Rocky Point Times - December 2018 by Rocky Point Services

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

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

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

By Lannette Phipps & Mario Zepeda

The Rocky Point Times Newspaper is Puerto Peñasco’s #1 Tourist Newspaper, family owned and operated since 1993 in Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico, and written entirely in English! We are, and have always been, dedicated to helping the community in which we live, as well as promoting our city and bringing tourism to Rocky Point. We are a TOURIST NEWSPAPER dedicated to promoting tourism! ROCKY POINT TIMES STAFF Thomas Nelson O’Hare III (RIP 1941-2013) Founder / Owner Sandra Jo O’Hare (RIP 1946-2018) Owner / Managing Editor / Publisher Lannette Phipps Editor Alicia Grajeda - Administrative Executive Marco Zepeda - Sales and Accounts Executive Beatriz Lumbreras - Freelance Graphic Artist Manny Sánchez Radical Gravity Media Web + Social + Video www.RadicalGravity.com MONTHLY CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION Our newspapers are hand delivered in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico and in the U.S. to Lukeville, Why, Ajo, Gila Bend and Arizona. We bulk mail to over 600 monthly subscribers. The Rocky Point Times is printed in Mexico SUBSCRIPTIONS Go to our Website www.rptimes.com click on subscriptions or call us at or write us at P.O. Box 887 Lukeville, Az 85341 ADVERTISING IN THE ROCKY POINT TIMES For Information Email Us at rockypointtimes@yahoo.com. AD DEADLINE 10th of the month, preceding publication MEXICO OFFICES: Pino Suarez No. 124, off of Calle 13 Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico 83550 C. P. U.S. MAILING ADDRESS Please send correspondence to address PO Box 887, Lukeville, Arizona 85341 TELEPHONE From the U.S. dial (011-52-638) 383-6325 Local dial 383-6325 From the U.S. dial (480) 463-6255 E-MAIL ADDRESS & WEBSITE rockypointtimes@yahoo.com www.rptimes.com FACEBOOK See our Facebook Page at Rocky Point Times Newspaper CONTRIBUTING WRITERS See Page 70 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.

i All! December is here and it’s the month of the Christmas parties and posadas. And speaking of parties we had a great party last month, the Rocky Point Motorcycle Rally, once more was a total success and even though I don’t have the official numbers yet, we keep getting more and more bikes and people every year. So, thanks to everyone who participated, and we hope everyone had a safe and great time. I believe we did have a couple minor accidents, but thankfully no casualties. Thanks to everyone who donates to all of the different charities, and a big thank you to the organizers. It takes a lot of work to make this event possible and everyone loves it and it’s a big economic help to our city. We can’t wait for next year, the 19th Annual, wow time flies fast and before you know it, it will be November again… Just a couple weeks after the Motorcycle Rally we celebrated Thanksgiving or “Turkey Day” as many locals call it. Every year we get to celebrate it at Lannette and Wayne’s house. We all share lots of food and have made it a tradition to wear our pijamas that day, why? Well, you have to have comfy clothes to be able to keep eating all that turkey, mashed potatoes and, of course, dessert. Thanksgiving is always a very busy family weekend in Rocky Point so we hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving and are putting up your holiday decorations, even though it seems to have started before Halloween this year. It feels like it will be a cold December too, and not just in Rocky Point, but the whole country will have many cold fronts, or at least that’s what the news is saying. Our posadas will be a bit colder this year, but that won’t stop any of us from celebrating and, of course, lots of drinking. About 5 years ago, Alicia wrote about a posada we had at the Sonoran Sky when I used to work there as a security guard and I will like to give Marcos Marmolejo a big thank you for the opportunity to work for the resort when I came to live in Rocky Point. Posada is what we call our Christmas parties and they are part of our tradition. Every company and employer holds a Posada for their workers complete with food, drinks,

