport to hotels in town.

Car rental at the Guaymas airport for about $70 usd (700 pesos). Budget Car Rental and Hertz have local offices.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OTHER INFO: Ferry – Guaymas to Santa Rosalia. Departures: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 8:00pm. Phone 622-222-0204 Mexican Toll Free #01-800-505-5018 U.S. Consulate – in Hermosillo: Monterrey #141 Rosales Street and Galeana Col. Esqueda. Open Mon-Fri 8:00am to 4:30pm Phone: 622-289-3500.

Photo by Rachel Pack

San Carlos,/SGonora uaymas, Sonora

San Carlos Puerto S/anGPC uaymas eñasco arlos, Sonora

World s’ Largest Private Yacht

T

by Lynn Prince

he world’s largest private yacht, The World, will dock all 644 feet of her luxurious girth in the Port of Guaymas on May 21. The World is a floating city at sea; a private residential community of wealthy, adventuresome voyagers who actually own their pricey residence on this 12-story dream vessel.

Because residents purchased the vessel and all the assets connected with its operation, they and the ship’s captains collectively determine the elegant craft’s yearly itinerary, based on their personal interests. The World averages 2.5 days in each port, but it is not unusual for the vessel to spend months in diverse regions around the globe allowing thrilling adventures, in-depth exploration, deep immersions in various cultures and memorable journeys. It is not your ordinary touristy approach to sea travel, but a secluded, floating sanctuary at sea has been intimately created and personalized for its elite owners.

In 2009 The World is offering three unique expeditions to some of the most diverse locations around the globe,

and the first of these voyages takes place May 15–24 right here in Mexico’s largest natural aquarium on earth . . . our very own Sea of Cortez. The fact that the wealthy residents of this prestigious vessel would pick a 10-day journey on the Sea of Cortez speaks volumes about our area’s picturesque destinations and islands with its volcanic mountains, exotic sandy beaches, azure blue waters, and thousands of known species of marine life. They are docking in our very own Port of Guaymas to enjoy the good life in Mexico!

Although this pleasure yacht could easily house 657 passengers, they choose instead to limit the number of residents and guests onboard at any given time to 150–200 people. An experienced seafaring staff of 250 provide nearly one-on-one care with every amenity and high-end service imaginable. So residents are pampered and enveloped in utter luxury the minute they step onboard.

PUER SAN TOCARLOS Pe ñasco

To Dock In Guaymas

(Continues on page 90.)

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 85

San Carlos,/SGonora uaymas, Sonora

Las Cachoreadas

A Seafood Lover’s Paradise If you are looking for large portions of uniquely prepared seafood at reasonable prices, head to Las Cachoreadas in Guaymas. Las Cachoreadas is located on Blvd. Benito Juarez, past the Soriano supermarket, on the right side of the street. Look for the large orange Mariscos sign.

Don’t let the look from the street dissuade you.

Beyond the gates is a welcoming patio, cooled by overhead fans. A big mango tree provides shade and adds to the Mexican courtyard atmosphere. The patio is decorated with large underwater murals on the walls and colorful parrots, and Mexican flags overhead.

Las Cachoreadas serves an extended lunch Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Though busy at lunch time, we found a seat and were greeted with chips and salsa almost immediately. The service continued to be prompt and friendly throughout the meal.

The menus are only in Spanish, so keep a dictionary handy. There are no desserts or alcohol. On the menu, foods are grouped under the following headings: tostadas, cocteles, tacos, orden, ceviche and caldos (soup).

We started with an appetizer of orden de toros. This is a delicious dish of roasted chiles with the seeds removed and stuffed with shrimp in a soya, lime and salt sauce. Sharing an order of these is a little like playing Russian rullet, as you never know if your chile will be picante or not. An order of 12 chiles is just MX$80.

I found it hard to choose between the large assortments of seafood dishes, but finally settled on tacos—one marlin and one shrimp. The corn tortillas were lightly fried, making them crispy, but not crumbly.

The marlin taco was filled with a mouth-watering combination of fresh marlin, melted white cheese,

86 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

Photos by Christa Thomas

by Christa Thomas

Above: Tostados Embarazaca.

Left: Sue Fehrle enjoying a meal at Las Cachoreadas.

tomatoes, onions and green chiles. The simple but delectable shrimp tacos were filled with fresh shrimp, onions and cilantro. These tacos are priced at only MX$17 each.

