Rocky Point Times - April 2022

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and a guide and I do have to say that that is the way to go, especially if you’ve never been. Israel Nava out of Caborca was our guide and he was awesome – even set up camp and cooked us meals and he is a wealth of information! While border hours have not been extended for the Easter Holiday this month, don’t forget that next month on Friday, May 27th and Monday, May 30th, the Lukeville/ Sonoyta border will be open until 10:00 PM instead of the normal 8:00 PM…extended hours are ONLY on the Friday and Monday of Memorial Day Holiday Weekend.

be hanging around Peñasco during April as well. As well as spending four nights in Guerrero Negro, we also spent four nights at Ignacio Springs Bed and Breakfast, which is on the river in San Ignacio – so awesome! Bonnie and Paul, the proprietors of Ignacio Springs, not only cooked us breakfast and dinner, but they took care of organizing our whale watching trip for our group of 12. (Bonnie even babysat my puppy while we were out for the day – so cool!) I didn’t think the whale watching experience would be that much different than it was in Guerrero Negro, but the entire experience was totally different. A lot of the whales had already left the lagoon, but we did have an awesome day. While we were at the Springs, we also took a day and drove down to Santa Rosalia to check it out – what a charming town! I can’t wait to go back next year and spend more time there and to do more exploring down by Loreto and checking out some other whale watching spots… after bothering Tony in Guerrero Negro, of course.

Editorial by Lannette Phipps

Founder's/Owner's Thomas Nelson O'Hare III (RIP 1941-2013) Sandra Jo O'Hare (RIP 1946-2018)

The Rocky Point Times Newspaper is a tourist Newspaper dedicated to promoting and helping the community since 1991. ROCKY POINT TIMES STAFF Lannette Phipps – Editor Patrick Kilcullen – Managing Editor Alicia Grajeda – Administrative Executive Marco Zepeda – Sales and Accounts Executive Beatriz Lumbreras – Freelance Graphic Artist MONTHLY CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION The RPTimes is hand delivered to Puerto Peñasco, MX and Lukeville and Ajo, AZ. We bulk mail monthly subscriptions to the U.S. and Canada. SUBSCRIPTIONS 1 year subscription (12 months) is $35 USD Go to www.rptimes.com and click on subscriptions or mail your check to Rocky Point Times LLC, PO Box 887, Lukeville, AZ 85341. ADVERTISING/AD DEADLINE Deadline for ads is the 10th of the month preceding publication (Sept. 10th for Oct. edition). Call or email us for ad rates. MEXICO OFFICES: Ave. Agustin Melgar (off of Samuel Ocaña), Pto. Peñasco, Son. Mexico 83550 Col. Nueva Esperanza U.S. MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 887, Lukeville, AZ 85341 PHONE/EMAIL From the U.S. call (480) 463-6255 Local call 383-6325 rockypointtimes@yahoo.com WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA www.rptimes.com Facebook: Rocky Point Times Newspaper Instagram: Rocky Point Times Newspaper Twitter: @RockyPointTimes. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anita Kaltenbaugh, Allen Schwartz Cap'n Greg, Cholla Charli Joseph Sanchez, Kathleen Duncan Mark Paliscak, Rosarie Salerno Rob Baylor, Vince Deadmond Linda & Bo Bernard, Stephanie Wood PHOTO & ARTICLE SUBMISSION The Rocky Point Times is not responsible for the content of any advertising, nor has it attempted to verify any ad claims. Content contained in this publication is not authorized to be copied or reproduced without the permission of the Editor and Advertiser or Contributing Writer.

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pring Break was great last month – the weekdays seemed a little slower, but weekends were super, super busy and though we had some windy days, the weather was still great. This month we’re looking forward to Semana Santa, which draws huge crowds to our beaches from all over Mexico and the U.S. The nightlife on Calle 13 is epic, people watching and cruising the Malecon is great, and spending the afternoon watching everyone shoot up and down Competition Hill can’t be beat. Get out and have some fun over the Easter Holiday. The big news this month is that Calafia Airlines will be starting their direct flights from Tijuana to Puerto Peñasco, which will hopefully bring us a lot more visitors and introduce Rocky Point to a whole new audience. The airline will be operating two weekly flights, Monday and Friday, which will begin on April 29th. This will be great for us locals too who want to fly to other locations like Loreto or La Paz or catch a connection in Tijuana to big cities like Cabo or Cancun or grab an international flight. We’ll no longer have to drive to Mexicali, Hermosillo or Phoenix to catch a flight…not only are flights usually cheaper when leaving from within Mexico, but you’ll also save a bundle on airport parking. Joseph Sanchez, owner of Rocky Point Home Builders, goes into more detail about flights in his article on Page 10 of this issue. The Pinacate Biosphere Region is once again open for camping, visiting, and hiking. The visitor center has been open, but we’ve not been allowed to tour the craters, camp, or hike without a guide. I was able to go with a group of friends

Whale watching on the Baja last month

I did get out to Santo Coyote Restaurant (at Encantame Towers) again before I left for whale watching on the Baja…I took lots of photos, tried new menu items, copied the menu and even took notes. I had high expectations of knocking out The Eats while on the Baja, but we were just too busy exploring Mexico and hanging with the whales. The weather was absolutely gorgeous over there, and we had awesome encounters getting up close and personal with lots of Mama Grey Whales and their babies. Tony Ballesteros got some great photos of us, and we witnessed a “teenager” breaching 14 times in a row with the first few being pretty close to our panga. Tony said that was a new record for breaches! You can still make a trip over to Guerrero Negro with Tony through the end of the month and I highly recommend it if you want an experience of a lifetime. If you can’t make it to the Baja, hopefully the whales will still

Hanging out on the beaches north of Rocky Point

Well, I’m off to the beautiful empty beaches north of Peñasco on this gorgeous sunny day. I was there a few days ago with friends from California, Arizona and Rocky Point and had a great time hanging out, letting the mutt run around getting wet and muddy and working on my tan. How I love all that Mexico has to offer! Hope to see you at the beach soon!!


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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255


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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255

ADVERTISERINDEX ADVERTISER INDEX & PHONE PHONENUMBERS NUMBERS DIALING INSTRUCTIONS

Colins Cantina...................(638) 382-8020 Combo Taco

ALSO SEE OUR GENERAL INFO. PAGES FOR MORE INFO.

D Day-Spa-Cito......................(638) 156-2889

from the U.S., Canada and Mexico

from the U.S. - Canada – Mexico (52) Mexico Country Code (638) Puerto Peñasco City/Area Code PEÑASCO NUMBERS ARE LISTED WITH (638) U.S. NUMBERS START WITH 480/520/602/623/815 U.S. TOLL FREE NUMBERS LISTED AS 800/888 MEXICO TOLL FREE NUMBERS LISTED AS (01) 800 ALSO SEE OUR GENERAL INFO. PAGES FOR MORE INFO.

CALLING FROM THE U.S. to call land lines & cellular phones Dial 011-52-638 + 7-dight number

CALLING WITHIN MEXICO to call land lines & cellular phones Dial (area code) + 7-dight number

CALLING FROM A U.S CELL IN MEXICO

to call U.S. numbers Dial +1 + (area code) + 7-dight number to call Mexico numbers (you may have to try more than one method) Dial +011 + 52 + (area code) + 7-dight number Dial +52 + (area code) + 7-dight number Dial 01 + (area code) + 7-dight number

INDEX

A American Legion..................(638) 388-8841 Animal Adoption Center ...................(638) 383-1012/(602) 412-3932 Anchor Storage.................(638) 102-0449 or.......................................(638) 105-2365 Artemiza Gandara, Playa Sonora Realty ................(638) 119-2211/(602) 718-5066 Arturo Lepe Attorney..........(638) 386-1817 B Baja Auto Service ………………(638) 383-4295/(638) 110-7205 Barb's Dog Rescue …………..…...........................(638) 114-1659 BBQ House.........................(638) 100-6886 Burrito Express...................(638) 383-8460 C Calderon Body Shop..........(638) 114-4259 Casago......(638) 383-0700/(888) 262-4508 ChemDry.............................(638) 388-3674 or.........................................(928) 227-7703 Chochoy Veterinary Clinic...(638) 383-2338 24 hr. Emergency..................(638) 380-9285 Cholla Bay Powder Coating...(602) 989-0646 or.........................................(638) 105-9290 Christoper Guarino, Las Palomas Sales ...........................................(480) 257-5757 Cielito Lindo......................(638) 108 2100 Cinthya Guirado................(638) 125-7738 or.......................................(480) 771-4060

E Eco Pharmacy.................(638) 383-7017 El Tapeo...........................(638) 380-5017 Encantame Towers .................(638) 688-1010/(480) 445-9200 Excellence Garage Doors....(638) 105-9897 or.......................................(638) 383-5333 F Family of God Christian Fellowship ……..…….…(638) 383-3480/(480) 812-5200 Five Senses Spa & Hair Clinic (638) 112-1652/(638) 108-1000 ext. 210035 G Gastelum, Jonathan - HVAC Specialist .........................................(638) 113-7004 Garufa Steakhouse...........(638) 688-0101 Georgina Ross...................(520) 265-3789 or........................................(638) 112-0922 Gloria's Beauty Salon ...................(638) 383-5075/(638) 383-8500 H Hacienda del Sol Furniture.(602) 903-2112 or.......................................(638) 388-0545 Head Out to Rocky Point Shuttle Service ............................................(602) 971-0166 Hotel Viña del Mar..............(638) 383-0100 …...........(602) 606-7768/(01) 800-560-2123 I-J-K Iron City Polaris..................(602) 272-5551 John Hibbert, Las Palomas Sales .........................................(480) 257-5757 John Witt, Las Palomas Sales ............................................(480) 257-5757 JJ H-Vac................................(638) 114-5022 Keller Williams Rocky Point ..........................................(602) 774-7431 or.......................................(638) 380-8517 Kenneth Wallace, Las Palomas Sales ..........................................(480) 257-5757 Kilombo Café.....................(638) 690-9167 Kord's Auto Care................(520) 387-6962 or.......................................(520) 387-4TOW Kuroda...........................(638) 388-1290 L La Bella Spa........................(638) 383-8575 or........................................(638) 115-3329 La Patagonia Restaurant.....(638) 114-7335 Laguna Shores Resort.........(638) 383-0210 or........................................(800) 513-1426 Las Palomas Sales...............(480) 257-5757 Law Firm L & M....................(638) 386-1817

Lopez, Antonio - HVAC Specialist ............................................(638) 114-5022 Los Martinez Restaurant......(744) 402-0184 Lucy Spa..............................(638) 105-8993 M Maeva Residential..............(638) 380-8058 Mamacitas Mama Mia Pizza.................(638) 125-4760 Mar de Cortez Beach Home & Condo Rentals ..........................................(638) 388-8747 or................(638) 112-8194 / (602) 218-7300 Mark Paliscak.......................(602) 526-7478 Mirsa Tile.............................(638) 383-6770 Mi Hacienda Restaurant......(638) 113-0252 Mare Blu Ristorante.............(638) 383-0605 Moo Steakhouse & Grille.....(638) 114-3595 Muebles Coloniales.............(638) 383-6670 or.........................................(638) 383-6671 N-O Napa Auto & RV.....................(520) 387-6962 or.......................................(520) 387-4TOW Optica Turati.......................(638) 383-4645 or........................................(520) 505-6236 P Pane e Vino Restaurant........(638) 105-7455 Pedro's Restaurant...............(638) 383-8889 Pink Cadillac.........................(638) 383-5880 Playa Sonora Realty..............(638) 128-6129 or.........................................(480) 297-8079 Predador Pest Control..........(638) 383-8787 or...............(638) 113-0691 / (602) 702-4417 Puerta Privada.....................(638) 102-3075 or.........................................(602) 445-6430 Q&R Rebecca Palomino...............(480) 771-4060 Richard Savino.....................(638) 380-4272 or.........................................(480) 707-3822 Rocky Point Home Builders..(638) 383-6524 or.........................................(815) 553-2683 Rocky Point Premier Group ............................................(602) 647-9993 Rocky Point Premier Group-Richard Savino .............(638) 380-4272/(480) 707-3822 Rocky Point Times Newspaper ...........................................(638) 383-6325 or.......................................(480) 463-6255 RP Furniture Solutions........(480) 234-2608 S Salerno, Rosarie...................(520) 777-0018 Sea Point Development........(638) 380-8058 Señorita Rita Sunset Cruise...(638) 113-3727 Servicios Medicos Veterinarios ...........................................(638) 383-3344 or Caborca...........................(637) 372-4717 Sonoran Resorts..................(602) 476-7511 Stay Rocky Rentals...............(602) 775-0077 Su Casa................................(638) 690-1345 Sun Valley Business and Immigration ............................................(638) 383-8891 or..............(638) 383-8896/(520) 829-4340 T Tequila Factory.....................(638) 388-0606 The New Mexican Restaurant ............................................(638) 690-1472 Top Meat....(638) 690-8721/(662) 141-0280 Twin Dolphins Real Estate and Rentals ……………..(638) 383-3919/(638) 384-0113 or.......................................(602) 324-7241 V Viña del Mar Hotel................(638) 383-0100 or.........(602) 606-7768/01-800-560-2123 Veterinary Clinic Chochoy.....(638) 383-2338 24 hr. Emergency..................(638) 638-9285 Veterinary Medical Services ............(638) 383-3344 or.......................................(637) 372-4717 W Wayne Corcoran, Laguna Shores Resales ...(638) 383-7263 ext. 7264/(480) 356-1645 WhyNot Travel Store.............(520) 387-7783

EMERGENCY & Important Phone Numbers dial 911 & 066 for EMERGENCIES AIR AMBULANCE (dial within Mexico) AirEvac............................001-880-321-9522 SkyMed Air Ambulance..001-866-805-9624 AIRPORTS International.........................(638) 383-6097 CITY HALL (Municipal Building) H. Ayuntamiento de Peñasco.(638) 383-2056 or............................................(638) 383-2060 CLINICS Clinica San Jose......................(638) 383-5121 Clinica Santa Fe.....(638) 383-2447/383-4040 Clinica Santa Isabel (Maternity)....383-3645 Clinica Santa Maria.................(638) 383-2440 Clinica Naval...........................(638) 690-3609 Cruz Roja (Red Cross).............(638) 383-2266 Desert Senita zCommunity Health Center..... ..............................................(520) 387-5651 ELECTRIC Emergency dial...................071 Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE)........ ..............................................(638) 383-2684 FIRE DEPARTMENT Emergency dial....068 Departamento de Bomberos.(638) 383-2828 FISHIERIES DEPARTMENT Departamento de Pesca........(638) 383-2116 Oficina de Pesca, San Diego, CA................... ..............................................(619) 233-4324 GARBAGE/SANITATION DEPARTMENT Oomislim................................(638) 383-4909 GAS (Propane) Hidrogas................................(638) 383-5650 Z’Gas.....................................(638) 383-8284 ZaGas....................................(638) 383-8100 HOSPITALS (See Clinics also) Community...........................(638) 383-4566 IMSS (Social Security)...........(638) 383-2870 Municipal..............................(638) 383-2110 IMMIGRATION....................(638) 383-2526 MARINE RESCUE (VHF Channel 28) Port Captain..........................(638) 383-1178 Emergencies dial.462 or 627 or 767 POLICE Emergency dial......................066 Puerto Peñasco Station........(638) 383-2626 or...........................................(638) 383-1616 State Judicial Police (Policía Judicial del Estado)...(638) 383-2783 PUBLIC SECURITY DEPARTMENT Seguridad Pública Municipal.(638) 383-2626 or............................................(638) 383-1616 RAILROAD Ferrocarril..............................(638) 383-2610 RED CROSS Cruz Roja...............................(638) 383-2266 SOCIAL SECURITY (IMSS) Instituto Méxicano del Seguro Social........... ...............................................(638) 383-2677 or............................................(638) 383-2777 TELEPHONE Teléfonos de México.............(638) 383-2780 Towing.....................(011-52-638) 383-5770 U.S. (520) 232-2149 U.S. CONSULATES (in Mexico) Nogales..............................01-631-313-4820 dial from the U.S.......011-52-631-313-4820 WATER Oomapas................................(638) 383-6080 Organismo Operador.............(638) 383-6080 Piteco (water tank delivery)...(638) 383-3315


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EVENTSCALENDAR EVENTS CALENDAR APRIL 2022 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD YOUR EVENTS TO THIS PAGE AND OUR FACEBOOK PAGE, PLEASE CONTACT US AT 383-6325 OR EMAIL THEM TO ROCKYPOINTTIMES@YAHOO.COM. EVENTS See Clubs and Organizations for more info. on groups and social clubs. EVERYDAY 4PM Sunset Cruise aboard Pirate Ship Rey del Mar and El Perla Negra. 8PM – Lukeville/Sonoyta BORDER CLOSES!! MONDAYS 2 for 1 Bacon Cheeseburgers at Colin’s Cantina, located at Princesa de Peñasco Condos on Sandy Beach. 9AM-11AM Pickleball (paddle rotation) at Duke’s on Plutarco Elias 12PM Bridge at Giuseppi’s Café on Blvd. Fremont 2PM Bingo at the American Legion in El Mirador. Everyone welcome. 8PM – Lukeville/Sonoyta BORDER CLOSES!! TUESDAYS 12PM-3PM Mahjong at Duke’s on Plutarco Elias 1PM Bingo at Manny’s Beach Club in the Mirador. Everyone welcome. 3PM BBQ Short Rib Tacos $1.50 at Colin’s Cantina, located at Princesa de Peñasco Condos on Sandy Beach. 8PM – Lukeville/Sonoyta BORDER CLOSES!! WEDNESDAYS 9AM Rotary Club Meeting at the Friendly Dolphin in the Old Port – open to anyone wanting to participate with the Peñasco Chapter 9AM-11AM Pickleball (paddle rotation) at Duke’s on Plutarco Elias 12:30-3PM Paint & Sip at DeliFrut 4-7PM Color and Sip at Kilombo Cafe Pizza Specials at Pane e Vino Bar & Pizzeria on Whale Hill. 8PM – Lukeville/Sonoyta BORDER CLOSES!! THURSDAYS 11AM Alanon Zoom Meeting (Central Time - see complete info below and in info. section) 12PM-3PM Mahjong at Duke’s on Plutarco Elias 1PM 501 Dart Tournament at the Pink Cadillac in the Mirador. Everyone welcome. 2PM Bingo at the American Legion in El Mirador. Everyone welcome. 4PM Gringo Bingo (with reservation only) at Colin’s Cantina, located at Princesa de Peñasco Condos on Sandy Beach. 4PM Connections Group meets at Puesta del Sol Restaurant at Playa Bonita. Everyone welcome. 5PM-9PM Wine Night at Margarita Mermaids on the Malecon in the Old Port. Specials on wine flights and tapas appetizers. 7PM No One Knows live at Jillz Joint on Campeche in El Mirador. No cover. 8PM – Lukeville/Sonoyta BORDER CLOSES!! FRIDAYS Fish Fry at Margarita Mermaids in the Old Port 9AM-11AM Pickleball (paddle rotation) at Duke’s on Plutarco Elias 10AM-5PM Shell Museum Open 10AM Ladies Golf at The Links at Las

Palomas Beach & Golf Resort. Cost: $30 includes green fee and $5 weekly prize pot. 9-holes, random partners and random weekly games (Stroke, Play, Scramble, 2 Ladies’ Best Ball, Skins, etc.). Drink specials, weekly prize pot. Email Arlyncgoodwin@yahoo.com by 3PM on Thursday if you’d like to play on Friday. 12PM Bridge at Guiseppi’s Café on Blvd. Fremont 1PM Cornhole Tournament at the Pink Cadillac in the Mirador. Everyone welcome. 1PM Bingo at Pitaya Bar on the beach in El Mirador. 4:30PM Live Music at Leo’s Bar in the Old Port. 6PM Pool Tournament at Jillz Joint on Campeche in El Mirador. Everyone welcome. Cash prizes. 6PM-9PM Wine Night at Margarita Mermaids on the Malecon in the Old Port. Specials on wine flights and tapas appetizers. Music with Vania & Cesar. 6PM-10PM Karaoke at Rocky Point BBQ House on Guillermo Prieto. 7:30PM Stone The Band 80s Rock Live Music at The Terrace, upstairs at MOO Steakhouse on the Malecon in the Old Port. 8PM – Lukeville/Sonoyta BORDER CLOSES!! SATURDAYS 1PM Horseshoe Tournament at Jillz Joint on Campeche in El Mirador. Everyone welcome. Cash prizes. 2PM Bingo at the American Legion in El Mirador. Everyone welcome. 4PM Agua de Coco live at Pitaya Bar in El Mirador. Everyone welcome, no cover. 8:30PM Agua de Coco live at the Terrace at MOO Steakhouse & Grille in the Old Port. 8PM – Lukeville/Sonoyta BORDER CLOSES!! SUNDAYS Pozole Sundays at Boo Bar in the Old Port. 8:30AM Bilingual Mass at St. Joseph’s/ San José Church in Cholla Bay. 9AM Family of God Christian Fellowship Sunday Service 9AM-11AM Pickleball (paddle rotation) at Duke’s on Plutarco Elias 11AM Family of God Christian Fellowship Sunday Service 11AM Card Game 3-13 at the Pink Cadillac. Call Jan Toth at (928) 607-2741 for more info. 1PM Cornhole Tournament at the Pink Cadillac in the Mirador. Everyone welcome. 1PM Bingo at Manny’s Beach Club in the Mirador. Everyone welcome. 5:30PM No One Knows live at Jillz Joint on Campeche in El Mirador. No cover. 4:30PM Live Music at Leo’s Bar in the Old Port. 4PM-6PM Sunday Jammin’ Music hosted by Richard Scott on sax at Margarita Mermaids in the Old Port. Singers and musicians contact them if you want to jam in the future. This is a hosted jam session event with pre-scheduled artists. 5:30PM Paint & Sip at El Tapeo Wine Bar. Everyone welcome. El Tapeo is located next to Laos Mar Hotel (near Playa Bonita). 6:30 PM Sax on the Terrace at MOO Steakhouse & Grille on the Malecon in the Old Port. 8PM – Lukeville/Sonoyta BORDER CLOSES!!

CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST EVENTS! Email us at rockypointtimes@yahoo.com to add your Events! REMEMBER… OUR BORDER CLOSES AT 8PM!! See ad in this issue for extended hours on some holiday weekends April 1st • 6PM-10PM Karaoke at Rocky Point BBQ House on Guillermo Prieto • Nunca Jamas at Boo Bar April 2nd • 8:30AM CBSC – Cholla Bay Sportsmen’s Club 2022 Scary Scramble Golf Tournament at Islas del Mar Sign-in • 9AM Shotgun Start for the Scary Scramble Golf Tourney • 10AM-3PM Mermaid’s Market at the Shrimp Plaza across from the Municipal Building on the corner of Blvd. Fremont and Benito Juarez. • 6PM-8PM Piel Canela live music, sunset & dancing at Margarita Mermaids in the Old Port April 3rd • 4PM-6PM Sunday Jammin’ Music hosted by Richard Scott on sax at Margarita Mermaids in the Old Port April 7 • National Beer Day! th

April 8th • 6PM-10PM Karaoke at Rocky Point BBQ House on Guillermo Prieto April 10th • Palm Sunday • Mike Nash live at Margarita Mermaids in the Old Port. Contact them for reservations. Semana Santa All Week! April 15th • Good Friday • 6PM Good Friday Service at Family of God • 6PM-10PM Karaoke at Rocky Point BBQ House on Guillermo Prieto April 16th • 10AM-3PM Mermaid’s Market at the Shrimp Plaza across from the Municipal Building on the corner of Blvd. Fremont and Benito Juarez. April 17 • Easter Sunday • 8AM Easter Service on the Beach in front of Puerta Privada Condominiums on Sandy Beach • 8:30AM Bilingual Easter Sunday Mass at St. Joseph’s Mission Church in Cholla Bay • 4PM-6PM Sunday Jammin’ Music hosted by Richard Scott on sax at Margarita Mermaids in the Old Port th

April 22nd • 6PM Charity Cornhole Tournament to Benefit the

Santa Claus Club at Baja Hotel. See ad in this issue for more info. • 6PM-10PM Karaoke at Rocky Point BBQ House on Guillermo Prieto April 23rd • 10AM Cornhole Tournament at Bandito’s – 3 Tournaments to Benefit the Santa Claus Club. See ad in this issue for more info. • 7PM Woman of the Year Gala Celebration at the Convention Center. Tickets are $60pp incl. dinner and live music. Everyone Welcome. Fundraiser benefits furthering education of local girls. Event put on by The Puerto Peñasco Business and Professional Women’s Association. This year’s nominee is Mary Snyder of Encantame Towers and Puerta Privada. Everyone welcome. Buy tickets at the Rocky Point Times office, Encantame Towers Sand Beach Office or Papeleria El Estudiante. You may also call Laura Valencia at either (480) 4459200 US or local (638) 383-6345. April 24th • 19th Annual Cabalgata Costera y Turistica • 10AM Charity Cornhole Tournament at the Pink Cadillac in El Mirador. See ad in this issue for more info. • 4PM-6PM Sunday Jammin’ Music hosted by Richard Scott on sax at Margarita Mermaids in the Old Port April 29th • 6PM-10PM Karaoke at Rocky Point BBQ House on Guillermo Prieto April 30th • Día del Niño – Children’s Day

MAY 2022 EVENTS Email us at rockypointtimes@yahoo.com to add your Events! May 1st • Día del Trabajo – Labor Day May 5th • Cinco de Mayo May 8th • Mother’s Day – USA • Miguel Hidalgo’s Birthday May 10th • Día de las Madres – Mother’s Day Mexico May 13th & 14th • SADR Tequila 150 May 15th • Día del Maestro – Teacher’s Day Mexico & USA

JUNE 2022 EVENTS Email us at rockypointtimes@yahoo.com to add your Events! June 1st • Dia de La Marina


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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255

Non-Stop Flight Service set to Resume at Mar de Cortes Airport

By Joseph Sanchez President, Rocky Point Home Builders Calafia Airlines recently announced non-stop flight service from Tijuana (TIJ) to Puerto Peñasco (PPE) that is scheduled to begin this month on April 29th, and is expected to open the doors to our, “sleepy little fishing village” to the bustle of national and international passengers originating from the west coast and giving a boost to an already booming tourist and real estate market. Sonoran Governor Alfonso Durazno, leaders in the local municipal administration, Calafia Airlines executives, tourism officials and private investors came together and formulated a plan that will finally see commercial flights operate in the newly renovated Sea of Cortes International Airport ending a 6-year hiatus of no flights. Calafia Airlines will take off from the Mar de Cortes airport bound for Tijuana twice a week: Mondays at 11:15 a.m. and Fridays at 1:20 p.m., and from Tijuana to Peñasco on Mondays at 10:15 a.m. and Fridays at 11:45 a.m. flying on an Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft, with a capacity of 50 passengers. A bonus for residents flying out of Puerto Peñasco is the newfound ability to connect with hundreds of

flights leaving from Tijuana to other destinations within Mexico, the U.S. and around the world. For example, from Tijuana it will be possible to connect to Loreto (LTO) and La Paz (LAP) in Baja California Sur. Local residents will be able to hop on connecting flights to the many destinations offered at Tijuana International Airport. The round-trip flight to and from Tijuana to Puerto Peñasco will cost approximately 3,500 pesos or $175 USD, which includes transfer from Puerto Peñasco to the airport, as well as luggage allowance of up to 25 kilos per person. According to the Puerto Peñasco Convention and Visitors Bureau, OCV, to attract visitors from northwestern Mexico and the United States, which represents one of the strongest economies in the world, alliances have been made with tour operators and hotel companies to promote special packages for travel by air to this corner of the Sea of Cortez. Special pre-sale flight packages are available for hotel companies, and there are discounts from 10% to 20% for children under 12 and adults over 65. The OCV said that the activation of this aerial connectivity will shorten distances for new tourism opportunities and open business markets wishing to take advantage of reduced travel times. This in turn will translate into longer stays in this port, which offers the cleanest and warmest beaches in northwestern Mexico, the desert and its dunes, the Pinacate Reserve, significant hotel infrastructure, great cuisine, quality service, and many places to explore. This is a win/win for the city and will help to expand our tourism industry and real estate economy.

About the author: Joseph Sanchez is president of Rocky Point Home Builders a design/build contractor specializing in custom home design, construction and engineered renovations and a real estate agent with RE/MAX Legacy specializing in the sale of new home developments. He resides here in Puerto Peñasco with his wife and three children and is originally from Chicago. For more information email him at sales@rockypointhomebuilders.com.


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crowd. It’s a fantastic promo for our town, and an awesome song. Who are the Several Dudes?

By Anita Kaltenbaugh

Several Dudes highlight Puerto Peñasco with an original song about Rocky Point and an awesome music video showcasing our town! La Vida Tequila – An original song about Rocky Point with an awesome music video!

Have you heard the song, La Vida Tequila, “…take a big swig of life and pass it around.” Well, when you do, and if you are like me, you’ll probably get the fun chorus stuck in your head. Not only is it a catchy tune, but it is a song not just about tequila, but wait for it, our own little Rocky Point. The song lyrics remind you of good times in Rocky Point, with shout outs to local watering holes and cantinas, but the band also created a video with clips and footage from concerts and fun times in Peñasco. Who knows, if you have been to some of Rocky Point’s music events, you might even find a clip of yourself in the

The song written by a band that will be playing in Circus Mexicus in June, is a bunch of dudes, aptly named, Several Dudes. An interesting group of guys that that got their first gig in 1987, and when they were struggling to come up with a name for the band, one of them finally simply said, “You’re a dude, and you’re a dude and I’m a dude, we are really just several dudes” - they figured they would use that for their first gig, sort of as a joke. People liked it, and the name stuck. In 1987, Several Dudes were a bunch of Emory University students in college, law school and medical school. They played for a loyal following in Atlanta, Georgia and wrote a lot of great tunes. Nearly thirty years after they moved on to productive careers in music, medicine and law, the band reformed to honor founding lead guitarist Nick Stevens after his tragic death in a cycling accident in 2018. New songs were written, and the band is now releasing a tribute album, Our Brother Nick, which has the song, La Vida Tequila, as well as featuring Buck Dharma, cofounder of Blue Oyster Cult, on Back in the Day and the song

Your Heart featuring Bill Payne, co-founder of Little Feat. The band currently is made up of band members, Jonas Goldstein, Kevin Green, Devon Engel, Dave Pretlow, Barry Richman and Avi Goldstein, all dudes who love to play music and raise money for worthwhile charities including cycling safety, they have been booking a select number of charity gigs spreading their goodtime boogie music all over the USA, and thankfully now Mexico. The band’s bass player, Devon Engel is in a cover band, RetroActive, that plays bars in Scottsdale like RockBar and Wasted Grain. Devon wanted to introduce ‘the dudes’ to Rocky Point and thought Circus Mexicus would be a perfect opportunity. Prior to the pandemic, the group was scheduled to play at Circus Mexicus 2020, which is when they started writing the tune LaVida Tequila as an homage to the music festival and Rocky Point. Who doesn’t love a new original song, about tequila and Rocky Point played by several dudes? If you haven’t listened to them yet, check them out on Spotify or whatever music streaming service you use. You can also get their music for free and learn more about them at www.severaldudes.com. And of course, here is a link to the cool LaVida Tequila video featuring our awesome town: https://youtu.be/ oBUpQxPGqDw The band will be playing Circus Mexicus on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. “We are drinking in the sun of the Sea of Cortez…blue agave will set you free!” Several Dudes, La Vida Tequila

Anita Kaltenbaugh is the author of the book “Travel Secrets- Insider guide to planning, affording and taking more vacations” available on Amazon and author of debut suspense novel a Deep Thing by A.K. Smith. Check out her blog at www.wordstravelfilm.com/blog

Cholla Bay Passings The CBSC is saddened to notify the Cholla Bay community of the passing of Connie Horton in the early hours of March 28 at the age of 74. Connie has been bravely fighting a cancer diagnosis for nearly a year. She was always in amazing spirits considering the disease she was living with and the treatments she was undergoing. The last few years, Connie was a fulltime resident of Cholla Bay and was extremely active in CBSC activities. Most of the beautiful photography of our activities was provided by Connie. As recently as the OBSC St. Pat's Dinner, Connie was there smiling, laughing, and enjoying the company of her many Cholla friends. Connie will be sorely missed by everyone in Cholla Bay who knew her and loved her. On another sad note, Jackie Busfield would like the Cholla Bay community to know of the passing of her sister, Pat Susong at her home in Cholla Bay on March 14. Pat had been a visitor to Cholla Bay since 1961 and later on, became a homeowner. The family is going to have a “service” later when the family gathers here in Cholla Bay for their annual family reunion. The Cholla Bay Sportsmen's Club is saddened to report on the sudden death of Rick “Sassy Cat” Smith. Rick passed away on Friday, March 25 due to complications from open heart surgery at 83 years old. Rick had been a long-time resident of Cholla Bay until he recently sold his last property. Rick was instrumental in the search & Rescue arm of the CBSC in the 70's and 80's. He was a past president of the OBSC and a former Board Member of the Vecinos de la Cholla AC. Rick's adventures were legendary on the beaches and ocean around the Puerto Peñasco area. His generosity and adventurous spirit will be sorely missed by all who knew him.


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Easter traditions in Mexico and Puerto Peñasco

By Stephanie Wood Our little town is settling into the busy season. Spring break has come and gone, but the season is still in high gear. The weather in April is amazing, it’s not too hot, and not too cool. We still have our winter visitors, and April brings in our Easter/Semana Santa visitors. If you happen upon our town around Easter, all unaware of the Semana Santa experience (which actually happened to us in 2008) you will definitely have an experience you will never forget. Semana Santa brings 100,000 to 150,000 tourists to our town during the two weeks surrounding Easter. And that my friends is no April Fool’s Day joke. Easter is one of the most important religious holidays in Mexico, as it is a predominantly Catholic country. The week leading up to Easter is Holy Week, which translated is Semana Santa, and the week after Easter is Semana de Pascua, or Easter Week. Throughout this two-week period, there are many celebrations, parades, processions, rituals, and traditions re-enacting Jesus’s capture, trial, and resurrection. Although this time is rich with religious traditions, it is also at time for family vacations and reunions; and when there’s a family reunion, there’s always a party. Semana Santa and Semana de Pascua is one of the most popular times for Mexican families to travel because schools are closed for two weeks, as are many businesses (except the tourist industry; Easter is one of the busiest tourism times of the year, especially in beach towns). The end of Lent is the Saturday before Easter. Because no meat is to be eaten during lent, seafood is a

staple during this time. Maybe this is the reason there is an influx of the population to seaside destinations like Puerto Peñasco to feast on shrimp and fish during this time. If you are here during Easter, you will see our town bursting at the seams with tourists from all over the US and Mexico. Prepare for lots of traffic and packed restaurants and beaches. On the beaches Mariachi and Banda musicians play, and additional vendors arrive selling unique delicacies like dried crickets. It does get muy loco here, but it’s an amazing a sight to see. One of the most interesting traditions you will see here in Puerto Peñasco is that of the Yaqui Indian Easter Ceremony. You will see the Pharisees and Yaqui Deer Dancers around town, men dressed in costume, bare-chested and wearing masks of animal skin, traditionally a deer head. They dance the streets of Rocky Point with drums, rattles, and bells attached to their clothing; with the drums marking the traditional Pascua dance steps. They are prevented from speaking, bathing, drinking alcohol, or having sex during the Lenten period. The Yaqui travel through towns in Sonora and dance throughout the 40 days of Lent, culminating on Easter when they reenact the Passion of Christ and have a celebration where they burn their masks to ward off sin and evil. One thing you will not see if you are vacationing in Mexico for Easter, is the Easter Bunny. The origins of the Easter bunny are from Germany, likely remnants from pagan spring festivals, where eggs represented new life and rabbits are an ancient symbol of fertility (for obvious reasons). German immigrants brought their rabbit and egg traditions to Pennsylvania in the 1700’s, where it procreated through the US, jajaja. This mythical rabbit has not made his way south of the border yet. However, you celebrate the Easter season, I wish you joy and happiness this Spring.


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Cortez’s Journey to Montezuma By Rosarie Salerno The Spanish Conquistador Hernan Cortez arrived at the Yucatan Peninsula in February of 1519, Mayan speaking territory. Padre Geronimo de Aguilar, a Franciscan friar, was a shipwreck survivor from one of the earlier expeditions. He had been a captive of the local natives. He made his way to and joined Cortez’s entourage. While in captivity Padre Aguilar learned the local Mayan language. This skill would have a profound effect on the conquest of Mexico for Cortez. From the Yucatan, Cortez went north along the Atlantic coast to Tabasco. There he encountered hostile Mayans, who had previously been friendly to the Grijalva expedition. He was attacked by the inhabitants. Cortez’s army won the battle even though they were outnumbered. The natives believed that the horses of Cortez were supernatural; a combination of a man and a horse. A creature that had two heads. Logically, the mythologicalreligious beliefs of the Amerindians, in gods who were a combination of man and animal, must have been confusing and overwhelmed them. They easily believed that these beings had to be gods. The Mayans surrendered. This belief also would have led Montezuma to give credence to the fact that Cortez could have been the god Quetzalcoatl. Through the interpretation of Spanish into Mayan, with the help from Padre Aguilar, Cortez told the people that they were now vassals of King Carlos I of Spain. They all converted to Christianity. The ease of conversion may have been due in part to the fact that the cross was also a symbol of the Mayan and Aztec god,

Tlaloc. He was a beneficent god, the god of rain, fertility and water; the sustainer of life, but he was also feared for his powerful ability over lightning, thunder and hail. In the custom of the Mayan, they gave Cortez food as tribute and 20 young women for him and his army. Cortez had the women baptized before they were used, as he forbade his men from having sexual relations with pagans. Among the girls was the daughter of a lower ranking Aztec lord. Her name was Malintzin. She had learned the Mayan language while she was a slave. Cortez took her for himself. After her baptism, she was renamed Dona Marina, due to her rank as a sign of respect. She also bore him a child named Martin. Her skill in the speaking of her own native Aztec tongue, Nahua, and the Mayan language helped her communicate with Cortez and the Aztecs through Padre Aguilar. In July of 1519 Cortez secured Veracruz and destroyed his ships so his men could not retreat. He then set out to Tenochtitlan to meet Montezuma. Along the way he made alliances with tribes who probably were tired of paying high tribute to Montezuma. The native Amerindians joined him as carriers and warriors. By the time they arrived in Tenochtitlan to meet Montezuma he had his men, about 600, 15 or 16 horses, 15 cannons and approximately 3,000 natives. Cortez was expecting a huge horde of gold when he arrived; based upon stories he was told by the tribes he met along the way. However, none of them had actually seen the treasures of Montezuma. And of course, he was disappointed when his expectations were not met in the city of Tenochtitlan. All this only fueled his desire to find it.

For all your Bank Trust and Real Estate needs please contact me Rosarie Salerno Consulting rosariesalerno@hotmail.com (520)777-0018 (520)822-7507


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BARB’S DOG RESCUE Everyone Loves a Happy Ending

By Bo & Linda Bernard Trash to Treasure

Perhaps it was a coincidence. Maybe it was luck. It might even have been fate, but something put a caring person in the right place at just the right time. It was miraculous she even heard the tiny yelps coming from the trash can, much less took the time to investigate. But she did. And as she peered into the dark receptacle, she saw the source of the noise: two tiny puppies. Alone. Hungry. Afraid. This is all too often the fate of unwanted dog births in our city where unneutered animals roam the streets at will. Fortunately for these two, they will never be hungry, cold, and alone again. They are some of the newest residents at Barb’s Dog Rescue and in about two months will be ready for adoption. By that time each will have been spayed and received all vaccinations necessary to cross the border with you. Check Barb’s Facebook page for the latest information on these two and some of the other 350 dogs in Barb’s care.