music and merriment. They often give out prizes, rewards, and have big raffles and some workers have a gift exchange among themselves. I think one of the biggest posadas is held by Sea Side Reservations, and all of their workers receive at least one gift. For us, it’s still a happy time to celebrate, but it has been hard without Sandy. All of you that met her know how happy she always was and how she loved planning out big meals and celebrations. I can’t find the exact words to use, but all I can say is we have missed her very much and she is always in our hearts and we are happy to have her there as we celebrate the holidays. And speaking of Sandy, you all know she used to live out at the Ranchito and one of the things Sandy always wished for was electric at the Ranchito. Wouldn’t you know it, and as soon as she leaves us, it happens! Club Lomas Campestres now has electric. Phase I has been completed and the first two streets have electric lines, but we have no idea when Phase II will be done. The first phase took about 15 years and we hope phase two doesn’t take that long. Another thing I want to mention is the El Golfo Run. We have gotten emails, calls and messages about when the next one will be. To be sincere we don’t know yet. For those of you who don’t know what it is, it’s a run from Rocky Point to El Golfo that was organized by Tom and Sandy back in the day. We did it two times a year for over 20 years. When Tom left us, Sandy did a run in his name to celebrate his life, she hired Chino and we had carne asada tacos and lots of drinks and it was a big party (and she kept the Run going for

4 years). Now that she is gone we are trying to see if it’s possible to hold one to celebrate her life too. We know many of her friends would like to assist and a lot of them would help and lead the Run. We have the support from Casey and Beverly Luna, as well as Pat Maciulla and other friends. We will keep everyone posted if something is decided or if the run is possible for the month of May of next year. It’s been a very, very hard year and we are all still trying to adjust to losing Sandy. Lots of changes and hopefully we’ll be in better spirits come 2019. A lot of you probably now know that Chef Tony Mena closed his restaurant, Tony’s Café. He decided to take a break from the restaurant, but still has his catering service and Chef For Hire business. He is searching for a place to open the restaurant in the near future, but for now you can hire him and have him cook for you or your party at your place, or his, any day of the week. His cell phone number is (638) 107-5752. Don’t forget to visit the Mermaids Market at the Shrimp Plaza and take a look at the remodels that have been done, it looks great. The plaza really did need some TLC. You will be able to find lots of great Christmas gifts at the Market and at all the stores around town and on Rodeo Drive. And, of course, don’t forget about everyone’s favorite gift…a subscription to the Rocky Point Times! And remember that the Cholla Bay Christmas parade will be on December 8th around 6pm. May you all have a wonderful and blessed Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all. Stay warm! Have a fantastic start to the New Year and we’ll see you in 2019!

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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 • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com

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

ADVERTISERINDEX & PHONENUMBERS DIALING INSTRUCTIONS from the U.S., Canada and Mexico

ALSO SEE OUR GENERAL INFO. PAGES FOR MORE INFO.

(52) Mexico’s Country Code (638) Puerto Peñasco’s City Code Call U.S. & Canada from Mexico Dial 001 + (area code) + 7 digit number

CALLING FROM THE U.S.

Dialing a Land Line dial 011-52-638 + last 7-digits of number listed Dialing a Cellular Phone dial 011-521-638 + last 7-digits of number listed

CALLING WITHIN MEXICO

dial 01 + area code + 7-digit number Mexico businesses outside of Peñasco are listed as 01 + area code + phone number in this Index.

LOCAL CELLULAR PHONES

from a land line dial 044 + 638 + 7-digit number from local cell to cell dial 638 + 7-digit number Local cellular phones start with 044+638 in this index.

CELL PHONES OUTSIDE OF PP

to dial a long distance cell from a local PP cell dial 045 + city code + 7-digit number to dial PP from a long distance MX cell dial 045-638 + 7-digit number

U.S. AREA CODES & VOIP LINES

U.S. numbers are listed with (brackets) around area code. Some businesses have U.S. offices and others may be using VOIP lines.