One of my dining companions ordered the restaurant’s specialty, cachoreada. If you are in the mood for a very large helping of seafood, this is the dish for you. It comes with shrimp, octopus, snail, crab and muscles piled high on a tostado and smothered in a soya and lime sauce all for MX$50.

The manuela, only MX$70, tempted my other dining companion with its raw and cooked shrimp, muscles, red onion, and avocado in a soya and lime sauce. Rico (delicious)!

None of these meals come with side dishes. But don’t worry, you won’t leave hungry, as the portions are very generous.

The next time you are in Guaymas, search for this quaint eatery that serves huge helpings of seafood at reasonable prices. Remember to come early, as the locals quickly fill it at lunch time.

San Carlos Puerto S/anGPC uaymas eñasco arlos, Sonora

Staying Fit In Paradise

Aracelly instructing an aqua aerobics class. In the pool from left to right: Jeff, Suzanne, Carol and Debbie.

How do you stay fit in Paradise? Well, in San Carlos we join the San Carlos Athletic Club, and have fun while we stay fit. The San San Carlos Athletic Club.

Carlos Athletic Photo by Linda Shiflett.

Club is located one block north of M.F. Beltrones Boulevard, across from the Hotel Fiesta Real and behind the Tecalai gated community, at Avenida 3 #110 Esq. Con Calle IV. Opening up in the fall of 2007, the Athletic Club has become a daily routine for many of the full- and parttime residents of both San Carlos and Guaymas. You can begin your morning as early as 6 a.m. and finish up as late as 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays 8 a.m.–5 p.m. While the club is closed on Sunday, it is probably a good idea. Everyone needs a day of rest.

I joined the club myself in January 2008, eagerly anticipating the aqua aerobics classes. I was not disappointed. At that time they were four days a week and a real workout. After getting my feet wet, I then moved on to some of the indoor classes. The aqua aerobics instructor is Aracelly, who worked at Curves in Guaymas until they closed in the fall of 2007. Aracelly teaches three aqua aerobics classes a week, Tuesday–Thursday, 9–9:45 a.m. The pool is beautiful and very refreshing. Some afternoons, when I can find time, I sneak away and swim and sunbathe on the comfortable lounges poolside.

The San Carlos Athletic Club has much more to offer than just aqua aerobics. The following list will keep you busy, just reading it: weight/cardio machines, fitness classes, jazzercise, Latin dance, Zumba Fitness, ABS, yoga, Jazz Jr., spinning, Tae Kwon Do for adults and juniors, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, tennis courts and lessons, climbing wall, showers and locker rooms, cafe/juice bar, athletic pro shop, child care, etc. Myself, I love the elliptical machines. If they are busy, I will opt for the treadmill, stair stepper or stationery bicycles. But, the elliptical is a magnetic resistance cross trainer that is hard to beat. The monitor display scans pulse, elapsed time, speed, calories burned, distance traveled, etc.

Photo by Linda Shiflett

After I do 30 minutes on this machine, I have had a workout! And the club has a Pilates Reformer room and classes. Pilates Reformer and swimming lessons are not included in the membership fee.

The memberships vary from individual, student, couple, business and/or family and can be paid monthly, quarterly, biannually or annually. The employees are all very accommodating and always ready to answer questions or assist the members.

They also sell passes for anyone interested in a short-term membership or who just wants to try out the facility for a day. After 15 months as a member, I can testify that it is well worth the money. I enjoy keeping fit and making friends with other members.

Stop by and visit the San Carlos Athletic Club. See you at the pool!

PUER SAN TOCARLOS Pe ñasco

Photo by Linda Shiflett

by Linda Shiflett

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 87

San Carlos,/SGonora uaymas, Sonora

Romancing The Mollusk

Mexico’s Treasure To Humanity - The Sea Of Cortez Pearl

by Lynn Prince

The pearl is one of the oldest gems to adorn humans. Before cultured pearls (pearls formed on a farm with the help of man), natural pearls were very rare. Hundreds of pearl oysters had to be gathered and opened to find one pearl; the reason they fetched such high prices. So, the pearl became a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable and valuable.

Holy things were compared to pearls as in the Bible where the “great city, the holy Jerusalem” descended out of heaven from God . . . its “twelve gates” each being made of a single pearl. The Quran says, “dwellers of paradise will be adorned with pearls,” and the Mormon book of Scriptures is called The Pearl of Great Price.