Thank You to Our Supporters

A big thank you goes out to Manny’s Beach Club and all who joined us there for Puppy Yoga in late February. There was a lot of bending and stretching, some for the yoga and some to pick up and play with the wide variety of pups who made the day one to remember. No trip to Puerto Peñasco is complete without a visit to Manny’s Beach Club. When you are there, be sure to tell them thank you for supporting our cause.

Who doesn’t love a spa day after a few days on the beach? Our dogs often arrive at the Rescue badly in need of a bath, de-matting, and a cut. We couldn’t possibly make them look their best without the expert help of Pets Salon. These generous benefactors provide top notch care and grooming. We encourage you to seek out their services for your pet while in Peñasco. Tell them Barb sent you!

And finally, our sincere thanks to all of you who have taken the time to come visit us at the Rescue. You have helped in a multitude of ways. Every adoption from Barb’s is critical as it opens up much needed space for other dogs who need our care. In times of trouble your donations have helped us provide the expert medical care some of our dogs desperately needed. We appreciate all who visit (10 am to 2 pm daily) to socialize the young puppies or provide some extra love to our adult dogs. We can’t thank you enough if you have helped us transport dogs to owners in the U.S., made Barb’s Dog Rescue your philanthropy of choice on Amazon Smile, or donated dog food, cleaning supplies, puppy pads, gently used towels, blankets or dog beds. The impact of your generosity is felt every day, and we cannot say thank you enough. Your generosity of spirit will do your part in creating an ultimate happy ending for the sweet souls who make Barb’s Dog Rescue their temporary home.

Please visit us online at http://www.facebook.com/BarbsDogRescue or our website: www.BarbsDogRescue.org or Barb’s Mexico cell: (638) 114-1659 or U.S. cell: (602) 774-1578 Email: barbsdogrescue@gmail.com


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Contrary to what many of you may think, Cap'n Greg doesn't have all the answers. But his lack of knowledge on an array of subjects doesn't mean he won't offer up advice. QUESTION: When it's too hot in Peñasco for the pelicans to fly, what's your favorite brand of beer? CAP'N GREG: Cold is my favorite. Second choice is wet. QUESTION: Is a run out to Bird Island worth it? CAP'N GREG: If you run, you will sink almost immediately. I suggest taking a boat. And binoculars. Seals and their young among the rocks are huge fun to watch. And centuries of guano accumulation make for a superb olfactory experience as well. On the approximately 25-mile open water trip you will probably see other aquatic life, too, so it's well worth your time and dinero. QUESTION: Do I need a passport to go to Mexico? CAP'N GREG: No, but you need one to come back. Unless you

would rather hold up all those fine folks in line behind you while the border agent checks every other ID you have to make sure you are who you say you are. Get a passport. End of discussion. QUESTION: Somebody told me Mexican gas would ruin my car's engine. Is that true? CAP'N GREG: Of course not. Although gas from refried beans can sometimes be catastrophic. QUESTION: I saw a place advertising table dances. What's that about? CAP'N GREG: After enough margaritas, I'd even dance with a chair. QUESTION: Can man live by bread alone? CAP'N GREG: No, but he can get by really good with just tortillas. QUESTION: How many seas must a white dove sail, before she sleeps in the sand? CAP'N GREG: The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind. The answer is blowin' in the wind.

Got a ? for Cap’n Greg? Email to rockypointtimes@yahoo.com or send to RPTimes: PO Box 887, Lukeville, AZ 85341


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GENERALINFORMATION GENERAL INFORMATION ATV’s ATV’S ARE NOT PERMITTED ON CITY BEACHES Please follow these rules when riding ATV’s in Rocky Point. • Helmets mandatory • Only 2 persons per ATV • No riding after dark • Driver’s must be 16 yrs. of age • Do not race, jump, do wheelies, etc. • Do not drink and drive DO NOT RIDE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS Main Blvd. Benito Juarez Blvd. Fremont or in the Old Port

You will be fined if riding in these areas. Fines are to be paid only at the police station.

$$ BANKING & MONEY $$ Typical Bank Hours Mon.-Fri. open 8:30 or 9 AM, close 4 or 5 PM Saturday 9 or 10 AM - 2 PM Banks do not offer Safety Deposit Boxes BANKS IN PUERTO PEÑASCO BANAMEX Sucursal Pinacate Blvd. Benito Juárez & Campeche 383-3943 or 383-4830 Blvd. Benito Juárez & Blvd. López Portillo 388-5842 or 388-5844 BANCOMER 383-2947 or 383-2430 Blvd. Benito Juárez & V. Estrella and in Plaza Fremont BANORTE 383-5955 • Blvd. Benito Juárez 388-6901 • Blvd. Fremont & Sinaloa SANTANDER SERFIN 383-2091 or 383-4288 Blvd. Benito Juárez & Calle 13 Hwy. 85, north of town ATM MACHINES ATM’s are located at the banks and have 24 hr. access. They give pesos only. The only one that gives dollars is the Banorte ATM on Fremont. When the machine prompts Pesos? Dollars? you must select pesos or your transaction will be aborted. There are U.S. ATM machines in Ajo, Why and Lukeville, AZ. CHECKS & CREDIT CARDS Most merchants do not accept U.S. checks and they are not cashable at banks or money exchanges. Some merchants do accept credit cards, but check first and ask if there is an additional charge. MONEY EXCHANGE All merchants accept USD. If you would like to exchange your dollars into pesos you can do so at one of the banks or at the money exchanges. Depending on the exchange rate, sometimes you are better off paying in USD or pesos, you will have to do the math. TRAVELERS CHECKS Travelers Checks are accepted by some merchants, but are not cashable at any bank in Puerto Peñasco. U.S. BANKS Closest U.S. bank to Puerto Peñasco National Bank 101 La Mina Avenue, Ajo, AZ 85321 (520) 387-2200 Mon.-Thurs. 9-4, Fri. 9-5

They do not exchange pesos or Canadian $

WIRE SERVICE You can send money to a person in Rocky Point, from the U.S., by using MoneyGram or Western Union. MoneyGram transfers are picked up at Coppel Department Store on Ave. Constitucion (across from Super Ley grocery store). It must say Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico and the receipent must have a driver’s license or a passport and the transaction number to retrieve the money. Western Union transfers may be picked up at the local post office during business hours, must show proof of ID. You cannot wire money to a bank for someone who does not have an account.

CHURCHES 7th Day Adventist Church Pastor Jose Luis Perez Perez Ave. Sinaloa (between Alberto Lizárraga & Gregorio Escalante) Tel: (638) 383-6760 Cel: (638) 100-6602 Worship Saturday 9:30am 2nd Location in Nuevo Peñasco Corner of 51st Ave & Aquiles Serdan (East side of Town) Adonai Comunidad Cristiana Lucero Viuda de Morúa #257 between López Mateos & Healy Col. Luis Donaldo Colosio Tel. 638.383.3865 www.adonaicc.net Assembly of God 383-3364 Ave. Luis Encinas & 27th Street Apostolic Church Constitucion Ave. & 15th Street Good Samaritan Callejon 25 and Ave. 65 (N. of Lazaro Cardenas) (638) 112-7035 Sunday Service 10:30 am Grupo Unidad Cristianos de Peñasco Pastor Ernesto Portugal 383-2240 North on Benito Juarez to Simon Morua, turn right (east), 1 blk. past Ace Hardware, turn right, church is on your left before Melchor Ocampo. English Headphone available Sunday Services 9:30am-11:15 & 11:30-1:30 Thursday: 7:30 - 9:00pm Church office hours Monday - Friday 9:30am to 2:00pm Peñasco Christian Fellowship 383-4513 ask for Stan or Becky Tedrow On Melchor Ocampo, 1/2 blk. E. of Blvd. Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez. Bilingual Services Sunday Services: 10am and 11:15am Wednesday Services: 7:00pm Family of God Christian Fellowship Non-Denominational Worship Services 383-3480 Blvd. Costero N 2000A, Fracc. Las Palomas English Services, Everyone Welcome Spanish Translation Offered Sunday Services: 9:00am Iglesia Sagrado Corazon de Jesus (Sacred Heart Church) Paseo V. Estrella in Old Port. Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall 388-6244 Stadium road, on the left side just before Blvd. Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, behind COFESA Sunday-English 9:30AM Mormon Church 18th St & Cuauhtémoc Ave Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe 383-2959 Calle 20 Simon Morua Sunday Services: 8:00 am and 10:00 am 1:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm Rocky Point Bible Church Iglesia Ev. Nuevo Nacimiento Pastor Manuel Agundez Blvd. Samuel Ocaña between San Luis and Guillermo Prieto Services in Spanish, but many English speaking groups attend to translate Services Sunday and Wednesday and Bible Study Groups Children’s Ministry every Saturday in Colonia Nueva Good News Club with Esperanza de Vida San Francisco Blvd. Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Sunday Service: 11:00 am San Jose Mission Church Bilingual Mass to continue to be offered at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays. To reach the church, take the road past the Sandy Beach resorts, the dirt road past Wrecked at the Reef and wind your way toward Cholla Bay. The church is on the right and clearly marked.

San Judas Tadeo near old Cholla Bay Road Sunday Services: 5:00 pm San Martin de Porres Ave. Luis Encinas Sunday Services: 9:00 am Templo La Hermosa 383-7130 Pastor Carlos Gracian Located next to the new cemetery Sunday Services: 10:00 am WEDDINGS: You need the proper documentation to be legally married in Mexico. Please see the “Weddings” section for more information

EMERGENCIES Puerto Peñasco’s hospitals and clinics handle a variety of emergency and nonemergency situations. Most visitors visit one of the Clinics (listed below) or the Red Cross for emergency services. Ground and air ambulance transport services are available. CLINICS Clínica Santa Fe Simón Morúa, 2nd corner off of Blvd. Benito Juárez English speaking doctors Lab on site, X-rays 383-2447 or 383-4040 Clínica San Jose 383-5121 English Speaking Doctors Blvd. Benito Juarez Clínica Santa Isabel (Maternity) 383-3645 Puerto Peñasco Clínica Santa María 383-2440 Puerto Peñasco CLOSEST U.S. CLINIC Desert Senita Health Center 401 Malcate, Ajo, AZ 85321 Off main blvd. at curve, N of the bank (520) 387-5651 CRUZ ROJA (RED CROSS) EMERGENCY DIAL 065 383-2266 Cruz Roja Mexicana Services are absolutely free 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week Red Cross does not receive any funding and operate solely on donations. Your contributions will be welcome at any time in their office on Blvd Fremont or stop when you see them on your way into town. Red Cross has Technicians and Instructors available in case of a disaster in Puerto Peñasco. They treat non-life threatening wounds and can prepare patients for ground or air ambulance service to U.S. VETERINARY CLINICS Veterinary Medical Services 638-383-334 / 637-372-4717 Chochoy 638-380-9285 OTHER IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS dialed from Mexico AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE AirEvac......................001-880-321-9522 Sky Med...................001-866-805-9624 CLINICS...............see Clincs on this page HOSPITALS Community...............................383-4566 IMSS..........................................383-5186 EMERGENCY NUMBERS WHEN IN DOUBT DIAL 066 Electric dial...071 Fire Department dial...068 Marine Rescue dial...462,627 or 767 VHF Channel 26 is monitored by CBSC Police dial...060 WHEN IN DOUBT DIAL 911 or 066

FIRST AID Scorpion Stings First aid for any scorpion sting should involve cooling the wound, which allows the body to more easily break down the molecular structure of the venom. Cooling also reduces pain. Use ice or cool running water if available. On a warm night, a wet compress will help. Keep the victim calm and still. Panic and activity speed up the venom’s spread. Symptoms may include heavy sweating, difficulty swallowing, blurred vision, loss of bowel control, jerky muscular reflexes, and respiratory distress. These serious signs are cause for quick evacuation to a medical facility. Antitoxins are available in many areas where dangerous scorpions live. The doctors, clinics and Red Cross are experts at treating stings. Snake Bites Yes! We do have snakes in Puerto Peñasco. Not usually found in city areas. If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, or any other kind of venmous snake, seek medical attention immediately. Anti-venom is available here in Peñasco. Jellyfish They are usually bright blue and are present in our waters during June, July and August, although they are sometimes hard to see because of the clarity of the water. Some years we have a few, and other years we have tons. In some beach communities, you will find far less than others. A good test to see if they are present, is to look along the tidelines for any that have washed ashore if they’re up there then there’s a pretty good chance they’re in the water. Use caution when walking barefoot on the beach or digging through the sand with your hands, they can still sting you (I know from experience). If you are stung, get to a doctor or the Red Cross immediately for treatment. Stingray Stings Our Rocky Point doctors, clinics and Red Cross are well adept at treating stings. The best way to avoid a sting is by doing the “stingray shuffle!” To avoid stepping on a ray, shuffle your feet slowly as you move through the surf to scare the rays away. Round stingrays are very good at burying in the sand and will remain buried even as you approach. By shuffling your feet you will brush against them and they will scurry away. If you walk through the water as you normally do you will most likely step square on the back of them which causes their barbed tail to come up and sting you. Be extra careful in area where the sediment is silty/sand or where the water is particularly warm. What do you do if you get stung by a ray? Get out of the water and head to the nearest doctor. If you are stranded out where these facilities are not available follow these steps and seek medical attention as soon as you can. First, let the wound bleed - this will allow any toxins entered with the barb to get out. Next, immerse the wound in hot water, as hot as the patient can stand for approximately 45 minutes: This denatures the protein toxin and relieves a majority of the pain. Then treat wound as any other puncture wound or cut, keep clean and bandage: This reduces the chance of infection, promotes healing. If pain or bleeding persists, if wound is large or if patient shows signs of an allergic reaction, see a doctor immediately! If you are staying at a resort go to the desk or convenience store - they may have a first aid kit with a treatment.

FISHING & BOATING PERSONAL WATERCRAFT You do not need to obtain a boat permit for your persona watercraft. However, if you plan to fish from your boat, each person fishing must have a fishing license which can be purchased here in Puerto Peñasco. As with vehicles, it is a good idea to carry two copies of your title and registration for your watercraft and trailer. DO NOT BRING THE ORIGINALS! One copy should be kept on your boat/watercraft and the other shoud be carried on your person or put in a safe location during your stay. FISHING PERMITS You MUST have a fishing license for everyone onboard a boat, even if they are not fishing, permits are checked. You do not need a permit if you are fishing from the shore. Permits can be obtained locally at the Capitania de Puerto, M-F, 8AM to 3PM or at the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix. Fishing Permit Rates (approx.) Pesos Daily - $106.00; Weekly - $220.00 Monthly - $315.00; Yearly - $410.00 CHARTERS Many charter boats and pangas are available for hire by the hour/half-day/ day, or organized trip. We do not have any companies that rent boats for your personal use. Charter boats are located all over town and at the docks and on your way into Old Port (right hand side) as well as at Safe Marina and in Cholla Bay. Reputable charters are always the best choice. Please make sure there is enough safety gear on the boat for all persons in your party and that the captain has a marine radio in the event of an emergency. Fishing en Peñasco: Seasonal Fishing Calendar FISH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Trigger Fish Corvina Dolphin Fish Dorado Flounder Grouper Mackeral Pinto Bass Pompano Red Snapper Rock Bass Sea Bass Sea Trout Sierra Skipjack Yellowtail

FISHING & BOATING CON’T SEASONAL FISHING Spring: March, April, May Yellowtail, Grouper, Snapper, Whitefish, Pinto and Bass Summer: June, July, August Sailfish, Dolphin Fish, Marlin, Skipjack, Sierra Fall: September, October, November Sailfish, Dolphin Fish, Marlin, Skipjack, Sierra Winter: December, January, February Yellowtail, Grouper, Pinto Bass, Snapper


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GENERALINFORMATION GENERAL INFORMATION FM3 & IMMIGRATION IMMIGRATION OFFICE Open Mon.-Fri. 8:00AM - 12:00NOON (011-52-638) 383-2526 For more info on how to obtain your Visitor or Permanent Resident Visa go to http://www.inm.gob.mx/ index.php and click on the English tab, or you can go directly to the Immigration Office and they will be happy to help you. The office is located on Blvd. Fremont at Fremont Plaza, across from Banorte. There are many companies and individuals which can assist you with your immigration paperwork, please look in our Classified Section, under “Services” for suggestions.

GREEN ANGELS Angeles Verdes EMERGENCY DIAL 078 The Green Angels patrol the highway (Hwy. 8) from Puerto Peñasco to Sonoyta offering free roadside assistance to ve- hicles experiencing mechanical problems. Their trucks are green and white and clearly marked. They are on patrol from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week. What to do if you need help? If you need assistance on the highway, whether it be a broken fan belt, blown tire or empty gas tank, pull over to the side of the road and lift the hood of your vehicle. If it is at night, please use your flashers for safety and always move as far away from the highway as you can to avoid accidents. Lifting your hood signals the Green Angels, as well as other helpful travellers, that you are in distress and in need of help. The Green Angels do not charge for their mechanical services, but you will need to pay for your own auto parts, gas, oil, etc. The Green Angels offer the following services: Aide in the event of an accident Emergency radio communication Mechanical assistance Tourist Information

INTERNET SERVICE & WIFI There are many internet cafes where you can check your email or surf the net. Some have computer stations and some offer WiFi. Most of the larger RV parks, hotels and condos have wireless and/or computer centers for your use. Telefonos de Mexico (TelMex) offers Prodigy internet service for land lines.

LATITUDE & LONGITUDE

Latitude - 31°, 19 minutes N Longitude - 113°, 32 min. W Bird Island: 31°, 01.31 min., N by 113°, 14.93 min. W

MAIL SERVICES

Puerto Peñasco Post Office (011-52-638) 383-2350 Monday - Friday 8:00 am-6:00 pm Money Wires, Telegrams & Mail Located just off Blvd. Fremont next to Twin Dolphins. The post office does not offer U.S. postal services. To send a letter in Mexico, you need a Mexican stamp, which can be purchased at the post office. They do not sell U.S. stamps. You may receive mail at your residence, however it takes approx. 2-4 weeks to arrive and the system is not terribly reliable. U.S. MAIL DELIVERY TO ROCKY POINT Burrito Express U.S. mail dropoff and pick-up service from Peñasco to Lukeville. U.S. POST OFFICE Phone/Fax: (520) 387-6364 Located at the Lukeville border in AZ,

approx. 66 miles from Rocky Point. PO boxes and General Delivery available. Window Service: 8AM-12:30PM, 1-4PM M-F General Delivery Available free for a max. of 30 days. You must show ID at the post office and fill out a form. You are the ONLY one who can pick up your GD mail. PO boxes are available, approx. $22/6-mo. Post office will need 2 forms of ID and you will be required to fill out an application. Boxes are located in the post office and in the General Store.