INDEX A

A bit of Shangrila RV........................480-225-6546 Ajo Chamber of Commerce.....................520-387-7742 Ajo Plaza..............................................520-387-5044 Ajo Print Shop......................................520-387-6858 Ajo Satellite Sales..............................520-387-4846 Alejandra Valenzuela Attorney........044-638-102-1248 ..................................................U.S. (520) 505-7808 Aleman, Victor................................044-638-105-7839 American Home Services.....................(520) 303-1016 American Legion...........................................388-8841 Animal Adoption Center.......................638-383-1012 ............................................................(602) 412-3932 Arizona Realty........................................520-387-8787 Art Stop & Plaza Gallery............................520-387-6858

B Baja Autoservices..........................044-638-383-4925 Balboas Rest..................................................383-5155 Barb’s Dog Rescue........................044-638-114-1659 Biosfera Dry Cleaners.....................................383-1667 Bonita RV Park...............................................383-1400 Bórquez, Ricardo, Atty............388-6110/520-407-6756 Brenda Lee Design................................602-909-9146 Brooks, Dee...................................................383-3919 Bryan’s.....................................................388-5365 Burrito Express..............................................383-8460

C Candy Cake.........................................638-383-2673 Canvas................................................638-383-1161 Chef Mickey's Place...........................(638) 388-9500 Chochoy Veterinary.......................................383-2338 Cholla Bay Oyster House........................(638) 382-5443 Cholla Bay Powder Coating..............044-638-105-9290 .......................................................U.S. 602-989-0646 C.H.O.P.P.S............................................480-648-7689 Cielito Lindo Restaurant................(638) 108-2100 Ext. 7 Círculo B...........................................638-382-8512 Colins Cantina...............................................382-8020 Clippers Barber Shop............................(638) 100-0982

D’Lucy Spa.................383-1471/044-638-105-8993 Del Mar Charters........................................383-2802 Dr. Grijalva, D.D.S...........................................383-3434 Don Julio Bar & Grill......................................388-0056 Duke’s Restaurant-Bar.................044-638-104-0338 or...................................................044-638-380-6650

Ecofun Rentals.........................................388-9699 Eddie Wharez.....................383-8633/602-324-9328

Family of God Medical Clinics................(638) 383-3480 or...................................................(480) 812-5200 Farmacias De Descuento..............383-3131/388-8280 Fish.............................................044-638-110-7137 Five Senses Spa...................................638-112-1652 Fortaleza del Sol........................044-638-110-9519 Francis, Jonni..............................044-638-112-1197 Friendly Dolphin.......................................383-2608

Galeria del Mar Bermejo...........................383-3488 Georgina Ross.......................................638-388-5322 .............................................................(520) 265-3789 German Osorio Studio...........................(520) 401-6570 Gift Shop & Gallery..............................520-387-6858 Gila Bend Title and Registration Services..928-683-2577 Giuseppi’s Espresso...................................383-5181 Glorias Beauty Salon.................................383-5075 Green Point................................................383-2938 Gretchen Ellinger...............383-1425/602-317-3881 or................................................044-638-384-0458 Grout Doctor........................................638-380-9293 Guardian Title and Escrow..............044-638-386-1445 or.........................................................623-910-2930

Hacienda del Sol Furniture......388-0545/602-903-2112 Head Out to Rocky Point Shuttle Ser vice U.S. Toll Free..................................602-971-0166 Hector Munro...................................(602) 503-0682 Hotel Viña del Mar................................383-0100 or.....................................................602-606-7768 U.S. Toll Free...........................01-800-560-2123

I-J-K

Imagen Oral..................................................388-7953 InnSuites Hotels and Suites U.S. Toll Free......................................888-INNSUITES Inspections 4U..........(623) 330-6968/(638) 382-5469 International Insurance....................623-551-8501 Iron City Polaris..................................(602) 272-5551 JJ’s Cantina...................................................383-2785 John Hibbert Realty Ex...........................638-380-5112 John Witt Realty Ex.................................623-523-2180 Joyeria Max...........................................388-5512 Jungle Juice.........................................(638) 107-1869 Kilombo.................................................638-388-5339 Kord’s Auto Care...............................520-387-6962 Kyle Wood..............................................480-297-8079

La Casa del Capitan Restaurant....................383-5698 Tony’s Cafe.........................................638-690-1589 La Siesta Motel................................520-387-6569 Laguna Shores Golf & Country Club..................383-4670 U.S. Toll Free.........................................800-513-1426 Las Palmas.............................................800-671-2799 or.................................................638-690-2933 Latitude 31...............................................383-4311 Living Stones Ministry...........................480-243-8452

Mar de Cortez Rentals....................................388-8747 Mare Blu Ristorante.......................................383-0605 Maria Ituarte......................................(602) 883-6634 Mariachis & Tequila...............................(638) 383-1499