It was in the 1500s that Spanish Conqueror Cortez sent his first expedition to the “Sea of Pearls” to find the legendary black pearls. The Sea of Cortez has produced some of the finest known pearls—the Sea of Cortez Pearl. These prized gems became New

Spain’s main export product at one time, and were known as the “Queen of Gems and Gem of Queens” . . . the most famous of European Royal Crowns are bedecked with Sea of Cortez Pearls.

With my head filled with the mystic of the pearl legends, I set out to take a fascinating day trip to the Perlas del Mar de Cortez (the Pearl Farm), located in Miramar, Guaymas. The vast majority of cultured pearls produced in Mexico come from Bacochibampo Bay, Guaymas, Sonora. Inside the aqua farm, nearly 200,000 oysters are grown, and with a yearly output of 3 Kg of cultured pearls and 5,000 mabe pearls, it makes their pearls some of the world’s rarest gems.

The “Farm” became the first commerciallycultured saltwater pearl operation in the American continent in 2000 due to the hard work and expertise of its founders Sergio Farell, Douglas McLaurin, Manuel Nava, and Enrique Arizmendi. And the only one in the world growing loose cultured pearls using the unique Rainbow Lipped Pearl Oyster; which produce pearls of unique colors like opalescent gray, true golden/bronze, olive/green, silver, purple/violet, and jet black . . . and green, rose, blue and lavender . . . colors not attained on any other pearl farm in the world.

The pearl hut where the processing goes on rests on the azure blue seas on Bacochibampo Bay.

The Rainbow Lipped Pearl Oyster that produces pearls of unique colors.

An employee from the gift shop displays an exquisite finished product . . . the famed Sea of Cortez pearl.

88 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

San Carlos Puerto S/anGPC uaymas eñasco arlos, Sonora In the wild, a parasite (not a grain of sand) invades The “Farm” consists of a suspended-culture the oyster trying to feed off of its soft tissue; and system (long-lines) from which special culture cages in retaliation to protect itself, the oyster releases are “hung,” each culture phase will have a cage nacre; the liquid mother of pearl substance which specially suited for their adequate growth. The oysters encapsulates the parasites remain protected from and smothers them. their natural predators of The oyster continues to octopus, crabs, starfish, ith my head filled with the layer the parasite in the snails and other fish, mystic of the pearl legends, nacre; thus producing and will feed by filtering the pearl. But, the “Farm” nutritional substances I set out to take a fascinating has developed a way to from the same waters. day trip to the Perlas del Mar replicate nature’s growing By “green” standards this process for the pearl; a aquaculture system has a de Cortez (the Pearl Farm).

3.5-year process which low environmental impact, results in a gem that is and in some countries a a unique gift from Mexico to the world. Of all the positive impact over natural wildlife population, and pearls cultured today, the one closest to the following is considered a long-term sustainable industry. attributes, is the Sea of Cortez Pearl: The tour of the farm is a fascinating afternoon and Beauty – Pearls without artificial embellishment— ends in the gift shop filled with beautiful, exquisite never polished, bleached, irradiated or artificially pearl jewelry. Mention that you read about them in dyed—100% all-natural beauty. Under UV Fluorescent Mexico Living and receive a 10 percent discount on lighting, a red to pinkish glow occurs; the only pearl any purchase in the gift shop.

Visit the Perlas del Mar de Cortez website at that will glow this way.

Durability – Thick nacre layer (thickness of 1.2 www.perlas.com.mx or call 221-0136 to take their guided mm) which confers resistance and durability to the English and Spanish tours of the farm. Tours are Monday– Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; Saturday 9–11 a.m. pearl enabling it to last over 500 years!

Rarity – Sea of Cortez pearls have a limited production of less than 4 kilos per year, which is less than 4,000 pearls for all of humanity. Whereas China produces over 2,000 tons of fresh-water pearls yearly, which equals eight pearls per living human being on earth.

PUER SAN TOCARLOS Pe ñasco

W

A stunning blue pearl rests in the oyster of its natural growth environment.

Thanks to the success of owners Enrique Arizmendi (far left), Douglas McLaurin Moreno (center), and Manuel Nova (far right), Perlas del Mar de Cortez became the 1st commercial cultured saltwater pearl farm in the North American continent in 2000.

Owner Sergio Ferrell is not pictured here.

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 89

San Carlos,/SGonora uaymas, Sonora (“The World’s Largest Private Yacht” continued from page 85.)

The World offers 165 homes starting at $1.4 million all the way up to $7 million. All homes are currently sold, but some are occasionally for rent, with a minimum sixnight stay.