METRIC EQUIVALENTS

Equivalents for Length 1” = 2.5 cm 6” = (1/2 ft.) = 15 cm 12” = (1 ft.) = 30 cm 36” = (3 ft.) = 90 cm 40” = 100 cm (1 meter) To convert ounces to grams, multiply the number of ounces by 30. Equivalents for Weight 1 ounce = 1/16 lb. = 30g 4 ounces = 1/4 lb. = 120g 8 ounces = 1/2 lb. = 240g 12 ounces = 3/4 lb. = 360g 16 ounces = 1 lb. = 480g Equivalents for Liquid Measurements 1/4 tsp = 1 ml 1/2 tsp = 2 ml 1 tsp = 5 ml 2 tbls = 1/8 cup = 1 fl. oz = 30 ml 4 tbls = 1/4 cup = 2 fl. oz = 60 ml 8 tbsl = 1/2 cup = 4 fl. oz = 120 ml 12 tbls = 3/4 cup = 6 fl. oz = 180 ml 1 Pint = 2 cups = 16 fl. oz = 480 ml 1 Quart = 4 cups = 32 fl. oz = 960 ml Gallons to pints x 8 1 US gallon = 3.78541178 liters Gallons to liters x 3.785 Gallons to quarts x 4

NOTARY PUBLICS (NOTARIOS) The Mexican Notario is a highly specialized lawyer authorized by the Mexican Government. They intervene in civil and commercial business. Your best interest is supposed to be the Notario Publico’s main concern. They give judicial advisement according to Mexican Law and their authority exceeds that of a lawyer and is similar to that of an arbitrator in the U.S. You should consult a Notario when: buying or selling property, foreign Investments, inheritance, wills, mortgages, contracts, private contracts, financial operations, credit titles, arbitration, bank trusts, etc. You should consult a Notary Public (Notario Publico) in Mexico before signing any contract or legal document.

NOTARIO PUBLICOS Lic. Jesus Armando Ramirez Islas Prolongacion Coahuila No. 10 (next to post office) U.S. Toll Free (877) 832-8554 383-5460, Fax 383-5005 PO Box 100, Lukeville, AZ 85341 Lic. René Osvaldo Ortega Felix Ave. Alcantar in the Old Port 383-2006 Notary Publics in Sonoyta Lic. Fco. Javier Manzo Taylor from Mexico (01-651) 512-1747

PINACATE BIOSPHERE RESERVE Reserva de la Biosfera de El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar The Pinacate Biosphere Reserve is home to some of the world’s largest volcanic craters and is one of the most pristine and diverse areas in the Sonoran Desert. It has a large variety of plant and wildlife species that inhabit this sometimes hostile area. In the winter, you may see snow on the Pinacates. And in the summer, temperatures soar well over 110°. U.S. astronauts trained for their lunar landing mission in this area as the terrain mimics that found on the moon.

You can take a day trip and explore the Pinacate area and volcanic craters by vehicle, camp overnight (in designated) areas, walk or hike. You must register at the entrance to the Reserve (located in

Nayarit, approx. 20 miles N of Rocky Point). This will allow Biosphere personnel to make sure you are safe at all times.

• • • • • • • • •

Speed Limit: 25 MPH Terrain/Roads: Dirt, desert Watch out for flora and fauna Do not leave the road in your vehicle Take enough drinking water with you Respect all signs on roads and trails Do not remove or damage plants, rocks, wood, animals or artifacts Take all trash and waste with you Do not enter the region from any unauthorized access road

CAMPING & CAMPSITES Red Cone, El Tecolote, Backcountry areas INTERPRETATIVE TRAILS El Elegante Crater Trail 1.2 mile linear trail Walk 0.6 miles on the border of El Elegante crater. Terrain is mostly flat. Mayo Cone Trail 1.2 mile linear trail Located in El Tecolote camping area Walk 0.6 miles to the top of Mayo Cone. You will climb 344 ft. to the top. This hike is rated as a medium difficulty trail.

RV PARKS DRY CAMPING There are a few places to dry camp on the beach north and south of Rocky Point, but really nowhere in city limits except on Sandy Beach next to The Reef, and Concha Del Mar at the other end of Sandy Beach. Almost all of the RV Parks in Puerto Peñasco offer tent camping. There are three oceanfront rv parks with services available and many more in town or with an ocean view. Oceanfront RV parks are: Cholla Bay - The Reef (638) 383-0650 El Mirador - Playa de Oro (638) 2668 Sandy Beach - Playa Bonita (638) 383-2596 Sandy Beach - Concha del Mar (638) 383-4273 Pets are allowed on the beaches and at the RV parks. Dogs must be leashed and please pick up after them. See “Pets” in this section for more information. Please call the individual park for their rates and reservations.

SEMAR (MARINE SEARCH AND RESCUE) SECRETARIA DE MARINA - ARMADA DE MEXICO Located in the Marina 638-383-1691 01-800-627-4621 Channel 16 VHF Frecuency 2182 MHZ sarmarina@semar.gob.mx

U.S. DMV (MOTOR VEHICLES) The closest U.S. Department of Motor Vehicles to Puerto Peñasco is in Gila Bend. Authorized Service Provider Registration, title, no original drivers licenses, copies/ duplicates only. M-F 9AM-6PM, SAT 9AM-1PM 606 E. Pima St. • (928) 683-2577

VIRTUAL CONSULATE The 1st Wednesday of every month, the Virtual Consulate is open to the American Community. Located at City Hall on the 1st floor facing Fremont Blvd. 10am-12pm.

TELEPHONES Puerto Peñasco’s phone company for home and business hook-up is Telefonos de Mexico (TelMex). Cellular service is available through TelCel and Movistar. U.S. carrier AT&T works pretty good here as long as you have the International Plan. DIALING INSTRUCTIONS Call Mexico from U.S. & Canada to dial a land line 011+52+638+7-digit number to dial a Peñasco cellular 011+52+1+638+7-digit number Call U.S. & Canada from Mexico dial 001+(area code)+7 digit number Call Collect from Mexico to U.S. dial 090 for a bilingual operator Call Overseas from Mexico dial 00+country code+city code+phone number Country codes and Mexico area codes are listed in the TelMex Phone book Call another City in Mexico dial 01+(city code)+number AT&T Operator dial 001-800-462-4240 TELEPHONE COMPANY Telefonos de Mexico (TelMex) Juan de la Barrera and Calle 18 Office open 8 am • 383-2288 Phone & Internet services available TelMex (Land Line) Prefixes 383, 382, 388, 102, 108 Phone numbers are written in a variety of ways, here are a few you may see around town. 3-6325 = dial 383 + 6325 638-38-36325 = dial 383-6325 (638) 383-6325 = dial 383-6325 52+(638) 383-6325 = dial 383-6325 Mexico’s Country Code = 52 Puerto Peñasco’s City Code = 638 LONG DISTANCE To make a long distance call, your best bet is to find a cafe or internet cafe with a VOIP phone. Second best is to purchase a prepaid phone card (LADATEL) from pharmacies or businesses, and use one of the many pay phones along the streets - follow the instructions on the phone. You can also use one of the long distance (larga distancia) calling services located around town.

U.S. CALLING CARDS If you use your calling card and dial an 800#, that is not toll free within Mexico, you will be charged twice for this call - 1 charge for calling the 800 #, and then a 2nd charge on your phone card. You may also use one of the long distance services to call the U.S. and Canada. CELLULAR PHONES to dial a cell phone from a land line dial 638 + 7-digit number to dial from local cell to local cell dial 638 + 7-digit number to dial out of city cell from local cell dial city code + 7-digit number Any number that does not start with a 383, 388, 382, 102 or 108 is most likely a cellular phone You cannot dial a U.S. 800# from your Mexican cellular phone.

The only U.S. cell carrier, we have found to work in Rocky Point 96% of the time, is AT&T’s International Plan. All services work - SMS, MMS, Blackberry, etc. Follow the instructions (left) for dialing the U.S. or Canada, and to dial a land line. To dial a cell phone, you may have to dial 044 + 638 + 7-digit number, or you may just need to drop the 044. Sometimes, when calling a local cell, I had to dial as if I were dialing a cell from the U.S. Check plans and where you spend the most time. TelCel’s Blackberry plan is much cheaper than AT&T’s, plus they have a reasonable International Plan for when I travel to the U.S. You can also get an unlocked phone, buy a SIM card, and switch chips as you cross the border. Mexico cell carriers are supposed to start fingerprinting everyone who purchases a cell phone or SIM card. AREA CODES FOR NEARBY CITIES Caborca.............................................637 El Golfo de Santa Clara.................................653 Guaymas...........................................622 Hermosillo........................................662 Mexicali, B.C.................................................686 Nogales.................................................631 Santa Ana.....................................................641 San Luis Rio Colorado..................................653 San Carlos.....................................................622 San Felipe, B.C...............................................686 Sonoyta...................................................651 Check phonebook for more area codes

VOIP LINES Local internet acccess enables you to use a VOIP line in Rocky Point. HOW TO DIAL 800’s U.S. 800#’s are not free of charge when called from Mexico. The charge for calling an 800# is approx. $1USD/min. 800 = dial 001+880+phone number 888 = dial 001+881+phone number 877 = dial 001+882+phone number 866 = dial 001+883+phone number 855 = dial 001+884+phone number 844 = dial 001+885+phone number

WEATHER Puerto Peñasco is known for having 362 days of sunshine! The wind does kick up, a few sprinkles will fall, and the humidity creeps in around July/August, but other than that it’s darn near perfect around here.

WEDDINGS Rocky Point offers a variety of perfect wedding settings - from a barefoot sunset wedding to a lavish wedding at a 5-star resort. Many of the hotels, resorts and restaurants offer wedding planning services and catering. LEGAL CEREMONY IN MEXICO To get married in a legal ceremony in Puerto Peñasco you need: Birth certificates, translated into Spanish, notarized in Mexico; Divorce Decree; Blood test (in Rocky Point); Visas (FMT’s); 4 Witnesses (w/Visas). Your wedding planner will help you plan your reinactment ceremony as well.


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Tia Katy’s Corner April 2022

I first saw this quote in 2012 when I had begun thinking about making a significant commitment to helping kids in need in Rocky Point. At that time I spoke little Spanish, had very few connections in the community and had no idea where or how I would even begin. I also lived in Buckeye and the kids I wanted to try to help lived four hours away in another country. So when I saw this quote it really resonated with me. I knew that for me to find a way to help even a few kids in Rocky Point break the cycle of generational poverty might be impossible. I knew for that as one American woman, trying to launch a long-term effort in another country was risky. I knew that there was a good chance that all my efforts might end up being pointless. In spite of all of this, however, my heart kept saying ‘Give it a try’

Quite honestly, when I started out I was terrified: terrified I would not be able to learn a new language well enough to communicate effectively; terrified I would not be able to make the right connections in the community; terrified I would not be able to find a way to help or, worse yet, might unintentionally do harm to kids in the community; terrified of giving something my all and failing. Fortunately, I was more terrified of not even giving it a try.

Without a doubt this has been the most challenging, terrifying and sometimes overwhelmeing experience of my life. However, it has also been the most rewarding experience of my life and I am so incredibly grateful that I listened to my heart six year ago. As I sit here today, I am so proud of all that we have been able to accomplish. My local Educarte team employs 30 committed professionals who work tirelessly to provide young people in the community with access to educational opportunities to help them transform their futures. Our program has grown from supporting 72 public school students to almost 800 and we

currently have dozens of students who have graduated from high school and gone on to college. Last January we launched a new program to serve kids with special needs in the community and we recently moved into a beautiful permanent facility which will provide Educarte and the people in this community with so many new resources and opportunities to grow and thrive. From the beginning, the Mexican non-profit I founded has been supported primarily by Steps of Love which was a small, all-volunteer run non-profit based in Arizona. Last year Steps of Love was invited to merge with Esperanca, an Arizona based nonprofit with more than 50 years of experience in international program development. As I spent months investigating this opportunity, I learned that Esperanca’s team has extensive experience in supporting efforts to improve health and provide hope through disease prevention,

education and treatment in under-resourced communitites throughout the world. For the past couple of years I have known in my heart that Educarte was beginnning to outgrow Steps of Love’s ability to enable them to continue to grow and thrive. So, It did not take me long to listent to my heart and say yes to this amazing opportunity. I am very grateful that I followed my heart six years ago and have continued to do so throughout this journey. I hope that some of you will decide to follow your hearts by going to www.esperanca.org/ mexico and making a donation to support this program.


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HPV When the Spirit moves you

By Cholla Charli Semana Santa (Holy Week), which begins on Palm Sunday, April 10, brings thousands of visitors to Rocky Point, the majority of them from within Mexico. You will see license plates from Baja Sur, Baja California, Chihuahua, and beyond. They come to be immersed in the sea, but don’t picture mass baptisms. There’s a very different kind of spirit afoot across most of Rocky Point. However, the Holy Spirit is definitely present at St. Joseph’s Mission Church in La Cholla and it is largely due to the very special relationship that Pastor Marco Lopez has with God in the person of the Holy Spirit.

Padre Marco moves among the attendees, giving everyone the blessing of the Holy Spirit. Bilingual Easter Sunday Mass will be at 8:30 a.m. on April 17.

Padre Marco says that it was the Holy Spirit, during a charismatic retreat, who called him to the priesthood and who has been his guide and inspiration for his eight years as a priest. With this inspiration, he calls on the Holy Spirit in song and chant at the end of his homily

and at the end of Mass. Before the recessional, he asks everyone to sit and receive a special blessing while the congregation chants, “Come Holy Spirit and fill us.” Padre Marco recognizes that the majority of those attending Mass at St. Joseph’s are visitors and, therefore, travelers; but he tells them that if they come to Mass at St. Joseph’s year-round, once a year, or on vacation visits, they are part of the St. Joseph’s community of the faithful. Then he sends them on their way, with a special blessing for travelers. In North America, there are only a few charismatic Catholic services these days. Charismatic is defined as “exercising a compelling charm which inspires devotion in others.” Though the Mass at St. Joseph’s is subdued compared with some in charismatic communities of the U.S., the spirit at St. Joseph’s definitely inspires. That inspiration brings more and more visitors to the little church in La Cholla each week. Sexton Bob Keller said, “With Holy Week/Semana Santa, falling this month, and many visitors coming to Rocky Point, we want to emphasize that all are welcome and all are blessed.” Throughout Lent, the congregants will commemorate the Stations of the Cross each Friday at 4 p.m., and bilingual Easter Sunday Mass will be at 8:30 a.m., as usual. To reach the church, take the paved road past the Sandy Beach Resorts and the dirt road past Wrecked at the Reef. As you wind you way toward Cholla Bay, the church is on your right and clearly marked. If you have any questions about services or sacraments at the church, contact sexton Bob Keller at 928-230-5844, by e-mail at bob@ keller.net, or by mail at P.O. Box 297, Lukeville, AZ 85341.


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No Hay Problemas By The Old Gringo While those of us who live in, and love, Puerto Peñasco like to shout about how great our town is, living here. Taking into consideration unexpected things that pop up, from time to time, can sometimes be funny, sad, interesting or any combination of those emotions. When you have grown up in the states, there are certain things that you take for granted which are not universally available in other countries. Things like reliable mail service, really good Chinese food or, until recently, UPS or Amazon delivery options. Those minor inconveniences are so heavily outweighed by the joy of living here that I actually had to think hard about what I was missing, or if it even was worth mentioning. Then there was this… During the fall and winter months, before spring break and the onset of our spring and summer seasons, Peñasco is a quiet and tranquil place to live. Out on the playas, the pace of life slows way down, and days are taken up doing things like walking the dogs on the beach, taking care of the never-ending small repair or maintenance projects on the casa, reading, writing, and enjoying living here. So it was, during this tranquil time, that my bride decided to drive back to Arizona for a few days to visit some friends and family and go to Costco…naturally. Since she would be using our truck to make the journey, I was left to use our UTV side-by-side for forays into town or to go to happy hour or wherever. It happened that, on a quiet Tuesday morning, I decided to drive into town for some groceries, shrimp and cervezas. Those of you who own off-road vehicles know that factory settings are for wimps… right!? One of the first things I did when I got my side-by-side was to

install a ‘chip’ to allow the engine to produce more horsepower and RPM’s than the factory models… because...(channeling Tim Allen) more power!!! This modification worked out great for short sprints and desert romping. It did not, however, do so well for long rides at highway speeds. Some off-road vehicles have chain or drive shaft type drive trains, mine had a belt…sort of like a fan belt or bicycle chain but made of rubber. Do you know what happens to rubber when it drives a vehicle at high speeds for too long? It snaps…on the road… halfway back to home…with no one around…for a long way… Sitting on the side of the road with the heavy smell of burnt rubber wafting in the breeze, and realizing that I was, indeed, stuck, I began to make phone calls for help. Did I mention that during this time of year things are really quiet around here? This occurred just before Thanksgiving and I discovered that most of my calls for assistance either went directly to voice mail or, in one case, was answered by my friends who were at that moment in Oregon for the holiday! Seems like everyone thought that it would be a good idea to go someplace else…just when I needed them!!! What nerve! No worries, I’ll just call a tow truck, right? Wrong! While there are several towing operations listed in Peñasco, none of them seemed to be operational. In fact, a couple were listed as serving our town but came out of Tucson! Once again, finding out that one other thing that we might take for granted from our stateside lives is not being able to get a dang tow truck! After exhausting my vocabulary of four-letter words, I called a Mexican friend who I knew was in town, hoping he had his phone on him. As it turned out, not only was he in town, but he was working out on Playa Miramar, a few doors away from my home. Within about an hour, I had been

rescued and was sitting in my easy chair contemplating the wisdom of messing with ‘factory’ settings on my UTV. After my wife picked up a duplicate drive belt (two, actually) on her return trip, I installed the new one and made up a “rescue kit” that included a new belt and tools needed to change the belt on the spot, no matter where that “spot” might be, just in case. Lesson learned. What did I take away from my misfortune? Well, I’d like to

think there was something I could have done differently, like not messing with the factory settings on my UTV, but no. After the rescue, and refilling my friends gas tank for his trouble, I decided to make a list of all the things I take for granted which are not available to me here… but maybe I’ll do that later. Right now, the sun is shining, the breeze is softly blowing, the water gently lapping the sand, I have a Liga Privada cigar that needs attention, and the hammock is waiting…

Red Cross Prepares for a Busy Start of High Season this Month

Puerto Penasco expects a high tourist flow for the Spring Break and Easter period and the city is gearing up for the crowds. In various meetings, the Red Cross has coordinated in order to be ready to treat victims of accidents and injuries. The Relief Coordinator of the Red Cross reported that during the beginning of the high season, the city is still subject to the Covid-19 protocols. Emergencies due to accidents or other traumas will have to be addressed without continuing to care for those who need treatment for Covid-19, which fortunately continue to decline. He stated that Red Cross calls related to Coronavirus have dropped by more than 90%, giving more time to respond to more calls that arise due to other circumstances which commonly involve tourists. He stressed that 100% of the relief corps, with 51 members, is already available for the scenarios and they have five ambulances ready at this time. During the month of March and through mid-April there will undoubtedly be a heavy influx of springbreakers and vacationers for Semana Santa (Holy Week), so plans have been made to provide the best possible service. The Red

Cross Relief Coordinator explained that the institution has all its staff ready and that at this time it has five ambulances prepared to respond to calls that arise, one of which is specifically outfitted for suspected cases of Covid-19. Héctor Vásquez del Mercado, he president of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCV) expressed confidence that there will be a high influx of tourists and noted that spring break from the USA continues to make Rocky Point a very popular market, as demonstrated by the fact that reservations on Sandy Beach are already in excess of 55% occupancy. The president of the OCV stated that, according to the reservations and the behavior of the US market, it is expected that in 2022 it will very likely exceed the volume of Spring Break from 2018, which had over 140,000 visitors arrive in town. That was calculated to have provided an economic impact of approximately 135 million pesos. Vásquez del Mercado stated that it is essential to continue to respect the protocols and preventive measures so that visitors find Puerto Peñasco to be a safe destination in all aspects including health due to the Coronavirus.

This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Team, www. sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing. Sign up for Jim’s Monthly Newsletter: http://www.tinyurl.com/JimNewsletter


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CLUBSAND CLUBS ANDORGANIZATIONS ORGANIZATIONS AACORP (ANIMAL CENTER)

Founder: Nancy Phelan: 383-1012 Leon de la Barra (Calle 15), 3 blocks east of the main blvd. Benito Juarez nancy_phelan@yahoo.com AACORP Tax Deductible Donations PO Box 1031, Lukeville, AZ 85341 CATS & KITTENS NEED TO FIND FOREVER HOMES NOW as the animal center will be closing this year. We have been dedicated to helping the stray animals of Rocky Point for 15+ years, but it is time to close our doors. Donations are still needed and welcome: We are a 501(c)3 non-profit so your donations are tax deductible. See this issue for current needs or call the above number.