Mark Paliscak.......................................(602) 526-7478 Mayan Palace Golf Course........................383-GOLF Max’s Cafe..................................................383-1011 Max Jeweler...............................................388-5512 Mermaid’s Market.................................388-5004 Mexican Beach Developers.......................383-6099 or.....................044-638-384-7145/520-777-0018 Mexican Vistas Co..........382-5400/044-638-384-6445 or...........................................................623-698-0117 Mexico Insurance Center..................1-800-404-1088 Mic Mickey's...............................(638) 383-8928 Mirsa Tile........................................638-383-6770 Muebles Coloniales....................................383-6670 Muebles Imperiales......................................383-6480 or.......................................................714-395-4117

Sanborns Insurance........U.S. Toll Free 800-222-0158

N-O

Silva, Yolanda Insurance...............................383-6280

Nails Center................................................388-0434 Napa Auto (Ajo).................................24 HOUR TOW ....................................(520) 387-4TOW (387-4869) Natural Marble & Granite......................(638) 383-1758 Optica Turati................................................383-4645 Oyster House....................................(638) 382-5443

P Pablo Realty........................383-8657/602-288-8687 Pane e Vino Restaurant................044-638-105-7455 Pedro’s Restaurant.......................044-638-105-5166 Peninsula de Cortes Golf Course..................383-GOLF Peñasco Beauty Center...............................383-1086 Peñasco Marine.........................................383-3700 Pink Cadillac........................................383-5880 Pizarrro, Rita..............388-8030/044-638-386-5203 Playa Azul............................................602-789-4277 Playa Azul Seypet Resorts....................(602) 789-4277 Playa Bonita Resort....................383-2586/383-2199 Playa Bonita Resort RV Park.......................383-2596 U.S. Toll Free.......................................888-232-8142 Mexico Toll Free.............................01-800-426-6482 Pollo Papago.............................044-638-385-1301 Predador....................383-8787/044-638-110-1625 Premium Services...........383-5758/602-476-1187 Prestige Properties......................044-638-388-7777 ................................................(520) 505-7777 Pro Services...............383-6161/044-638-113-0446 Puerta Privada......................383-1020/480-445-9200

Sandy Beach Massage....................044-638-384-4418 Santiago’s Body Shop.............................638-384-1962 Santiagos Ocean Services...........................388-5318 or.......................................................(602) 324-9558 Santo Tomas.....................................(480) 861-0355 Satellite Services................................638-103-5317 Satisfied Frog................................638-383-1743 Sea of Cortez Adventures...................(928) 380-8619 Sea Side Reservations.....383-7795/1-888-262-4508 Señorita Rita Sunset Cruise.............044-638-107-3727 Servicios Medicos Veterinarios..................383-3344 Shangrila RV Park................................480-225-6546 Si Como No! Etc.....................................520-387-7080 Skullys Cantina..........................................388-9900 Sonoran Autoservice.......................602-909-4864 or.......................................................638-382-5423 Sonoran Grill...............................................382-8089 Sonoran Property Inspection Services....(623) 200-8574 Sonoran Resorts.................................602-476-7511 Sonoran Resorts Sales Consultant Brenda Sabo..............................044-638-105-3157 Stegall Katz & Whitaker.........................602-241-9221 Su Casa...........................................638-690-1345 Sun Valley Services.....................................383-8891 Sunset Rv Park...................................(638) 388-5094 .............................................................(480) 525-2917 Sushi Sun Restaurant...................................383-2772

T Tapia & Associates Attorneys................(480) 467-4611 Tapia, Miguel......................................602-266-0225 Tekila Bar.....................................044-638-107-5863 Tequila Factory..............................................388-0606 The Print Shop....................................520-387-6858 The Horny Toad....................................(480) 488-9542 Tommy Thomas Home Inspections..044-638-110-4728 or.........................................................602-748-4134 Tony’s Cafe...............................044-638-690-1589 Tourist Assistance Unit..................................382-8413