The World - View from the Deck The ship also offers a host of unbelievable amenities from scores of culinary restaurants that include a gourmet market/deli and café, two swimming pools, tennis court, paddle court, golf facilities with a golf simulator that enable golfers to The World Patio Restaurant virtually play famous golf courses around the world, babysitting services, and an endless list of unique onboard activities and entertainment.

Yours truly and a television crew from Channel 8 will be filming a live tour The World Lobby aboard The World and interviewing residents, so stay tuned for a more in-depth look at life onboard The World.

For more information, visit www.aboardtheworld.com.

SAN CARLOS DIRECTORY ICON Descriptions

#

- Pool/Spa

- Accept Credit Cards

- Pet Friendly

- Wi-Fi / Internet

- Serves Breakfast

- Kitchen/Restaurant

- Beer/Spirits

- Map Number

- Reader Poll Winner

DIALING INSTRUCTIONS: USA to MX Cel Phone: 011+52+1+Area Code+(Tel #) USA to Mexico: 011+52+Area Code+(Tel #) Mexico to USA: 001+Area Code+(Tel #) MX Landline to MX Cell Phone: 045 or 044+Area Code+(Tel #) MX Cell Phone to MX Landline: Area Code+(Tel #) DIALING 800 NUMBER: 800 DIALING to the US From Mexico (dial 001+) To Dial USA 800................................ dial 880 To Dial USA 866................................ dial 883 To Dial USA 877................................ dial 882 To Dial USA 888................................ dial 881 IMPORTANT NUMBERS: MX 411 (Spanish only)............................ 040 Tourist Assistance Hotline....................... 076 Green Angels (MX toll Free).1-800-903-0092 Worldwide Emergency No.for Mobile is.. 112 Emergencies................................060 & 066 Sky Medical (from Mexico).001-866-805-9624 Air-E-Vac ....................... 001-880-321-9522

BUSINESS DIRECTORY (A-Z) ATTORNEYS Lic. Ma. del Carmen Ordaz Aguiar................622-226-0000 Professional License No. 2020630 DENTISTS American Dental.......................... San Carlos 622-226-2167 ...................................................... Nogales 520-631-5263 Fire Department/Departamento de Bomberos Fire Department (call Rescate)..................... 622-226-0911 Rescue Squad/EMT's (Rescate).................... 622-226-0911 FURNITURE Tesoro Furniture...........................................622-226-2210 MEDICAL SERVICES/SERVICIOS MÉDICOS Ambulance.......................662-255-9181 or 662-253-0776 Clinica San Carlos........................................ 622-226-0062 CIMA Hospital.............................................. 662-259-0900 Surgical Medical Center................................ 662-222-0267

90 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

MISCELLANEOUS Dolphin Assistance Foundation.....................622-227-7657 POLICE/POLICÍA San Carlos Policia........................................622-226-1400 State Policia.................................................622-226-1540 Commisario Sergio Garcia............................622-226-0004

PUER SAN TOCARLOS Pe ñasco

San Carlos Puerto S/anGPC uaymas eñasco arlos, Sonora

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/RENTALS Seaside Reservations..........................1-888-502-2761 US www.seasidesancarlos.com 1-800-830-9592 MX Vacation Rentals - beautiful Views, biggest inventory!

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

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 91

Little things to do while relaxing

Brain Games

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

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

Spanish Quiz and Tip As Spanish is a Latin-based language, I feel that it is easier to learn by knowing the root of the word—some of which have the same root in English. Also it is much more fun to learn if we begin by playing a language game, so here are some questions for you to work out.

1. The word in Spanish for goodbye is adios. Dios in Spanish means God, so literally adios means "to God." Question: What word in English do we use when referring to a group of churches or parishes in a surrounding neighborhood that begins with "Dios"?

2. The word in Spanish for sea is mar. Name six words in English that have something to do with the sea and include the Latin root "mar."

3. What city in Texas literally means yellow in Spanish?

92 - Guide to Resort Living in Northwest Mexico

Brain Games & Fun

Difficulty : ď‚Ť

BR AI N GAMES

SUDUKO

Get more info: www.mexicoliving.info - 93

More Great Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

All are welcome membership is not required to attend, We look forward to seeing you at the next mixer! February 11, 2009 at 5 p.m. Chango’s restaurant in front of the Sonoran sea resort. Chango’s will have drink and appetizer specials.