ADOPT-A-CLASSROOM

AMERICAN LEGION POST MX 15 141 Chihuahua & Matamoros (Calle #1) Across from Pink Cadillac Open daily and the Public Always Welcome 2021 OFFICERS: Commander: Carl Travis Vice Commander: Jerry Clackler Adjutant: Bee Murphy General Meetings 1st Tuesday of month at 10:00 a.m. (from October thru June) Contact Food & Beverage Manager Danny Anderson for information regarding special events, celebrations & dinners throughout the year. Bingo: Monday, Thursday & Saturday 2:00 p.m. Telephone Numbers: U.S. (602) 539-2047 Mexico 011-52 (638) 388-8841 Magic Jack (602) 539-2047 ALL VISITORS WELCOME!

AMOR MINISTRIES

Provides basic school supplies, computers, copiers, chalkboards, etc. to local classrooms Founder: Barbara Olszewski: 383-4963 (602) 324-9529 www.rockypointclassroom.com Donations can be dropped off at the Rocky Point Times Office or sent to Barb at: PO Box 695, Lukeville, AZ 85341

AGRUPACION GEORGE PAPANICOLAOU Madrid and Ave. Marcelo Pino grupaciongeorgepapanicolaou@hotmail.com Cancer clinic dedicated to early prevention. Screenings and tests available. MONTHLY MEETINGS 1st Thurs. of every month PATIENT CONSULTATIONS Wednesday 9AM-1PM PAP SMEARS Friday 9AM-2PM by appointment only Please call 1 to 2 weeks prior 383-4399

AIM PEÑASCO Kathleen Duncan - Founder Non-profit Organization, to improve the lives of children in need in Mexico. Address - Avenida Francisco I Madero & Comonfort www.stepsoflove.org 638 388 5434 carolina.pacheco@aimpenasco.org

ALANON Rocky Point Alanon Zoom Meeting Thursdays at 11am Central time (year-round) Time: This is a recurring meeting Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89673417818?pw d=c2hYV05PWCs4cXB6S3g0c2pVeTRSUT09 Meeting ID: 896 7341 7818 Passcode: 171289 One tap mobile +13126266799, 89673417818# *171289# US (Chicago) +19292056099, 89673417818#, *171289# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 896 7341 7818 Passcode: 171289 Find your local number: https://us02web. zoom.us/u/kbItqQa5rf

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Welcome Open AA Meetings at South of the Border Passport Club Location: Directly across from Granada del Mar Hotel South of Sinaloa st., where the road ends and the sea begins at the office of Oc3an View Ministry. Schedule: M-W-F 10AM Women's Recovery AA Open Meeting Thursday at 11AM Contact Conrado at MX Cell (638) 109-8017 Marcia: marsupis@gmail.com

International Headquarters: 1664 Precision Park Lane San Diego, CA 92173 Phone: (619) 662-1200 www.amor.org Amor Ministries builds more than 1,000 new homes across Mexico for Mexican families. They are selected to receive homes by the Mexico Ministry Planning Board. Pastors discern the needs within their community, present their nominations and one (or more) are selected to receive a new home built by Amor volunteers.

CANACO-SERV Y TUR Puerto Peñasco Chamber of Commerce Servicios y Turismos de Pto. Peñasco Phone: 383-4468 Located on Blvd. Fremont and Coahuila Monday - Friday 8AM-3PM President: Elia Neyda Javalera Chavez

(Please note that our Chamber of Commerce is not like those that you find in U.S. cities and do not provide the same services and information.)

CASA HOGAR (ELDERLY HOME)

Director: Father Abraham Garcia Lopez Phone: 383-2599 Ave. Miguel Hidalgo (Calle 13) and Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Casa Hogar is supported solely on donations and they always welcome visitors to sing and play games. Take Blvd. Fremont toward Las Conchas, make a left at the Pemex station, cross over the rrx tracks and they are on your left. If you would like to make a donation you can make a check to: Patronato Pro Asilo de Ancianos de Puerto Peñasco A.C. and drop it off at the home. You may drop checks or donations off at the Rocky Point Times office.

Help to pay their electric bill, especially during the summer months, is always needed. You may also make a donation at a local grocery store for the purchase food and items.

AMPI The Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios (AMPI), or the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals, Puerto Peñasco 51, represents ethical professionalism in real estate practice and promotes education among real estate professionals. A sister organization to National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the United Estates, AMPI works closely with the State of Sonora to provide education for real estate licensure, which is required in the State of Sonora for all agents who represent any type of property transaction including sales, rentals, property management, and promotion. Active in the community, AMPI promotes Puerto Peñasco as a vacation and retirement destination, members donate generously to local causes, and AMPI works with other organizations to sponsor community activities. AMPI operates the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) on behalf of our real estate clients. Board members: President: Jorge Bravo Vice President: Jorge "George" Bravo Secretary VP Communications: Robin Miller Legal: Lic. Leticia Marquez VP Education: Cathy Poturalski VP Events: Martin Martinez VP Ethics: Kyle Woods For inquiries, please contact: Blanca Valdez, AMPI Administrator Email: penascoampi@gmail.com AMPI phone: 638-388-0006

BARB’S DOG RESCUE Help Us Help Them. We are a concerned group of dog lovers working to better the lives of Peñasco’s dogs. We are expanding our facility on the edge of town where we house dogs. We are committed to taking in abandoned and neglected dogs, maintaining and rehabilitating them in a healthy environment and finding loving permanent homes. We ask for your help. Virtually every dog that comes to us is malnourished and in poor health. The need is great. Visit Barb’s Dog Shelter located 8 miles north of Rocky Point on the highway to Sonoyta, where you will see signs. Donations are also accepted at Twin Dolphins Real Estate on Fremont Blvd, next to Cruz Roja. E-Mail barbsdogrescue@gmail.com Visit us on Facebook or Call Barb at (044-638) 114-1659 or Dee at (044638) 384-0113 or from the US (602) 324-7241.

BOOK & EXCHANGE Rocky Point Times Office Ave. Agustin Melgar, Off Of Blvd. Samuel Ocaña Puerto Peñasco, Son. Mexico 83550 Col. Nueva Esperanza Phone: 383-6325: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm www.rptimes.com Free Book, VHS and DVD exchange for all Rocky Point residents and visitors.

CENTRO COMUNITARIO PALABRAS DE ESPERANZA (Words of Hope/Rocky Point Medical Clinics) Our mission is to promote the holistic development of the local Puerto Peñasco community's families through the education, health, personal and spiritual growth programs that are offered here. Address - Cjon. Juan Aldama entre Av. 68 & 69 #668, Col. San Rafael Hours: Monday - Saturday 9 AM-5 PM penascowordsofhope@gmail.com Phone: 638 690 1531

CHOLLA BAY CHRISTMAS PARTY Donations payable to: Cholla Bay Christmas Fund Please send to: Nancy Schmidli 10645 W Connecticut Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351 An organization that celebrates a Christmas party for their fellow Cholla Bay Mexican neighbors in early December. Santa shows up for pictures with the kids, children get to pick a gift for their mother, take a crack at the piñata, have a group sing-along and munch on hot dogs and chips. After all the fun, Santa delivers gifts for the children and food boxes for the families.

CHOLLA BAY SPORTSMENS CLUB CEDO

Center for the Study of Oceans & Deserts Phone: 382-0113 or (520) 829-4501 Located in Las Conchas, look for the Fin Whale skeleton Mon. - Sat. 9AM-5PM; Sun. 10AM-2PM PO Box 1579, Lukeville, AZ 85341 info@cedointercultural.org www.cedointercultural.org CEDO is the Intercultural Center for the Study of Oceans and Deserts. Home to a giant fin whale skeleton and a desert botanical garden, CEDO is a field station for researchers and school classes, an education center with library, laboratories, book store and gift shop - An Intercultural Experience. CEDO is a nonprofit organization dedicated to research, education and conservation of the planet’s last great frontiers: the Sea of Cortez. LOTS OF FUN AND GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS! FREE PUBLIC TOURS Every Tuesday 2PM; Saturday 4PM CEDO ADVENTURES FOR EVERYONE Kayak Capers Explore beautiful Estero Morua with expert guides. Local ecology talk, kayak rental, picnic feast,drinks all in an environment rich with shore birds, crabs and halophytes. Estero Excursions Oyster farms, fiddler crabs and the “shrimp dance” are part of this walking tour of a pristine upper Gulf wetland. Kayak Estero Morua and/or tour with CEDO experts. Tidepool Explorations Explore the tidepools with CEDO experts. Explore the Sand Dunes Spectacular Gran Desierto de Altar. This sea of natural dunes is the world’s largest. An experience you won’t forget! Pinacate Adventure Explore the geologic wonders of the Pincate Biosphere Reserve on a tour with CEDO experts. Isla San Jorge Snorkel with the sea lions in their natural habitat at Bird Island or just enjoy the scenery from the boat and take photos. A must do trip!

COORDINACION DE SALUD MUN.

Puerto Peñasco Animal Control Dedicated to prevention and disease control Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Phone: 388-5152 Coordinator: Dr. Erick Gastelum Pacheco Canine Tech.: Mario Lopez Sub-Director: Jesus Bejarano Social Worker: Marina Soto Siqueiros We always welcome donations of dog food, supplies and medicine.

CORCELES EQUINOTHERAPY

Equine Therapy Corceles del Desierto de Sonora. Non-profit Civil Association Dedicated to supporting children with disabilities with limited economic resources in this Port. We sustain ourselves from Donations and carry out activities. We will be happy to receive food, blankets, shoes for our horses. Program Coordinator Lic. Claudia Lugo (638)384-2928.

D.I.F.

Desarrollo Integral de la Familia Sinaloa and Ruiz Cortines dif@puertopenasco.gob.mx difpuertopenasco@hotmail.com www.difpenasco.gob.mx www.puertopenasco.gob.mx Directora: Mayor’s Wife Supported solely by donations, this social service organization offers medical aid and a variety of services for needy families. If you know of a family in need you may contact DIF for help. They hold many public fundraisers throughout the year to raise money.

Also referred to as the CBSC Dues: $40, Payable to CBSC P.O. Box 77152, Tucson, AZ 85703

The Cholla Bay Sportsmens Club is responsible for maintaining, monitoring, and staffing the VHF Marine Channel 28 for the northern Sea of Cortez as well as CB Radio Channel 3. The CBSC pays the salary of the operator, aides in search and rescue operations. They also publish the Cholla Chatter and put on numerous events during the year such as the CBSC Fishing Derby, Horseshoe Tournament and other fun stuff held in Cholla Bay. OFFICERS President: Mike Dugan: 638-382-5237 Vice-President: Lew Felton Secretary: Barb Baird: 638-384-2281 Treasurer: Enedina Otanez: 638-382-5142 Membership: Eamonn O'Callaghan: (602) 394-9879 BOARD MEMBERS Pat Goodin, Rhea Dugan, Nancy Schmidly, Chuck Blair, Marlene Blair, Dave Heath, Connie Horton, Billie Crumbley, Theresa Orcutt The CBSC provides an invaluable service for those at sea and promotes good relations between American visitors and our Mexican neighbors.

CHOLLA CHARITIES FOUNDATION Sally Dalton: 382-5283 (Xochitl’s Cafe) Donations payable to: Cholla Charity Fund Send to: Kathy Barnard 1547 E. Royal Palm Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85020 Organization that helps Mexican families, who live and work in Cholla Bay, with unexpected expenses such as medical, living, funeral, etc.They also collect and distribute blankets and warm clothing for children in Cholla Bay. Donations may be dropped off at Xochitl’s Cafe in Cholla Bay.

C.I.D.A Director: Joaquin Celaya Rendon Phone: 638-102-0514 Cellphone: (044-638) 091-65 Call for directions Shelter providing housing, food and care for those addicted to drugs and alcohol. Donations needed all year long.

CHILDREN’S HOME D.I.F. children’s home is on Calle Marcelo Pino and Callejon Benito Juarez. The home is equipped to accommodate 50 children ranging in ages from newborns to 11 years. Children are taken care of until their families have complied with the rehabilitation period, treatments, or requests by SDMF. The home is located just behind the Basic Unit Rehabilitation Center of D.I.F.

EL GOLFO RUN

Rocky Point Times Newspaper 383-6325 or from U.S. 480-463-6255 rockypointtimes@yahoo.com

The El Golfo Run is a fun bi-annual 4x4 trip (May and Oct) to El Golfo de Santa Clara through the desert, salt flats and onto the beach - even the coastal hwy. All 4x4’s welcome to join. There is no charge, fee, etc., you pay for your own motel and food when you get there. (Must have a sense of humor and be very patient).

ESPERANZA PARA LOS NIÑOS

Children’s Home: I.A.P., Casa Hogar para niños desamparados 383-2378 Off of Hwy. 8, 15 mi. N of Rocky Point PO Box 1024, Lukeville, AZ 85341 Secretary: Jose Manuel Barrera Sanchez Treasurer: Florencia Lucila G. Miron The children’s home is located outside of town, apx. 15 miles, and houses anywhere from 10 to 40 children. It provides temporary housing for families that cannot afford to take care of their children or are having a hard time. This is not an orphanage - these children are not up for adoption. They are always in need of cleaning supplies and fresh food (not canned items).

ESPERANZA DE VIDA

Darlene Laura and Carole Fields Ave. Pino Suarez No. 143, Col. El Ferrocarril, Playa “F” Provides clothes, food, toys and medicine to the children/families in Colonia Nueva area.


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CLUBSAND CLUBS ANDORGANIZATIONS ORGANIZATIONS FUNERAL HOMES

Funeraria Renacimiento 383-1233 Funeraria Santa Cecilia 383-2522

GOD'S GRACE FOUNDATION Founder: Robert Gutiérrez (480) 273-7141 Facebook/www.godsgracefoundation Feeding. clothing and first aid Christian Ministry.

GREEN ANGELS

Angeles Verdes Hwy. 8 Patrol: Sunrise to Sunset Pull off shoulder and raise vehicle hood EMERGENCY DIAL 078 Provides assistance, tourist aid, information and emergency radio service for travellers on Hwy. 8 from Sonoyta to Rocky Point. Bilingual “Green Angels” provide protection service, medical aid and basic mechanical aid. There is no charge for mechanical service, you will only pay for auto parts, gas, oil, etc.

LIONS CLUB Phone: 383-2488 Ave. Niños Heroes and Juan Aldama Some of their programs include info. & action for the prevention of hypertension and diabetes, prescription glasses, eye surgery, supply wheelchairs, braces, crutches, etc. Donations of eyeglasses, or any other items may be dropped off at the office of the RPTimes.

MEN’S SHELTER Centro de Rehabilitación para Adultos y Jovenes La Esperanza A.C. Local Director: C. José de La Cruz Bravo 044-638-106-4079 identificacruz@live.com.mx On Simon Morua behind the new cemetery The center helps men in need by providing clothing, housing, job training and food. They run solely on donations.

MEXICO CHILDRENS FOUNDATION

GRUPO SAN PEREGRINO

Spiritual Support Cancer Group Dra. Arminda Gonzalez: 110-4934 Glenda Lopez: 383-2414 Mariana Perez: (044-638) 102-0564 sanperegrinopenasco@gmail.com The group’s mission is to provide spiritual and monetary support to individuals in Rocky Point that are affected by cancer.

HELPING HANDS Manos de Ayuda, Inc. 383-5287 or (520) 760-8645 President: Ramon Contreras Pamela J. Lyke Marquez: pjlmarquez@aol.com Manos de Ayuda, Inc. is a non-profit corporation that provides rehabilitation, health education, medical and therapy equipment and supplies to children with special needs. They also help with construction modifications at a nursing home, a free clinic, and day care facility. These projects are made possible by volunteer efforts and financial assistance. Your help is always needed.

I.R.A.D. Director: Julio Alberto Lucero Arreola 044-638-109-2566 Located off of Cholla Bay Road I.R.A.D. is the institute for the recovery of drug addicts and alcoholics. The shelter houses, feeds and cares for those persons addicted. They rely and operate solely on donations and often sell candy to raise money to keep the centers open. They will always present their identification.

KNOX TRAIL COUNCIL BSA Yvette Lavin yvettelavin1212@gmail.com (508) 667-4031

LA ESPERANZA PARA NUEVA VIDA The Community center is located on Lazaro Cardenas #538 (Eastern part of RP) The Association is created to give Hope for a change in the way of life for those in the community who desire improvement. Contact rpbarbo@gmail.com for more info or to help.

LAS CONCHAS HOMEOWNERS ASSOC. Phone: 382-0050 / (602) 476-1454 Guard Gate: 382-0095 President: Ginger Beauchamp Executive Vice President: Naoma Leader Vice President: Bart Stockton Treasurer: Randi Alcott Secretary: Raylene Pavlicek

Founder: Steve Schwab Established 2003 520-232-2241 7655 E Redfield Rd. Suite 3 Scottsdale, AZ, 85260

OC3AN VIEW MINISTRY

Contact: Deb Turner (638) 386-8645 (520) 906-3096 trnrrck@yahoo.com

www.oc3anviewministry.com We are a Mexican non-profit hosting mission groups; bringing aid and comfort to families and the displaced. Our Community Center is located on Kino Blvd at Francisco Madero. We accept clothing, current dated dry food items, new children’s toys, school supplies, household goods, furniture, tools and construction materials. From our thrift store sales we fund all aspects of our ministry; these include: our dinner, fun free family events, community construction opportunities, and ministries at rehab centers. Hours of Operation at our Community Center: Thrift Store: Tues. thru Sat. 12-5 Our Dinner, serving free food: Tues. & Thur. 1-2 Free Fun Family events: scheduled throughout the year watch for them on FBoc3anviewminisry Please come join us. For information about serving opportunities at Our Dinner, Thrift Store, Mission Groups, Fun Free Family events, construction projects and rehab center ministries go to: www.oc3eanviewministry.com Conrad Flores, President and Founder oceanviewministry@gmail.com US: 480-264-1172 MX: 638-109-8017

OLD BOYS SOCIAL CLUB

www.mexicochildrensfoundation.org Email: info@mexicochildrensfoundation.org

President: Lew Felton Fun group that hold meetings every month and puts on a variety of fun activities such as the Bash every year and donates to local charities and organizations.

A non-profit organization in Puerto Peñasco dedicated to enriching the lives of the children and their families. The organization provides medical assistance, assists families, offers education and assists in the z enrichment of children’s lives. The group holds many events during the year including golf tournaments, a children’s walk, triathlon, concerts and a New Year’s Eve Bash.

A group of local singles, both full and part time residences. All singles are invited to join (no fee) this laid back group for the happy hours each Tuesday at 4 pm at Puesta del Sol restaurant at Playa Bonita Resort. The location for the Saturday breakfasts will be announced at this happy hour. For more information contact any of the following: Marti 812-3191463 (U.S. cell works locally), or Jane Toth 928607-2741 or just show up at the Tuesday happy hour and introduce yourself.

MISSION VILLA GRANADA (Weekend Missions) Be part of something bigger than yourself! We provide a 3-day international missions trip for less than $150 per person. Includes lodging and all meals. We are a Christian Ministry. However, anyone is welcome to join us in serving the RP Community. Volunteers needed at Mission Villa Granada for maintenance, cleaning, cooking, church building upkeep, marketing, or anything you love to do. We are located at the former Villa Granada Hotel, 2 blocks east of El Pollo Lucas. Visit Weekendmissions.com, email pva@cox. net or call Carmen (638) 103-4336 or Vincent (602) 696-3288.

NUEVA CREACION Rehabilitation Center and Shelter for women, teens, and children suffering drug addiction, abuse or violence. The Center is a legally stablished Non Profit Institution. Director: Guadalupe de Soto and Guadalupe de Soto (638) 105-9804 taviita_07@hotmail.com Juan Aldama #527 (52 & 53 Streets) Colonia Nuevo Peñasco.