Q&R

Tucson Sonoran Express.......................(520) 954-2556

Real Consulting.....................................638-383-3546 .......................................................U.S. 602-412-3598 Realty Executives...........................602-283-9800 or.................................................638-388-1295 Rebecca & Rene Palomino....................(520) 407-6086 Reincom..........................................638-102-0065 Repeat Performance.........................520-387-4948 Rey del Mar................................................383-5490 Richard Savino................................638-380-4272 or......................................................480-707-3822 Rocky Point BBQ House..........................(638) 100-6886 Rocky Point Best Real Estate..................480-478-4784 Rocky Point Calendar..................see Mexican Vistas Rocky Point Gallery.......................................383-7174 Rocky Point Home Builders.............044-638-383-6524 or...............................................U.S. 815-553-2683 Rocky Point Realty Group.....383-4699/602-334-4134 Rocky Point Services............................638-114-8132 or..................................................520-303-3960 Rocky Point Times Newspaper.....................383-6325 or..........................................................480-463-6255

Turati Optical..............................................383-4645 Twin Dolphins Real Estate and Rentals......383-3919 or........................................................602-324-7241 T&T International Law Group..............602-465-6556

U-V U.S. Border Movers..................044-638-113-8365 or.............................................480-232-3518 Victor Aleman..............................044-638-105-7839 Viña del Mar Hotel............383-0100/602-606-7768 Viva Mexico Taqueria...........................638-104-7252

W WCI Group................(638) 110-5730 / (480) 297-7818 West Coast Mexico Insurance..............(818) 788-5353 Western Outdoor Times......................(480) 947-6219

X-Y-Z Xochitl’s Cafe (Sally’s Cholla Cafe)..................382-5283

Yolanda Silva Insurance................................383-6280

Salerno, Rosarie..........383-8417/044-638-384-7145

ZaGas.......................................................383-8100

or.......................................................520-777-0018

Zuquin Restaurant........................................383-3250

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

CHURCHES Phone Numbers

Assembly of God..........................................................383-3364 Adonai Comunidad Cristiana.......................................383-3865 Grupo Unidad Cristianos de Peñasco..........................383-2240 Peñasco Christian Fellowship.......................................383-4513 Family of God Christian Fellowship.........................383-3480 Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall.............................388-6244 Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.....................................383-2959 Templo La Hermosa...................................................383-7130

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.................................................................383-6097 CITY HALL (Municipal Building) H. Ayuntamiento de Peñasco.....................383-2056/383-2060 CLINICS Clinica San Jose............................................................383-5121 Clinica Santa Fe...........................................383-2447/383-4040 Clinica Santa Isabel (Maternity)...................................383-3645 Clinica Santa Maria.......................................................383-2440 Cruz Roja (Red Cross)...................................................383-2266 Desert Senita Community Health Center..........(520) 387-5651 ELECTRIC

Emergency dial...071

Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE).......................383-2684 FIRE DEPARTMENT

Emergency dial...068

Departamento de Bomberos.......................................383-2828 FISHIERIES DEPARTMENT Departamento de Pesca...............................................383-2116 Oficina de Pesca, San Diego, CA........................(619) 233-4324 GARBAGE/SANITATION DEPARTMENT Oomislim.......................................................................383-4909 GAS (Propane) Hidrogas........................................................................383-5650 Z’Gas..............................................................................383-8284 ZaGas.............................................................................383-8100 HOSPITALS (See Clinics also) Community...................................................................383-4566 IMSS (Social Security)...................................................383-2870 Municipal......................................................................383-2110 IMMIGRATION............................................................383-2526 MARINE RESCUE (VHF Channel 28) Port Captain..................................................................383-3035 Emergencies dial............................................462 or 627 or 767 POLICE

Emergency dial...066

Puerto Peñasco Station..............................383-2626/383-1616 State Judicial Police (Policía Judicial del Estado).........383-2783 PUBLIC SECURITY DEPARTMENT Seguridad Pública Municipal......................383-2626/383-1616 RAILROAD Ferrocarril......................................................................383-2610 RED CROSS Cruz Roja.....................................................................383-2266 SOCIAL SECURITY (IMSS) Instituto Méxicano del Seguro Social.........383-2677/383-2777 TELEPHONE Teléfonos de México.....................................................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.......................................................................383-6080 Organismo Operador....................................................383-6080 Piteco (water tank delivery).........................................383-3315

RESTAURANTS that DELIVER Benny’s Pizza 383-6001 7 days 11am-10pm

Jungle Juice (638) 107-1869

Cheiky’s Pizza 383-3627 Closed Wed.