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

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

SAN FELIPE, B.C. Baja Mija Popcorn Dust, flavored toppings for microwave popcorn: email for information bajamija@gmail.com SAN FELIPE, B.C. INN FOR SALE. The Dreamweaver Inn corporation is an old port business and income property. This inn is fully furnished and sits across from Governors Square with large veranda over looking the sea and malecon.

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

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

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS Rosarito, B.C Home For Sale on Rosarito’s Gold Coast The best location, location, location at Descanso (Km. 55 TJ-Ens. toll road) w/ ocean and mtn. views.

Furnished 2bd, 2 ba home in a secure development has just been reduced from $260K to $230,000. Leave message at 661-614-3019 or 619573-4034, or email: bajayadayada@ gmail.com, for viewing.

SAN FELIPE, B.C.

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

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

Fill Blk 39,000.

SAN FELIPE, B.C. 120’ x 120’ lot , util avail. may divide $25,000.

SAN FELIPE, B.C. 60’ x 120’ lot with septic installed, water, elec and fenced $16,000.

SAN FELIPE, B.C. La Hacienda – Unbelievably priced at $279,000. Unobstructed views, pool, double garage, workshop, servant’s quarters. Make offer! Desert Hawk Properties. US 760-370-0090, MX 686577-1244, www.deserthawkproperties. com.

SAN FELIPE, B.C. Club Cortez – 229,000 OBO. Private community, new home, great views,

94 - The ONLY Monthly Guide to Northwest Mexico

furnished, all paperwork in order with bank trust. Owners anxious. Reduced to 189,315.00. Desert Hawk Properties, US 760-370-0090, MX 686-577-1244, www.deserthawkproperties.com.

SAN FELIPE, B.C. Fraccionamiento del Mar – premium lot, all city services, next to commercial area. 39,000 dollars, negotiable. Desert Hawk Properties, US 760-370-0090, MX 686-577-1244, www.deserthawkproperties.com.

SAN FELIPE, B.C. Villa de las Palmas – Located directly in front of beach access this lovely home boasts a total of 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths and 2 half baths, 2 complete kitchens, 2 car garage and is being sold fully furnished. 480,000 OBO. Desert Hawk Properties, US 760370-0090, MX 686-577-1244, www. deserthawkproperties.com.

SAN FELIPE, B.C. La Hacienda – Lot on second row from beach. Great views with plans available. Just reduced to $95,000 dollars. Best value in development.

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

SAN FELIPE, B.C. Villa de las Palmas – Beachfront lot located in prestigious private community with full services in the midst of the most upscale developments. Best value priced below market at $295,000. Desert Hawk Properties, US 760-3700090, MX 686-577-1244, www. deserthawkproperties.com.

PUERTO peñasco, SONORA Sandy Beach Princesa Condo Located “ON” the beach- 2br/2ba, fully furnished, assumable note & seller is willing to carry! Reduced from $280k to $225,000.

Contact Century 21 Heidi Wosak 638388-1295 or 480-626-4687.

PUERTO PENASCO, SONORA Las Conchas Second Row Home & Guest Cottage- 3br/3ba 50ft from beach, remodeled in 2005, in excellent condition. Only $499,000 Contact

More Great Information Century 21 Sun & Sand Brad Henderson 638-388-1295 or 480-626-4687.

PUERTO PENASCO, SONORA Sandy Beach Resort Blvd. Parcel For Sale- 1817sm. Perfect for Commercial/ Residential Development, enjoy Views of Ocean & Golf Course. $349,000 Contact Century 21 Sun & Sand Jim Ringquist 638-388-1295 or 480-626-4687.

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

PUERTO PENASCO, SONORA Playa Encanto Fractional Offering.

6br/4ba, 3,244sf interior plus 2,000sf terrace. 6 fireplaces, wet bar, fully furnished, so many extras. Offered at $269,000 Contact Century 21 Sun & Sand Dennis Foreman 638-388-1295 or 480-626-4687.

SAN FELIPE B.C. “Casita for rent at Cantu’s Cove, Winner of Best Beach for two years in a row! Enjoy the Cove and Beach by the day, week or month. Email vcantu@thegrid.net for information.

RENTAL LISTINGS Rosarito, B.C Large House for rent. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, furnished, fireplace, garden, carport, view, big porch llocated in La Mision. $650 per month. MX 646-1550011 or US 619-270-8991.

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

Cell number 686-231-4921.

LIST YOUR ITEM 20 words or less for FREE

Rosarito, B.C Baja Malibu. Cute furnished studio with DISH TV and utilities included. Walk to beach, secure and private $260 mo.

646-614-1270

686-230-9933

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