PUERTO PEÑASCO SCOUTING PROJECT

PEÑASCO SINGLES (PS)

PINACATE BIOSPHERE RESERVE Fundación para Conservación del Pinacate, A.C. Office Hours: 9AM - 5PM U.S. Mail: PO Box 745, Ajo, AZ 85321

El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve is considered one of the most unique volcanic zones in the world. The conservation of these gigantic craters and the surrounding areas are an important part of our ancient history and culture. Self guided hikes, overnight camping and exploring are allowed in the area provided you do not harm, disrupt or take plants, wildlife or artifacts from the area. Visitors must register at the office as they enter the reserve. The reserve is located at the halfway town (Nayarit) between Rocky Point and Sonoyta. Also located near this area is Gran Desierto de Altar, home to the largest area of natural sand dunes.

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS WOMEN OF PUERTO PEÑASCO A.C. Rosa Angelica Peñuelas Contreras PRESIDENT Ma. De Los Angeles Miranda Carpio SECRETARY OF CORRESPONDANCE Ana Lorenia Morales Reyna TREASURER

Barbara Olszewski rpbarbo@gmail.com (602) 324-9529 / (638) 114-2406

RED CROSS (CRUZ ROJA) EMERGENCY DIAL 911 OR 060 Business Phone: 383-2266 www.cruzrojapenasco.org.mx

Monetary donations can be made in person, to the Red Cross people with their cans out when you see them in the street or you may deposit directly into their account: Banamex Acct# 7661161 SUC. 472 Located on Blvd. Fremont, across from the Fire Department (Bomberos) SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE The Red Cross offers its services free of charge to the general public. They handle a number of minor injuries such as stings, bites, cuts, sprains, broken bones, etc. They have ambulance service and offer their services 24 hours a day. They work with local doctors and clinics to provide emergency care for patients with more serious injuries. They operate solely on donations, so please donate when you can. They are always in need of medical supplies, crutches, wheelchairs, etc. You may drop off donations at the Red Cross or at the office of the Rocky Point Times.

ROTARY CLUB PUERTO PEÑASCO MAR DE CORTÉS

President: Shandra Keesecker Secretary: Oscar Palacio Soto clubrotariopuertopenasco@gmail.com www.clubrotariopuertopenasco.org FB: @clubrotariopuertopenasco Meetings: Wednesdays 9AM at The Friendly Dolphin Restaurant in the Old Port

SAN JOSE CHURCH MISSION OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE Cholla Bay Road on the right before you enter La Cholla. Mass time as 8 a.m.

SANTA CLAUS CLUB Organizer: John Fowler: 602-840-1528 PO Box 5, Lukeville, AZ 85341 Delivers food boxes, bikes, toys and clothes to needy families all year long. Donations are accepted and transported to Rocky Point year round. If you have a donation pickup in the Phoenix area, call John Fowler or email santaclausclub@hotmail.com.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Thrift Store open Monday - Saturday 9am-4pm Run solely on donations Turn W on Samuel Ocaña, go to the first 4-way stop and turn left, go 1 block and turn right, then go 2 blocks and turn left. Thrift store is the light green building located at the end of the street on the right hand side. St. Vincent de Paul helps needy citizens by furnishing clothing, food baskets, medical assistance and basic needs.

STEPS OF LOVE

The Red Cross can fill Portable Oxygen Tanks with prior notice.

REHABILITATION CENTER Unidad Basica de Rehabilitacion Therapy for the handicap and those with special needs. Consultations accepted. Coordinator: Esperanza Lopez Trasviña Phone: 383-1918 Juan Aldama & Marcelo Pino

ROCKY POINT CHRISTMAS Tab Gray: tab@rockypoint.com Family of God Christian Fellowship PO Box 738, Lukeville, AZ 85341

Steps of Love's mission is to help youth in Mexico break the cycle of poverty by facilitating access to quality educational opportunities. www.stepsoflove.org (480) 420-8141 contact@stepsoflove.org

TOURISM BUREAU (OCV) Puerto Peñasco Convention & Visitor’s Bureau 388-0444/US Toll Free 877-843-3717 Mexico Toll Free: 01-800-552-2820 Ave. Coahuila 444 Int. 1a Fremont & Víctor Estrella www.cometorockypoint.com Mon-Fri: 9am-2pm & 4-7pm, Sat 9am-3pm President: Hector Vazquez Del Mercado Director: LT. Lizette Ibarra 638 105 3384 Marketing and social media manager: L.P.M. Sara Lilia Cárdenas Franco 638 116 1546 Administration Assistant L.T. Dannahi Barrios

WOMEN REHAB CENTER

A group of a variety of community members who volunteer their time and efforts to raise money, purchase supplies and provide food bags, shoes and toys at Christmas time for the less fortunate. Every year thousands of children, men and women flock to receive their goodies, take pictures with Santa Claus, play games, eat hot dogs and have a great day. Volunteers spend all year collecting donations and then coordinate efforts a few weeks prior to the big event, which usually takes place mid-December.

Centro de Rehabilitacion para Mujeres La Esperanza A.C. Directora: Hna. Ana Krause: (638) 102-0869 anaycruz@live.com From. Blvd. Samuel Ocaña, turn north at sign on Pto. Ensenada. Go 10 blocks and the Women's center will be on your left, just before the last cross street.

YOUTH SPORTS FOUNDATION Rick Busa: rbusa1972@gmail.com Promotes youth sports in Puerto Peñasco. Donations of sports equipment, uniforms, etc. always welcome. Call for sports schedule and come out to watch the kids play.


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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255


rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook / instagram / twitter • www.rptimes.com

By Dr. Sally Downey Spring in Rocky Point is a busy, busy time and so has it been for our local Rotary Club: The “Fish Bowl” fundraiser netted over $6,000 USD, Super Bowl Square sales netted $7,000 USD, and we netted $10,000 USD from the sale of the car which was so generously donated by Bill Gruwell of Courtesy Chevrolet in Phoenix. This Spring fundraising was a record for our club! We are now in the process of identifying community needs that we can support financially. A recent presentation from the Health Department informed us of a severe health issue that needs immediate attention. Puerto Peñasco leads Mexico in the number of cases of Rickettsia, untreated symptoms of this condition can result in death. Rickettsia is a very similar to “Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever” and is transferred to humans from dogs and cats that are infested with ticks and fleas. The climate, sandy soil, many homes with dirt floors coupled with large numbers of dogs and cats in our community make Puerto Peñasco a breeding ground for Rickettsia. (For more info visit www.mauoclinic. org/diseases-conditions/rockymountain spotted fever/symptoms.) Fumigation along with a treatment administered to dogs and cats will be necessary to combat this disease. WE as a rotary club are talking about how we can help. As we learn more, I am sure you will hear more about this and how you can help. Recently, the Scottsdale Rotary Club parented with us as they continued their support of La Montana School. The Scottdale Club

purchased security cameras that were installed throughout the school campus. La Montana School that serves 100 handicapped students experienced several break-ins while closed during the pandemic. These break-ins resulted in losses of equipment and supplies. One particular class where the students were learning carpentry skills lost all their hand tools – what a shame! Hopefully the security cameras will prevent future break-ins. Again, because we have a local Rotary Club it opens up the opportunity of partnerships and many benefits. Rotary clubs form around the world can target the needs in our community and together we can make a positive difference! As always if you are interested to learn more about Rotary, you can visit our website at clubrotariopuertopenasco.org “Service Above Self ”… what a wonderful way to live!

As always, if you are interested to learn more about Rotary, you can visit our website at clubrotariopuertopenasco.org and email us at clubrotariopuertopenasco@gmail.com or you can call me, Sally Downey at (480) 612-5738 or attend a meeting every Wednesday morning at 9:00 AM at the Friendly Dolphin.

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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255

Words of Hope -Centro Comunitario Palabras de Esperanza

The beginning of this year has been exciting and full of activities benefit of the families of Puerto Peñasco and Sonoyta. Thanks to all the support that we have received from all of you at our center we are able to offer programs that allow us to help everyone that comes to the center or to wherever we go when visiting the different parts of the city: From the smallest ones to the older adults, hundreds have benefited since the beginning of the 2022 year. This is what the center has accomplished so far…

Medical Clinics: Over 500 people have attended at our medical clinics here and in Sonoyta. We have different health specialists, from physical therapists, ophthalmologists, orthopedists, pediatricians, and gynecologists among others. We have also begun to give other medical services like, dental work, vaccines, and papsmears every Thursday.

Community Diner: Every day we serve warm and healthy food for those families that need it. During the months of January and February we served over 950 dinner plates to women, children and men of all ages.

Homework Club: We have 20 kids that attend the club every day

to get aid in doing their homework, and to reinforce their reading, math and writing skills and we also have English classes once a week. Kids Club: We reactivated our kids club for every Saturday, here we do arts and crafts, games, and we sing and dance among other recreative activities that allows them to develop their abilities. Cheer: We have a small group of cheerleaders that have been practicing this sport for the last 5 years, but this has been the year that they have made it into an official cheering group and they have added more girls and teens - so now we can enjoy all their cheering skills.

We have also added to new programs, one is Vivienda Digna, (Dignified Living) for families of low income that need repairs or a new bathroom in their house. The second program is called Casas de Esperanza, for those

families that do not have a house, we build them a brand new one. Right now, we have a waiting list of about 20 families that need this type of support. In February with the help of Living Stream Church and a group of ASU students we did the first home repairs for 3 families and in March we built the very first house for an older couple that have custody of their 9 yr. old granddaughter.

If you would like to be part of this wonderful labor, you can also make a tax-deductible donation at www.penascowordsofhope.org and this will allow us to continue with the programs we offer. Other ways of helping are by donating supplies that we need on a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule, here is a list of our necessities. • Cleaning and disinfecting supplies • Disposable plates, cups, forks & spoons etc. • Computers/ Laptops and any other office supplies • Headphones and speakers for computers • School and craft supplies • Non-perishable foods, rice, beans etc. • Clothing, toys and misc.

Donations can also be dropped off directly at the center or at the offices of the Rocky Point Times. We are a US tax deductible organization 501c3. Our address is Cjon. Juan Aldama entre Av. 68 y 69 #668, Col. San Rafael 83553 Puerto Peñasco, Tel: 638-690-1531.


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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255

Our Contributing writers...

Allen Schwartz

Writing as Payson Dean (aka the Old Gringo) The ‘old gringo’ has been hanging around Rocky Point since the late 70’s and has had a home here since 1993. He’s flown the bush in Baja and southern Mexico since 1994, has trained SCUBA divers at both Peñasco and San Carlos, and calls Playa Miramar home. He writes because he likes to, and loves Puerto Peñasco. Not much of a fisherman, but a fine cigar and good Tequila can always get his attention. I’ve been retired since 2005 and my wife and I run a horse rescue ranch in Strawberry, Arizona. We divide our time between the ranch and our home at Playa Miramar. I’ve written several articles for diverse publications and have a regular column at Contractor Magazine.

Joseph Sanchez

is a custom home builder, developer and real estate agent who loves to contribute stories to the Rocky Point Times. He likes to write about the state of the local economy, housing market and investment strategies. While traveling on vacation 20 years ago he met his future Mexican wife but had to return home to deploy with the Army National Guard shortly after 9/11. Upon his return, they married and moved to Chicago. Three months after they married, he was deployed again in support of Operation Iraq Freedom and returned 18 months later. Having survived all that, they now have three wonderful kids and are happily married and reside here full-time. They will celebrate 18 years of marriage on the 26th of April. Sanchez’s current project is San Besitos, a community development project located in the Mirador which offers new construction homes from the low $100s.

Linda and Bo Bernard

These native Texans discovered Rocky Point on vacation and became full-time residents in 2016. Linda was a full-time educator, having spent 45 years working with 7th to 12th grade students in various capacities. She taught history and government in public school and later at Dallas’ Parish Episcopal School where she served as Dean of Students, Assistant Head of Upper School and Founding Director of The Leadership Institute. Bo spent most of his professional life in sales, marketing and upper management at various Dallas-area telecommunications companies. He was on the forefront of the sales and distribution of everything from semiconductors, to the first hand-held calculators, pagers, and finally, cell phones. He retired from the industry in 2004, but found he had too much energy and too little to do. Ultimately, he found what he calls his “hardest, but most fun and rewarding job ever” in teaching Writing/Humanities to 5th graders at Linda’s school. Their connection to Barb’s Dog Rescue and the RPT column is a labor of love, in hopes others will be inspired to get involved in the Rocky Point community.

Stephanie Wood

Stephanie Wood grew up in Wichita, KS and moved to Phoenix in 1992 to attend ASU. Her first trip to Mexico was Nogales at age18 to shop and drink margaritas. She’s been coming to Rocky Point since 2007, and fell in love immediately and started looking for a condo the very first day. Rocky Point combines her love of Mexico and the beach. She loves exploring Rocky Point and sharing her experiences with others. She has two kids who are growing up on the beach and learning to embrace a world view and appreciation of other cultures. Her goal is to travel more extensively in Mexico as time and funds allow and continue writing about her experiences.

Cholla Charli

Rosarie Salerno

Has been a contributing writer, for the Rocky Point Times, since 2006. Rosarie has lived in Rocky Point for over 10 years. She has been a full time real estate professional in Rocky Point since she arrived and has been a licensed real estate agent in Arizona since 1986. She moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1972. Rosarie studied Accounting in N.Y.C., Fashion Designing as well as Video and Film Production in Tucson. Not only did she sell real estate in Tucson, but had a small income tax preparation service for almost 20 years. Rosarie is highly analytical in her work. She has an inquisitive mind.

Vince Deadmond

"The Retired Fly Fishing Hardware Guy" writes short fly fishing stories and does fishing programs, while trying to keep his kayak in an upright position. Vince is a fly fishing enabler, he encourages everyone to take up the fly rod and visit his favorite place Puerto Penasco, Mexico. His stories can be found on the web, in local newspapers, and magazines. Vince's stories tangle family, friends, and fly lines. Vince can be reached at 480 818 1796.

Jim Ringquist

With over ten years as a full-time resident of Rocky Point, Director of Sales and Marketing for the four Sonoran Resorts beachfront condo developments, and President of the Puerto Peñasco Tourist Assistance Advisory Committee, Jim works hard to stay on top of what is going on around town. He certainly doesn’t consider himself a writer, but he does send out a monthly newsletter to a growing number of clients and Rocky Point enthusiasts to share what he can about the area.

new home town.

Cholla Charli (aka Charlotte Keller) has had family ties to La Cholla since 1969, and is now a full-time resident there, having retired from a career in marketing, publishing and public relations. An award-winning writer and photographer, she enjoys sharing stories about the organizations, activities, events and people in her

Kathleen Duncan

Kathleen attended University of Arizona where she met her husband Arnott who is a 4th generation Arizona farmer. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1983, Kathleen followed Arnott to Goodyear, AZ where she received her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at Arizona State University. In 1982 Kathleen and Arnott founded Duncan Family Farms and while Arnott focused on operating the farm Kathleen spent most of her career working with vulnerable children and families in Arizona. In September of 2012 Kathleen decided she wanted to find a way to give back to the community of Rocky Point, Mexico where her family have been vacationing for 25 years. She began volunteering at the newly opened Amores de Peñasco Children’s Crisis Shelter and spent the next three years traveling from her home in Buckeye, AZ. to spend 2-3 days per week supporting the children there. In 2015 Kathleen and Arnott decided they wanted to try to expand their efforts to help young people in need in Rocky Point so they formed a Mexican Civil Association called ‘Asistencia Integral para Menores de Puerto Peñasco’ (Comprehensive Support for Children of Rocky Point). In August of 2016 they used their Civil Association to launch a program to help at-risk young people in the community have access to educational opportunities that can transform their lives Kathleen joined the Board of Steps of Love in June of 2013.

Cap’n Greg

Escaped Iowa’s snow for Arizona’s sun in 1989, and immediately jumped the border to sample the culture and cerveza of Mexico. A US Navy veteran, his love for the ocean drew him to Rocky Point, which he has enjoyed immensely. Although he offers salty advice to Sea of Cortez visitors, the Cap’n also frequents the Northwest Ontario Bush, and has been writing a “North With Doc” humor column for In-Fisherman magazine for more than 30 years. Cap’n Greg, his wife Sandy, and their silky/pom pup Jezebel live in Green Valley.

Gretchen Ellinger

After more than 20 years in Puerto Peñasco real estate, Gretchen Corpe Ellinger is considered an expert resource by real estate professionals and clients alike. Having been elected president, vicepresident of ethics, and vice-president of education over several years by the members of AMPI, she now concentrates on her business, Real Estate & Retirement Consulting, seeing clients by appointment. Gretchen also enjoys writing, quilting, and supporting local artisans by collecting their extraordinary handcrafts - particularly hand-woven textiles - on her travels throughout Mexico.

Dr. Sally Downey

Dr. Sally E. Downey Grew up in Indiana, raised her family in Oklahoma, and was recruited to Arizona in 2000 to serve as East Valley Institute of Technology's School Superintendent, in Mesa, Arizona. After twenty years in that position, eight other years as a school superintendent in Oklahoma, and a total of fifty years as an educator...retirement beckoned! Since moving to Arizona, Rocky Point became a favorite weekend get away! Richard (husband of 55 years) and Sally loved Rocky Point so much that it wasn't long until they purchased a home in the community. Sally has been a Rotarian for 28 years and after being named Mesa Woman of the year, served as President at the Mesa Rotary Club, the second oldest club in Arizona. Upon retirement Sally moved her Rotary affiliation to Puerto Peñasco. Rotary is an organization that believes in service above self and so does Dr. Sally. It is her hope that by writing a monthly column about Rotary projects and services rendered that more people will get involved in this wonderful worldwide organization that in turn, thru service, will benefit the Puerto Peñasco Community!

Anita Kaltenbaugh

is a traveler with a love for Puerto Peñasco and the Sea of Cortez. She wakes up to the beautiful Sea of Cortez and feels incredibly lucky. Originally from Western Pennsylvania she loves to travel the world and discover off-the-beaten-path destinations with her husband and friends, and write travel articles and travel books. She also writes fiction under the pen name, A.K. Smith. Check out www.seasidewriter.com for more information.

Mark Paliscak Marco has been a writer for the Rocky Point Times for the last 13 years. He has been a part of the Rocky Point community and home owner for the last 16 years. Marco was never far from the beach his whole life. As a kid, he always loved the Jersey shore and later relocated to southern California at 20 years old and eventually found Balboa Island to be his home for a decade before making his way to Scottsdale. He loves the desert but missed the ocean and quickly found Arizona’s beach…Rocky Point! Along with writing for the Rocky Point Times, Marco is a mortgage banker/broker at Amerifirst Financial and Assistant Swim Coach at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix. He’s a proud father of his son, Zack and daughter, Via Maria who attend Ole Miss and Texas Christian University respectively. He loves to travel the world and picks new locations each year but always makes it a plan to make Aruba one of his annual destinations. Most of all, Marco loves his time in Rocky Point and always considers it HOME!


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Battle of the Mexican Beaches…… Cabo Vs. Rocky Point!!!