Sushi Sun 383-2772

Cocina Express 383-8358 Mon.-Sat. 10am-8pm Sun. 12pm-7pm FEDE’S 383-3419 (044-638) 100-5834 12pm-5pm, Closed Sun. Fit Vida Bistro 383-1992

Pedro's Restaurant (638) 105-5166

TIKI Fresh Foods (044-638) 105-8001 (044-638) 112-0996 9am-9pm, Closed. Sun. Tortas San Luis 388-6405, 7 days, 9am-9pm Yummi Salads (044-638) 113-8822 Zuquin Cakes 383-3250 (044-638) 105-4389 7 days, 9am-5pm

Pet Friendly

HOTELS

If you would like to bring your pet with you to Rocky Point, here are a few places you both will be welcome. Baja Hotel Matamoros and Campeche in El Mirador US dial (602) 559-1705 Local Phone (011-52-638) 383-6878 Local Fax (011-52-638) 383-7676 Fax Website www.hotelbaja.net Email bajahotel@gmail.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Bella Vista Condo US dial (775) 287-3830 Email julwitnan@aol.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Casa de Carolina Campeche in El Mirador US dial (602) 412-3565 Local Phone (011-52-638) 383-5482 Email cdecpp@prodigy.net.mx Mail: PO Box 589, Lukeville, AZ 85341 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hotel Viña del Mar In Old Port at the end of the Malecon Local 383-3600 or 383-0100 www.vinadelmarhotel.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------La Palapa Condos & Casitas Local 383-3866 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Madre del Mar (with permission) US dial (520) 407-6394 or (520) 303-7530 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Peñasco del Sol Paseo Las Glorias # 1 Mexico Toll Free 01-800-614-9484 Worldwide Toll Free 1-888-683-006 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Seaside Beach Home Rentals Blvd. Benito Juarez, next to Banamex at the north end of town US Toll Free (877) 629-5691 • Local 383-1545 Website www.seasidemexico.com Email seasidebhremails@gmail.com

VETERINARY CARE Chochoy 383-2338 Guillermo Prieto & Melchor Ocampo Gallo de Oro (044) 638-112-3343 Samuel Ocaña La Posta 383-2574 Simon Morua & Guillermo Prieto Servicios Medicos Veterinarios 383-3344 Blvd. Sonora & Galeana (west of Josefa)

EVENTS CALENDAR DECEMBER 2018 CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST EVENTS! Saturday 1st • Mermaid's Market 10am - 3pm at Shrimp Plaza on Blvd. Benito Juarez Saturday 8th • Cholla Bay Sportsmen's Club Light Parade This is different from past years - In Cholla Bay Saturday 15th • Mermaid's Market 10am - 3pm at Shrimp Plaza on Blvd. Benito Juarez • Cholla Bay Sportsmen's Club Kid's Christmas Party JANUARY 2019 Tuesday 1st • Happy New Year 2019! Saturday 5th • Mermaid's Market 10am - 3pm at Shrimp Plaza on Blvd. Benito Juarez Sunday 6 • Dia De Los Reyes Magos th

Friday 18 • Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers January Jam XI h

Saturday 19 • Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers January Jam XI • Mermaid's Market 10am - 3pm at Shrimp Plaza on Blvd. Benito Juarez th

Sunday 20th • Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers January Jam XI • CBSC Wine Party & Appetizer Pot Luck Monday 21st • Martin Luther King Jr. Day FEBRUARY 2019 Saturday 2nd • Mermaid's Market 10am - 3pm at Shrimp Plaza on Blvd. Benito Juarez Sunday 3rd • Super Bowl Tuesday 5th • Mexican Constitution Day Thursday 14th • Happy Valentine's Day! Saturday 16th • CBSC Golf Tournament • Mermaid's Market 10am - 3pm at Shrimp Plaza on Blvd. Benito Juarez Monday 18th • President's Day (U.S.) Sunday 24th • Mexican Flag Day MARCH 2019 Saturday 2nd • Mermaid's Market 10am - 3pm at Shrimp Plaza on Blvd. Benito Juarez Saturday 16th • Mermaid's Market 10am - 3pm at Shrimp Plaza on Blvd. Benito Juarez

Sunday 17th • St. Patrick's Day Saturday 23rd • CBSC Annual Horseshoe/Corn Hole Tournament in Cholla Bay APRIL 2019 Saturday 6th • Mermaid's Market 10am - 3pm at Shrimp Plaza on Blvd. Benito Juarez Sunday 21st • Easter Friday 26th • CBSC Phase I Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay Saturday 27th • CBSC Phase I Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay Sunday 28th • CBSC Phase I Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay MAY 2019 Wednesday 1st • Mexico Labor Day Sunday 5th • Cinco de Mayo / Batalla de Puebla Thursday 9th • CBSC Phase II Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay Friday 10th • Dia De Las Madres / Mexico Mother's Day • CBSC Phase II Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay Saturday 11th • CBSC Phase II Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay Sunday 12th • Mother's day (U.S.) Thursday 23rd • CBSC Phase III Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay Saturday 24th • CBSC Phase III Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay Sunday 25th • CBSC Phase III Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay Monday 26th • CBSC Fish Fry in Cholla Bay Tuesday 27th • Memorial Day JUNE 2019 Thursday 6th • Circus Mexicus Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers Friday 7th • Circus Mexicus Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers Saturday 8th • Circus Mexicus Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers Sunday 9th • Circus Mexicus Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers

EVERYDAY American Legion Post MX-15 open from 8am-8pm in El Mirador in the old Los Juanes Restaurant. Mah Jongg - noon at Latitude 31• Restaurant. Contact Beverly (638) 388-7766 or (505) 565-5138 for more info. MONDAYS 10AM Alcoholics Anonymous meets (English) (See Pg. 42). 12PM Horseshoe tournament at South Side Jillz, open to anyone who cares to play, and with happy hour prices! 6PM Alcoholics Anonymous meets (Spanish) (See Pg. 42). Mah Jongg - noon at Latitude 31• Restaurant. Contact Beverly (638) 388-7766 or (505) 565-5138 for more info. TUESDAYS AA - 7:00 pm Big Book Study open meeting 2PM CEDO Free Public Talk in English and Tour of their facility in Las Conchas. Look for the giant Fin Whale Skeleton. Fun experience for the entire family. Phone 3820113 for more info. 4PM CEDO Nature Talk in Spanish CBSC – Cholla Bay Sportsmen’s Club meets once a month (on Tues. or Sat.). 4PM Peñasco Singles Happy Hour, every Tuesday at Playa Bonita Resort. 8PM Cinemartes - Art Film Nights at Cafe Puerto Viejo in Old Port. 2PM - Powerball Bingo at the American Legion Post MX 15. 2pm. Cost $7 dlls for 6 games. WEDNESDAYS SOBS – South of the Border Singles meet every Wednesday for Happy Hour at Playa Bonita Resort. First Wednesday of every month is business meeting. 10AM Alcoholics Anonymous meets (English) (See Pg. 42). 11AM – Horseshoe Tournament at the Pithaya in El Mirador. 3PM Shooter Bingo at Playa Bonita RV Park Social Club. $6.00 for 6 games with money payouts for each game. Join us each Wednesday in our air conditioned club house. 5PM – AA meets (Spanish). 6PM Alcoholics Anonymous meets (Spanish) (See Pg. 42). PINK CADILLAC - swim up bar, open Wed. thru Sun. 2PM till close. Burgers, pizza and more. THURSDAYS AA - 11:00 am Women's meeting open meeting Al-Anon meets at 11am. English meetings. (See pg. 42) PINK CADILLAC - swim up bar, open Wed. thru Sun. 2PM till close. Burgers, pizza and more during the summer months. 2PM - POWERBAL BINGO at the American Legion Post MX15 3PM Dart Tournament at the Pink Cadillac in El Mirador. All welcome. 4PM The Connection Happy Hour, now on Thursdays at Puesta del Sol Restaurant at Playa Bonita Resort. 5PM-7PM Ladies Day at South Side Jillz, music, games and a “surprise” for all, happy hour prices and a good selection of wine. 2pm. Cost $7 dlls for 6 games. Latitude 31º - Card games and other games. FRIDAYS 10AM Alcoholics Anonymous meets (English) (See Pg. 42). PINK CADILLAC - swim up bar, open Wed. thru Sun. 2PM till close. Burgers, pizza and more during the summer months. 7PM Eight Ball Tournament at South Side Jillz for the Pool players, double elimination, blind draw. 8PM - Pool Tournament at South Side Jillz. Every Friday. Mah Jongg - noon at Latitude 31• Restaurant. Contact Beverly (638) 388-7766 or (505) 565-5138 for more info. Seashell Museum (Free admission) Open every Friday 10am to 5pm. (638) 388-6559. Seashell Museum by Naomi & Russ Black. Open from 10am to 5pm. July thur Sept. by Appointment only. Address: 114 Ramon Figueroa Col. Lopez Portillo. SATURDAYS 2PM CEDO Free Nature Talk in Spanish and Tour of their facility in Las Conchas. Fun experience for the entire family. Call 382-0113 for info. 4PM CEDO Nature Talk in English PINK CADILLAC - swim up bar, open Wed. thru Sun. 2PM till close. Burgers, pizza and more during the summer months. 2PM - Powerball Bingo at the American Legion Post MX 15. 2pm. Cost $7 dlls for 6 games. SUNDAYS 9AM Non-Denominational Worship Services with Family of God. Located on Blvd. Costera N 2000A. Everyone welcome. Church Office: 383-3480. 3PM Dart Tournament at the Pink Cadillac. Church Service at 10:00AM Bilingual Service with Peñasco Christian Fellowship located 1 blk east of Josefa Ortiz de D. on Melchor Ocampo. Phone: (011-52-638) 383-4513. San Jose Mission Church- in Cholla Bay. Bilingual Catholic Mass. At 8am every Sunday. All our welcome.