By Mark Paliscak

Feliz Abril Rocky Point. I hope everyone is enjoying the fantastic spring weather and of course my favorite time………SPRING BREAK in Rocky Point! The town sure has been jumping with college and high school kids and families from all over America. The array of license plates seen around town truly show how far some of them traveled to be here. After a funfilled week in Aruba, I returned for a week only to head out for Spring Break in Cabo San Lucas and met up with several friends from my high school and my college days as well as meeting up with my daughter, Via Maria who was on Spring Break from TCU. There were around 200 TCU students there for the celebration so not only was it great to see Via, but it was also fun to see all of her friends enjoying their much-needed break. So, I thought it would be a cool idea to highlight some of the differences

from Cabo to Rocky Point and choose a winner by category. Sooooooooooooo, here we go….. off to the beach! ~Weather- Both Rocky Point and Cabo have fantastic weather, however Cabo is some 750 miles south of us (the length of Baja California) which is nearly equivalent of driving from Phoenix to Denver. So, you can imagine it will be a smidge more toasty in Cabo. I have actually been to Cabo in November and could only stay in the lounge chair for about 5 minutes before needing to jump in the pool or ocean. Rocky Point is definitely more temperate throughout the year. Additionally, we really are not in a hurricane zone like Cabo sits. This would make this one an easy call…….Winner……..ROCKY POINT! ~Beaches & Vistas- The views in Cabo especially the iconic “El Arco” or Arch that pokes out of the sea

where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez are amazing. It is very mountainous leading up to the sea and ocean creating amazing views of the water from many miles away. Rocky Point definitely has some awesome views as well especially from atop Whale Hill. The beaches and water in both places are fabulous but I would give the nod to Rocky Point for beaches as we have such a vast array of colorful beaches and amazing colored water. So, the Winner………. TIE…… Cabo for the vistas and Rocky Point for the beaches and amazing water. ~Restaurants and Bars- Wow, this is a tough one. Rocky Point has come so far over the last couple decades with an influx of delicious restaurants and fun cantinas to hang out in. Remember when there was just JJ’s Cantina, the Reef and a handful of others? Cabo/San Jose has over 300,000 people….about 4 times the size of Rocky Point. With volume comes more choices and options. Don’t hate me Rocky Point bar owners and restauranteurs but it’s like comparing Phoenix to New York City…….clearly the larger guy wins the battle. I will say hats off to our local business owners who do an outstanding job of making our beach town sensational. Additionally, Rocky Point outweighs the amount of live music in the clubs than Cabo. Still, it is about the volume……….. Wi n n e r… … … … . arg h … … … . Cabo. ~Proximity/Ease- of Arriving and Departing- Well, people say you should arrive to the airport 2 hours early and 2 and ½ hours early for international flights. So, if you are flying to Cabo, if we add up let’s say 30 minutes to the airport, then 2 and ½ hour wait, then a 2 hour flight, then 30-40 minute car ride into Cabo from the airport, you are over 5 and half hours to your destination and that is if everything goes on schedule. My flight home was delayed an hour which added to this time. Most people in the southwestern USA can make it to Rocky Point in 3 to 4 hours and when you arrive, you have your own car to get around. Additionally, you want to leave later or earlier, no problem……you have your car. Winner…….ROCKY POINT!

~Boating/Fishing/Sail boating- While I was in Cabo, we rented a sailboat and cruised around El Arco and saw the whales breaching out of the water right by our boat. It was truly amazing, and we enjoyed it all, the sights, sounds, whales, bevies, etc! We have almost all of the same in Rocky Point as I have been on many whale watching journeys, fishing trips and sailboat tours but the vast number of upscale yachts and what they have to offer outweigh in Cabo. I guess it's a volume thing once again…… more people, more selection of boats. Winner…………Cabo! ~Traffic/Congestion/NoiseThere are a few things that spoil a day at the beach and that’s trying to navigate your way to the beach and get around town. Although, we can have some bottlenecks especially around the Malecon, the traffic and congestion in and around Cabo was heavy. Even navigating through San Jose can be tricky with backups and bumper to bumper traffic. While I was in Cabo, one day the cab drivers blocked the streets to protest the arrival of Uber. You could literally walk faster than the cars were moving on that day. See, it is not always the worst being the smaller fish………Winner…….. ROCKY POINT! Best wishes to all for a super Lenten season and a wonderful Easter and Semana Santa! Be grateful, be giving and most of all, be happy! :) ADIOS AMIGOS God Bless


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Go where your nose goes

By Rob Baylor If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Close your eyes and let your imagination run wild. Would it be the Amazon Jungle (no, snakes and critters, and Cannibals)? How about to see the pyramid's (Have to ride a camel and people have crooked knives to stab you with). I would pick Mexico in a heartbeat. I get asked if it is dangerous. I tell them, “No more than in your hometown if you pay attention to your surroundings”. It seems that some people leave their brain at home and end up hurting themselves.

I lived in Puerto Peñasco for nine years and never had an argument with a local. They bend over backwards to be friendly. I'm 78 years old and I should know better than to pull off the road and get buried in the sand, but I did. Two locals stopped to help and the second one got me out. I was standing there telling myself, well you can guess what I was saying. They saw a dumb Gringo that was in need of help. There is great fishing and some Charter Capitan's waiting to take you out at the Marina. Thanks for reading my articles. More to come.


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The Role of the Mexican Notario Publico in the Real Estate Transaction

By Blanca Valdez Diaz Most people know about the Notary Public in the USA, who may be found in banks, real estate offices, or even in your own home as a “mobile Notary.” The Notary Public serves the public by witnessing and certifying signatures on documents and authenticating certain documents, also known as “notarization,” among other official non-contentious functions. The qualifications for obtaining a Notary license vary from state to state, with most requiring, minimally, an application, residency in the state where the applicant is seeking commission, and the payment of a fee. The qualifications for obtaining a Notary license vary greatly from state to state, with most requiring, minimally, an application with payment of a fee and residency in the state where the applicant is seeking commission. Notary Publics often have nothing to do with real estate transactions, and do not advise clients regarding the documents they sign; their primary duty is to verify identification of signers to documents and to witness the signatures of those signers. Notary fees range from free to around $50, depending upon the location of the Notary, although in some places their cost is set, as in Texas, where the cost of the services of a Notary is limited by state law to $6 U.S. dollars. Many foreigners to Mexico assume that because the words are

so similar the Mexican Notario Publico has similar qualifications and duties to those of the Notary Public in the USA. NOT SO! In Mexico, the Notario Publico is an experienced attorney with a minimum of 5 years of practice, some of which must be in a Notaria (office of a Notario Publico), who has been appointed by the Governor of the state in which he or she works, after passing a highly technical exam, and awaiting a vacancy, because the number of Notarios Publicos in a given area is limited by the size of the population. Unlike in the USA, the designation “Notario Publico” carries a great deal of responsibility; the Notario’s signature and seal are his or her guarantee of quality and validity of documents, contracts, and deeds, and make him or her legally responsible if an issue arises after certification. These government officials act as impartial witnesses in the execution of various contracts, drafting of documents, signatures, and authentication processes, as well as in legal protocols that prevent real estate and economic fraud. Additionally, Notarios may act as arbitrators, mediators, and intervene in judicial proceedings. They also are the only attorneys who may draft Wills. What has the Notario Publico to do with real estate transactions? She or he acts as the impartial representative of all parties to the real estate transaction, may draft and review the real estate purchase contract, and will ensure that both seller and buyer enjoy the rights and obligations they acquire by signing the final documents. In all likelihood the buyer and seller each has a real estate advisor, and a transaction coordinator. An appraiser and an attorney may be involved as well. The Notario in the transaction is generally selected by the transaction coordinator

after consultation with the buyer and seller; however, even though the payer of the fee is negotiable, since the buyer generally pays the Notario fee, as such the buyer has the right to choose the Notario. The selection is often made based on closing costs established by the Notario. ONLY the Notario has the authority to assess income taxes related to the transaction, write Bank Trust contracts, and register new property titles and deeds of trust in the public registry. The cost of the Notario Publico is limited to a percentage that ranges from .015% to 1.12% of the cost of the transaction; in many cases this cost may reach thousands of dollars. With regard to buying and selling real estate in Mexico, the only formalization is by registration of the transaction in the Public Registry in the county in which the property is located. This is true even if the seller has been paid and the buyer has possession of the property, if the deed has not been written by, with the signatures of the parties ratified by, and the document registered in the public registry by a Notario Publico, the transaction has not been completed and may not be legally binding. Taxes related to the transaction are paid in conjunction with registration of the transaction in the public registry; a receipt for paid taxes is presented with the request for registration, and the receipt issued becomes part of the formalized title or deed of trust. Once these have been accomplished, the transaction is complete, with both seller and buyer protected.

The Notaria is the office of the Notario Publico. You are encouraged to take advantage of their services as part of your real estate activity, for bestowing your assets to your beneficiaries, for settlement of a dispute, or to inquire about other services. The Notarias that serve Puerto Peñasco/Rocky Point and the county surrounding the city are listed below. Sonora State Notaria Publica No. 26 Lic. Daniela Manzo Torres Blvd. Fremont #289, local 13, Col. Benito Juárez, C.P. 83554 Phone: 638-38-85255 Sonora State Notaria Publico No. 29 Lic. Natalia López Frías Blvd. Fremont # 22, local B, Col. Benito Juárez, C.P. 83554 Phone: 638-38-32006 Email: natalia@n29.mx Sonora State Notaria Publico No. 42 Master Lic. Osvaldo Rene Ortega Fuentes Calle Alcántar # 34, Col. El Puerto, C.P. 83554 Phone: 638-383-2006 Email: notaria42.sonora@gmail.com Email: danielamt_26@yahoo.com.mx Sonora State Notaria Publico No. 76 Lic. Chastre Alexandra Encinas Leyva Av. Los Pinos # 127, entre Miguel Hidalgo y Magnolias, Col. Centro Sur, C.P. 83550 Phone: 638-38-81203 Email: notaria76@gmail.com

Blanca Esthela Valdez Diaz, Attorney at Law, is a Real Estate Advisor who is licensed in the State of Sonora, and currently serves as Treasurer of AMPI Chapter 51, the local chapter of the Mexican national real estate association.


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Aaahhh!

By Vince Deadmond Spring is in the air, and the water is warming up, and I don’t need multiple layers of clothing to stay warm. Our brief winter makes me take note and appreciate spring even more. The fly fishing is on a steady improvement upward swing. After we get into April it seems like my fly-fishing days get so good, I don’t even need to embellish my stories. I may need to tone it down so that my fishing stories are more believable. We usually catch good num-bers of fish and sometimes some goodsized ones in the spring. I like to target the Orange Mouth Corvina for a meal. They get large enough for a nice size filet, and they are fun to catch on an 8-weight fly rod with a sinking line. I usually fish with a group of fly fishers and making fish sand-wiches is a popular meal for the group. Usually, one 16–20-inch fish per person is plenty. You get two nice filets. I remove the skin and grill the fish in a lime, butter, chardonnay, and caper sauce. I like to use a toasted baguette to serve the fish on and drizzle

the filet with more wine/butter sauce, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Bon Appetit! Some fly fishers have the reputation for being uppity and if the fishing is too easy, they have a moral dilemma. I have gotten over that and have come to embrace the bounty that is saltwater fly fishing. If you haven’t tried saltwa-ter fly fishing Puerto Peñasco is a good place to start.

Vince Deadmond The Retired Fly Fishing Hardware Guy can be reached at vincehasgonefishing@outlook.com and at (480) 818-1796

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TRAVELINFORMATION TRAVEL INFORMATION NEW COVID-19 PROTOCOLS BRODER CROSSING HOURS 6AM-8PM SONOYTA & LUKEVILLE DO NOT STOP IN SONOYTA, DRIVE STRAIGHT THRU TO ROCKY POINT DO NOT SPEED IN SONOYTA - 40 KMH & WEAR YOUR MASK

TOURIST ASSISTANCE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO REMEMBER If you dispute any incident or infraction, need help or have questions, please go to the Police Station, located north of town. Pay any and all fines ONLY at the station. IF YOU ARE PULLED OVER ALWAYS: • Write down the Name of the Officer • And the Number on the back of the vehicle that pulled you over • Record the location you were pulled over and the exact time

POLICE & EMERGENCIES

DIAL...911 or 066 Nationwide: from ANY PHONE. TelCel users can also dial *112 to go directly to the Peñasco Police Station

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

REPORT ANY ATTEMPT OF BRIBES BY CALLING 388-0423

YOU MUST FILE AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT!

If you feel you have been wronged by an officer(s), you MUST make an official complaint so that the police department can take action. If they have no record of the incident, then they have no proof. Telling your friends and complaining to others will not get the problem solved - it only creates more problems and allows the officer to go on “doing business as usual”. File a complaint and save others the same grief you have gone through and make our city a better place.

DO NOT PAY OR OFFER TO PAY ANY OFFICER DIRECTLY WHEN PULLED OVER.

All fines are to be paid at the main police station

PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED Passports are required for re-entry into the U.S. when travelling by vehicle into Mexico. You may also present a Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License, SENTRI or NEXXUS Cards when leaving Mexico. Children under the age of 16 need to present their Birth Certificate. This applies to any port of entry when driving into Mexico.

ABOUT PUERTO PEÑASCO Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, is located in the State of Sonora on the Sea of Cortez. It is approz. 66 miles from the U.S. border at Lukeville, AZ and the Mexican border at Sonoyta, MX. Rocky Point is located within the “Free Zone”, so no vehicle permits are required for you to visit, but you will need your Passport or other ID (see above) to re-enter the United States. Rocky Point offers a variety of land and sea activities for every age and is very family oriented. It also offers a variety of dining and lodging choices as well as beach camping and RV Parks. Rocky Point is known for its warm weather, beautiful sunsets and gorgeous beaches. Relax and enjoy a day on the beach or at one of our many spas. Head out for a day of shopping to find everything from one-of-a-kind fine art to curious. Plan a day of golf on some of the most beautiful and challenging courses around. And when the sun has set, head out for some local night time entertainment.

DRIVING TO ROCKY POINT

take you all the way to the U.S./Mexico border at Lukeville, AZ and Sonoyta, MX. The Maricopa Hwy. will lead you right into Gila Bend, exit left once you come to the stop sign and follow the above directions.

COMING FROM TUCSON You will take the old Ajo Hwy. (Hwy. 86), which will lead you through Sells and end at Why, AZ. At the stop sign take a left onto Hwy. 85 (at Why) and head to the border (see above). Gas stations, restrooms, ATM’s & convenience stores are located in Gila Bend, Ajo, Why and Lukeville. AZ before reaching the border.

COMING FROM PHOENIX

All parties are taken to the police station where you and your vehicle may be detained until restitution is made. If a minor is involved in an accident, the parents are responsible for the child. Parents must pay fines and/or restitution. Minors are usually detained but not jailed in non-death accidents or traffic violations. You need to file a police report and phone your Mexican insurance adjustor immediately in the event of an accident. You (most likely) will be held in jail if you are in an accident in which a death occurs.

AIRLINE SERVICE & AIRPORTS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Mar de Cortes International Airport (011-52-638) 383-6097 www.aeropuertomardecortes.com Airport Administrator: Alonso Dominguez Ruiz Libramiento Carretera Sonoyta-Caborca 71 Ejido Miramar, Colonia Miramar

PERSONAL AIRCRAFT To fly your own plane you must have your: pilots license, medical certificate, registration, air worthiness certificate, and Mexican airplane insurance. GENERAL AIRPORT INFORMATION Airport ICAO ID: MMPE Location: 17 miles East of downtown Elevation: 88 ft. Mar de Cortes Radio Tower Frequency: 118.85 Website contains complete info. on Airport loanding, parking other fees Type of Services: RS: Int’l regular flights RFF Category: 7 Airport Coordinates: 31° 21’ 6.836” LN113° 18’ 19.44” LW Runway Center Runway Designation: 18-36 Runway 18 THR Elev.: 84 ft./Runway 36 Elev.: 88 ft. Airport Reference Number: 4D Runway Lengths: 8,100 ft. Airport Size: 1,482.6 Acres

CONSULATES MEXICAN CONSULATES Tucson: 3915 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711 (520) 882-5595 • Mon.-Fri. 8 AM - 2 PM Phoenix: P 320 E McDowell Rd Ste 320 Phoenix, AZ 85004 • (602) 242-7398 Nogales: 480 Grand Ave., 89562 • (520) 287-3175 Douglas: 541 10th St., 85607 • (520) 364-3107 U.S. CONSULATES Nogales, Mexico from Mexico (01-631) 311-8150 Fax: (01-631) 313-4652 from the U.S. (011-52-631) 311-8150 Fax: (011-52-631) 313-4652 http://travel.state.gov Email: NogalesASC@state.gov What the Consulate CAN DO if you are arrested in Mexico • Visit you in jail after your arrest • Provide you a list of local attorneys • Inform you of judicial procedures • Notify family and friends • Relay requests for aid or monetary support • Protest abuse/mistreatment to authorities What the Consulate CANNOT DO if you are arrested in Mexico • Demand your immediate release • Get you out of jail or out of the country • Pay legal fees w/U.S. Government money • Pay fines w/U.S. Government money

CONTRALORIA SONOYTA Dear traveler, when crossing the border of Sonoyta, Sonora you suffer any abuse by any police authority, make sure to file a Complaint. The Mayor’s office is here to help with any problem you may have, make sure to contact us to: (651) 512-1172 or ( 651) 100-9530 or email contraloriasocialsonoyta@hotmail.com We are available 24 /7, every day of the week.

CROSSING THE BORDER

COMING FROM CALIFORNIA

U.S. AIRPORTS (CLOSEST)

COVID CROSSING HOURS 6AM to 8PM Mexico & the U.S. Sonoyta/Lukeville

The Crossing at San Luis (south of Yuma, AZ) is the fastest and easiest point to cross. Head East on I-8 and take Hwy. 95 S towards Yuma. You will cross at San Luis Rio Colorado. Continue straight for a few blocks, turn left at the signal on to Ave. Obregon. That is the main road through San Luis. You will go all the way through town and see a sign for Puerto Peñasco and El Golfo de Santa Clara off to your right. Exit right at the bridge and follow the signs to Puerto Peñasco. Theres is a toll booth you will go through (currently $110 pesos). The road is smooth and free of potholes and has plenty of places to pass and pull over. Just outside of El Golfo, you will turn left onto the Coastal Highway (003) and follow that all the way to Rocky Point. Signs are clearly marked. Look on our facebook page for pictures of the signs, roadway, stops and scenery.

Phoenix, Tucson & Nogales, AZ

CLOSED MIDNIGHT - 6:00 AM

ENTERING MEXICO Hwy. 8 from the Lukeville border to Rocky Point is a good 2-lane road with plenty of emergency parking and places to pass. It is an open range (watch out for wildlife) and is patrolled by the highway police as well as the Green Angels (roadside assistance). Please see Crossing the Border in this section for more info.

YOU MUST HAVE MEXICAN VEHICLE INSURANCE...IT’S THE LAW A minimum of liability is required. Take either I-10 (west side) or the Maricopa Hwy. (east side). Take the Gila Bend/Mexico exit off of I-10 and head toward Gila Bend. Once you pass through Gila Bend you will exit onto Hwy. 85 (south) toward Ajo/Mexico. Hwy. 85 will

ACCIDENTS CON’T

ACCIDENTS If you are involved in a (nondeath) accident in Mexico, you are considered at fault until proven otherwise.

BUS STATIONS (MEXICO) ABC (Auto Transportes de la Baja California) Located on Constitucion, just N of the signal at Blvd. Benito Juarez Albatros - Phone: 388-0888 E side of Benito Juarez, N of the Stadium Norte de Sonora - Phone: 383-3640 E side of Blvd. Benito Juarez, S of No. Releccion (Calle 26) and N of Pemex

FOR U.S. - SEE SHUTTLE SERVICES

CAR RENTALS Some major rental companies do permit their vehicles to be driven into Mexico. Call their AZ offices directly instead of their national offices. You may be required to carry their Mexican insurance. Mexico law requires that you must carry a minimum of liability insurance. Arizona (Phoenix Area) Enterprise, Advantage, Dollar, Saban’s Puerto Peñasco (from the U.S. dial 011-52-638) Alamo Rent A Car 102-0277 Bufalo 388-9999 M.G. Rentals 383-3814 Pro Rent-A-Car 388-5823 Rio Car Rental 383-8181 The Point Rent-A-Car 388-5823

Arizona (Lukeville) Border Mexico (Sonoyta) Border As soon as you pass the chainlink fence, you are entering into Mexico. There are two lanes going into Mexico. Wait for the vehicle ahead of you to pass all the way through the lane before proceeding. VEHICLE INSPECTION There are two means of inspection: 1) Fiscal Traffic Light Nothing to declare/items under allowed limit

2) Integral Inspection

Voluntary declaration/items over allowed limit

As you cross the Mexican Border there are two narrow lanes with a (traffic) light at the end of the lane. As you proceed ahead, the light will flash RED (alto - stop) or GREEN (pase - go). 1) FISCAL TRAFFIC LIGHT STOP (alto) - RED LIGHT If the light turns red you will pull off to the left where an officer will ask you some questions such as where you are going, how long you are staying, and what you are bringing into Mexico. The officer will most likely look through your vehicle and belongings. Do not leave your vehicle unattended and do accompany the officer during his search. If you incur any problems be sure to get the name and badge number of the officer. GO (pase) - GREEN LIGHT If you get the green light you can pass through without any inspection. Please note that you still may be pulled over and inspected even if you get the green light. 2) INTEGRAL INSPECTION This is the voluntary request for the examination of your articles, if you have items to declare which exceed your allowed

limits. Before you enter the lanes to cross into Mexico, you will pull off to your left and park in the assigned spaces against the chainlink fence. You will need to go to the small building, which sits in the middle of the two lanes, and tell the officer what items you have to declare and the value of each item. When you are finished filling out the form, the import tax (impuestos) will be assessed and you will be handed two forms to take to the bank and pay. (The bank is at the side of the brick building, past the fountain.) If it is after hours, you will pay your impuestos to the agent who will stamp your form and issue you a receipt. An agent may want to come and inspect your load. The taxes you pay are in pesos and you can now pay with a credit card (they will accept dollars) and are to be paid directly to the bank and you will be issued a receipt. You will need that receipt to cross the border. (If you are pulled over by Aduana after leaving the border, you will need the receipt as proof of payment.) After you have paid your taxes, you will need to cross the border and go through the Fiscal Traffic Light. If you get the red light you will need to pull over and show your receipt to the officer. If you come through the fiscal traffic light, and merchandise is found, which was not declared, you could have to pay a fine of 4x the commercial value of the articles plus your vehicle and belongings may be seized. If you choose the Integral Inspection the fine will be 1½x the value. In both cases you forfeit the right to the tax exemption. Your vehicle and personal belongings can be confiscated if you do not stop and declare merchandise over your limit allowed by Mexican Law.

DUTY FREE ITEMS You are allowed $300 USD tax free in new merchandise per person. Merchandise must be in same vehicle as person(s) declaring. The following is a list of items which you may bring into Mexico tax free. • Items for personal use such as clothing, shoes and toiletries according to the length of your stay. • 1 photographic or motion video camera, including a power source and rolls of film or video cassettes. (No professional equipment.) • Books and magazines. • 1 used sports article or piece of equipment for individual use. • 1 carton of cigarrettes. • 3 liters of alcohol & beer, 6 liters of wine. You may import more by paying the corresponding tax. • Medicine for personal use (with your prescription). • Suitcases to transport your items.

If you are legally a resident of another country, in addition to the items listed, you may also bring the following items: • • • • • • • • •

Binoculars Camping equipment Portable television, radio and 20 cds Laptop computer 5 used toys if the passenger is a child Fishing tackle Pair of skis 2 tennis rackets A non-motorized boat up to 5½ meters in length or a surfboard with or without a sail

If you are traveling by a camper, trailer, motorhome you may also bring in: • • • • •

VCR Bicycle with or without a motor Household linens Kitchen utensils Livingroom & bedroom furniture You may import additional merchandise valued up to $1,000 per vehicle by paying the corresponding tax without the intervention of a customs broker. Over $1,000 USD requires a broker, which are located just across the border.


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TRAVELINFORMATION TRAVEL INFORMATION FIREARMS & DRUGS Firearms, illegal drugs and ammunition are NOT allowed into Mexico. Hunters may bring their firearm with the proper paperwork/ clearance. Possession carries a pentalty of 5 to 30 years.

IMPORTING You are allowed to bring in $300 USD per person worth of new merchandise - this does not include your personal items such as clothing, toiletries, etc. If you have new merchandise in excess of $300 per person you will need to declare your items and pay the impuestos (taxes) before crossing into Mexico. You may import up to $1,000 USD in new merchandise per vehicle without the assistance of a Customs Broker. To declare items you are bringing into Mexico, turn left as you cross the border, just beyond the chainlink fence. Park in the designated spot and go into the Aduana Building in the middle of the two lanes. See Crossing the Border for more information on declaring merchandise. If your merchandise totals more than $3,000 USD per vehicle, you will need the assistance of a customs broker. Customs brokers are located on the Mexican side of the border. Park on the U.S. side and walk across to one of their offices. Customs Brokers in Sonoyta, Mex. Agencia Ibarrola (011-52-651) 512-1878 Aserco Imp. (011-52-651) 512-0009 MultiServicios Sinaloa (011-52-651) 512-1593 or 1599

INSURANCE Medical Insurance Family or personal trip/ vacation medical insurance can be purchased by some providers in the U.S. Check your existing policy to see what coverage is offered while visiting Mexico. Most clinics in Rocky Point do not accept U.S. insurance as payment. Vehicle Insurance Mexican Law states that you MUST HAVE MEXICAN INSURANCE while driving in Mexico. A minimum of liability is required though full coverage is recommended. You can insure your driver’s license if driving a buggy, quad, rail, etc., but the vehicle cannot be insured for theft. If your vehicle is stolen, you must immediately file a local, federal (state) and U.S. police report. The insurance companies usually pay low blue book and extras such as rims, tires, stereo, etc. are not covered. Most U.S. policies ARE NOT recognized in Mexico. You may purchase insurance over the internet, phone, mail or stop at a number of places on your way to Rocky Point. Look in this issue for Mexican Insurance.

MILEAGE FROM ROCKY POINT TO Agua Prieta, Mexico......345 miles Ajo, Arizona......................................90 miles Caborca, Mexico.............................154 miles Ciudad Obregon, Mexico...............491 miles Guaymas, Mexico...........................408 miles Hermosillo, Mexico........................321 miles

Kino Bay, Mexico............................393 miles Las Vegas, Nevada..........................514 miles Los Angeles, California...................540 miles Lukeville, Arizona..............................66 miles Nogales, Mexico.............................287 miles Phoenix, Arizona............................217 miles San Carlos, Mexico.........................407 miles San Diego, California......................366 miles Santa Ana, Mexico.........................217 miles Sonoyta, Mexico..............................62 miles Tucson, Arizona..............................208 miles Yuma, Arizona................................260 miles Coastal Highway 003

This highway will run from Baja, California through Rocky Point to San Carlos. It is completed from El Golfo de Santa Clara to Rocky Point and from El Desemboque to Puerto Libertdad. Southern California visitors will be able to cut their driving time by using this beautiful, safe new highway! It is a nice, wide, 2-lane highway with rest stops, plenty of passing and wide shoulders for emergencies. See Driving to Puerto Peñasco at the beginning of this section.

PETS Only domestic animals (dogs & cats) are permitted into Mexico. You need to carry a copy of your pet’s current rabies vaccination certificate as you may be asked for it as you cross the border. Mexico has many stray animals roaming the streets so please keep an eye on your pet. Many pets are lost in Rocky Point each year due to unfamiliar surroundings and firework noise. If your animal is lost while visiting Rocky Point, we have found the best thing to do is scour the area where he/she was last seen. You can also pass out flyers to taxi drivers and water truck delivery men and post them all over town. Putting an announcement on the local AM and FM radio stations are also a good idea. Be sure you have a collar and tag on your animal as well as a current photo. Contrary to popular belief, your pet is not welcome at most establishments, especially where food is served. Please check with the staff before bringing your pet inside as the business can be fined for health violations.

RE-ENTERING THE UNITED STATES COVID-19 HOURS 6AM-8PM CLOSED 8PM to 6AM Have your I.D. or Passport ready Bureau of Customs and Border Protection PO Box C, Lukeville, AZ 85341 (520) 387-5671, Fax: (520) 387-5309 Passports

On June 1st, 2009, U.S. Citizens reentering the United States (via vehicle) from Mexico will be required to show their Passport, Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License, NEXXUS or SENTRI card. Everyone in the vehicle needs to provide one of the above forms if identificaton. Parents bringing their babies, who have not received their official birth certificate, may bring the temporary one issued by the hospital. Children 16 and under will be required to show a copy of their birth certificate. Wait Times Traffic is greatly increased during holiday and busy weekends. Please plan your trip accordingly. A good idea is to arrive a day early, and stay a day later. You can check border wait times on the internet at http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt Permitted Items 100 cigars, 200 cigarettes 1 liter (39.8 fl. oz.) of alcohol, per person, 21 yrs. or older. You are NOT permitted, at the Lukeville Port of Entry, to pay duty and import additional alcohol. This is a Pima County law, not an Arizona or U.S. state law, so check with the individual border crossing. Fruits and Vegetables: bananas, blackberries, cactus fruits, dates, dewberries, grapes, lychees, melons, papayas, pineapples, and strawberries. (Most citrus such as oranges and grapefruit are NOT permitted.) Vegetables are permitted, except for those on the prohibited list. Okra, however, is subject to certain restrictions. Nuts: acorns, almonds, cocoa beans, chestnuts, coconuts (without husks or milk), peanuts, pecans, pinons (pinenuts), tamarind beans, walnuts and waternuts. Seafood: 50 lbs. of fish or shrimp per vehicle. Avoid customs penalties by declaring all articles acquired in Mexico, and in your possession at the time of your reentry into the United States. If in doubt whether an article should be declared, always declare it first to the Customs Officer on duty. If you understate the value of an article you declare, you may have to pay a penalty in addition to the payment of duty. If you fail to declare an article, acquired in Mexico, not only is the item subject to seizure, but you will be liable for a personal penalty. You are entitled to a $800 exemption in a 30 day period. Articles totaling $800 may be entered free of duty, subject to limitations on liquor, cigarettes & cigars. Prohibited Items Agricultural items are prohibited if they can carry plant pests or animal diseases. Cuban Cigars Medicine requires a prescription, carry a copy of your U.S. prescription with you. Fruits and Vegetables: sugarcane, potatoes, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams. (Exceptions: Cooked potatoes and avocados without seeds, except in California.) Plants, Seeds and Soil: plants and seeds require special permits. Soil and some plants are prohibited. Check in advance with agricultural inspectors. (Exception: some dried plant parts for medicinal purposes are permitted.) Meat and Game: pork, raw and cooked, including sausages, cold cuts, skins, and pork tacos is prohibited. (Exceptions: shelf-stable, canned pork and hardcooked pork skins (cracklings) are permitted.) Poultry: raw meat from both domesticated and game fowl is prohibited. (Exception: thoroughly cooked poultry is permitted.) Eggs: prohibited. (Exceptions: boiled and cooked eggs are permitted.) Game: check with agricultural inspectors in advance.

Live Birds: wild and domesticated birds, including poultry are prohibited. To import personally owned pet birds, contact agricultural inspectors in advance. Straw: generally prohibited. This includes wheat straw, seeds, animal feed, and all articles made from this material. In addition to the excepted items listed above, many agricultural items are permitted if they pass inspection to be sure they are free of pests, soil and sand.

SHUTTLE SERVICES Daily shuttle service is available from the Phoenix and Tucson areas to Rocky Point and cities in-between. Please contact the companies directly for their schedules and rates. If you need door to door service, clarify that they offer that service and if you need to be picked up at the airport make sure that the shuttle has a permit to pick up passengers at the airport. Head Out to Rocky Point Phone (602) 971-0166 www.headouttorockypoint.com Nena’s Transportation 388-7089 or (602) 442-6802 Located on Benito Juarez, N of the Baseball Stadium by Coffee Point Transportes Superior 383-3640 Calle Lazaro Cardenas, Esq. Benito Juarez Bus Station TNS/Estrella Blanca Sonoyta: Across the border on the west side of the street. 01-651-512-3374 At the Bus Station: 01-651-512-0784 Phoenix: 29th & VanBuren: 602-4559522

SPEED LIMITS SPEED LIMITS FOR PUERTO PEÑASCO STREETS 10 KPH / 6 MPH in School Zones 30 KPH / 18 MPH on City Streets 60 KPH / 37 MPH on any Blvd., unless posted ortherwise 60 KPH / 37 MPH on the Resort Rd, from Playa Bonita to Cholla Bay

TRAVEL BEYOND THE FREE ZONE Puerto Peñasco is located in the Free Zone, where you do not need vehicle/tourist visas to visit. If you plan to travel beyond the Free Zone you will need the following: FMT (personal tourist visa) and your vehicle permit if you plan to drive. Personal Visa (FMT) Available at the I m m i g rat i o n Office in Sonoyta, on your right as you cross the border. They are open from 8:00 AM until Midnight. You will need to bring your birth certificate and/or valid driver’s license. You can either park on the U.S. side and walk across or you can go through the border and park. You will need to show your ID and fill out the necessary paperwork (it is in English and Spanish). Once you have filled out the paperwork you will take it over to Banca Serfin, pay approx. $558 pesos (per person) and return to the office to give them a copy.

At this time you cannot obtain your FMT in Peñasco, but the Immigration office can stamp your FM3 or FM2 for travel beyond the free zone. If you are flying into the airport you can obtain your FMT when you arrive at the Peñasco airport. By law, anyone who stays in Mexico for more than 72 hours, is required to have an FMT, whether you stay within the Free Zone or not. Automobile Visa The Free Zone covers most of Sonora, but if you plan to drive past Guaymas, Sonora, you will need to obtain a permit for your vehicle. This can be done in San Emeterio, about 20 miles south of Sonoyta on Hwy 2 or at the check point outside of Guaymas. The cost for this permit is approx. $59.16 dlls. You cannot get a permit in Rocky Point. You will need the original and 3 copies of: • Registration, Title and the valid driver’s license of the vehicle owner • Credit card in the vehicle owner’s name • FMT, FM3, FM2, Passport or birth certificate • Leasing contract (if the vehicle is rented or leased), which must be in the name of the person importing the vehicle. If the vehicle belongs to a company, the papers certifying the employee works for the company. If you do not have a credit card you can post a bond payable to the Federal Treasury issued by an authorized bonding company in Mexico. As an alternative to posting bond you may make a cash deposit at Banco del Ejercito in an amount equal to the value according to the “Table of Vehicle Values for Bonding Companies.” At Banco del Ejercito your credit card will be charged approx. from $200 USD. to $400 USD. A cash deposit will also be accepted if you do not have a credit card. Your deposit plus any interest will be returned to you when you leave Mexico. You may choose to obtain a bond through an authorized Mexican bonding company located at all border crossings. The bonding company also assess taxes and processing costs for this service. The vehicle permit is good for 6 months and for any type of vehicle weighing under 3 tons. When departing Mexico, and if you are not planning to drive the vehicle back into Mexico, the permit must be canceled with Customs. If your car is found in Mexico, beyond the Free Zone, and beyond the authorized time, or without the appropriate papers, it will be confiscated. Always carry the importation permit with you when driving your vehicle into Mexico. Take it with you when you exit the vehicle - do not leave this document in your car. Make a copy and leave a copy in the car - same with your insurance. The sale, abandonment or use of the vehicle for financial gain, a criminal act, etc. will result in its confiscation. The vehicle may be driven by the spouse or adult children as long as they have the same immigration status. It is a good idea to get a notarized document, if you are driving a vehicle beyond the free zone that is not registered in your name, nor the owner is in the vehicle. It should simply state that the owner has given you permission to drive the vehicle, you may want to include the make, model, year, color and VIN number. The Rocky Point Times Newspaper strives to keep the information up-to-date. Laws, rules and info. change constantly, so if you notice an error, or have additional info., please let us know so that we may change the info. Contact us with questions or corrections at rockypointtimes@ yahoo.com or phone (480) 4636255 or local 383-6325.


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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255

Rocky Point Baseball Clinic a Big Success By Robin Miller It was a pleasure to be invited to the baseball clinic this weekend. Beginning with Friday with the press conference and introduction of the coaches, which are professional and retired players and baseball enthusiasts. Then on Saturday, was the actual baseball clinic held at the local baseball stadium where I observed the coaches practicing skills with the kids. There were between 70-75 boys and 1 girl, in the ages of 10 to 16. The reason for this age group is because they can focus on their skills. Under age 10 they found that their focus is not as keen, but once they turn 10, they are very welcome to attend. There had been 125 to 150 in the past and this time they expected 70 to 80. They said even if 1 kid shows up, it’s all worth it. There were several different “stations” set up. Pitching, batting, catching, fielding etc, with small groups, so the kids will benefits from the instructions. When I arrived to take photos at the fielding station, I watched one boy throw the ball from 50 feet directly through an old tire, it was fast and accurate every time. The reason for this baseball clinic in Rocky Point, is to pass the word to kids, boys and girls, that they can reach their dreams and goals. If they want to be a professional ball player, or just be involved in a healthy sports activity, this is their opportunity to get off the streets and into an organized group that believes in them. This clinic was founded over 11 years ago and has gone through

several changes. Now that after 2 years of Covid has kept the clinic away, the coaches are regrouping to build a solid foundation to get this clinic back on track. Kudos go to all the volunteers, and the head coach is Pete Hartman, a professional ball player of 15 years. Pete told me that everyone has a job to do, from the coaches, equipment organizer, photographers, social media and more “positions” make the difference, plus all the behind the scenes people who support and donate equipment and money to the cause. There are the families who support the coaches to the families who bring their kids to the field to observe, and then there are the condo owners who have donated their condos for a couple nights for the coaches and their families. Pete had just met with Puerto Peñasco’s Sports Director on Saturday to donate equipment to the city’s baseball program. Pete said that anyone can donate, just when you’re at a yard sale or Goodwill, if you see any baseball gear, you can let someone know and it can be picked up and brought to Rocky Point, unless

of course you could use a trip to the beach and deliver equipment yourself. The baseball clinic is being called “Grupo Deportivo Para Puerto Peñasco” and will soon have a social media outlet where information can be found to donate or come to an event. The LLC will be worked on between Mexico and the U.S. so donations will be a tax write off. At Friday’s “meet and greet” there was a panel of 10 fielding questions from the audience of family, friends, media, and invitees. They mentioned that a good goal would be a 2 day clinic to accommodate more kids. This whole thing is very exciting because it will give kids a good path to follow, keep them off the streets, they can tell their friends and clinics teach them good sportsmanship, punctuality, teamwork and a sense of belonging. There was a family from the Phoenix area drove down this weekend to have their 2 boys join in the clinic, and further South, a bus full of kids left at 2AM and arrived early, waiting for the gates to open. After about 4 hours of clinic

time, there was fun time where the kids got to play wiffle ball and suddenly were reenergized and had a great time for another hour. I bet they had a nice siesta when they got home. Another huge supporter is Jose Flores from the BooBar. He told me that it is OK to let everyone know it’s fine to contact him so he can pass the word once the Facebook page is completed, plus if anyone has photos of clinics in the past, send to him so they can create a photo album of past clinics. Also a big thank you to Jose offering his place for the Saturday evening banquet of roasted pig and trimmings. This is a list of the names I gathered of the volunteer coaches: • Pete Hartmann • Troy Pearce • JD Ramirez • Mitch Talbot • Jose Ulloa • Juan Medina • Leo Acosta • Javier Gamboa • Juan Sereiso • Jonathan Romero • Pete Lacock • Brian McNichol Sorry if I omitted anyone, there are so many behind the scenes “helpers”. What a blessing to be invited to this by my friend Dolores Vargas Michaels, who has been a supporter from the beginning. Her son is a retired professional player and she’s a baseball mom. I had no idea the magnitude of this program and it’s already taking off quickly, the guys are organized and everyone has their part/ position to play. They handed out baseball hats with their cool logo. This is only the beginning.

For more information you can contact Maria Garcia ivyergarciever@hotmail.com or Jose Flores boobarpenasco@gmail.com This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Team, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing. Sign up for Jim’s Monthly Newsletter: http://www.tinyurl.com/JimNewsletter


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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255


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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255


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