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

ishermen are strange. I know, because I am one. Some want to catch the biggest fish. Some, like me, prefer quantity over quality. I joined a bunch of guys on a recent panga charter to a reef about 35 minutes from Peñasco’s Old Port. At that time of day and tide stage, the water was maybe 40 feet deep. A guy named Carl from Phoenix said he was out to catch the biggest fish. He also said his wife thought he was on a two-day business trip to Tucson. If his wife ever found out he didn’t actually go to Tucson, I have a feeling she would call Carl lots of other names before calling her attorney. Carl was wrestling with a fishing reel the size of a toaster, a rod with the flexibility of a wooden broomstick, and line so thick it could have pulled a Greyhound bus up the side of the Grand Canyon. CAP’N GREG: Why do you use such heavy tackle, Carl? CARL: Monster fish require monster equipment, Cap’n Greg. CAP’N GREG: Not necessarily true, Carl. See what I’m using? CARL: Looks like something from the clearance rack at Toys “R” Us. CAP’N GREG: No, it’s an Abu Garcia lightweight spinning reel loaded with 8 pound poly on a medium action Fenwick rod. CARL: What do you expect to catch with that? CAP’N GREG: Dozens of rock bass, triggerfish, and a few other species. CARL: No way. CAP’N GREG: Absolutely. And while Mr. Big might get away, I guarantee I will catch at least twice the fish that you do.

CARL: Wanna bet? CAP’N GREG: No. But after 20 minutes, you can ask me again. (IMAGINE THE FINAL JEOPARDY MUSIC PLAYING FOR 20 MINUTES.) CAP’N GREG: I caught 14, Carl. How you doing? CARL: I got three scrawners. And one I caught was smaller than the bait. CAP’N GREG: There's a reason for that, Carl. CARL: Do tell. CAP’N GREG: Your tackle is too heavy to feel the fish bite, while I feel every nibble, and I simply set the hook. And you may also notice how much fun I am having when I finesse bigger fish on a light rig. CARL: Where did you learn this? CAP’N GREG: On remote fly-in trips to Northwest Ontario we discovered the biggest pike and walleye were often caught on the lightest tackle. That said, when after sea monsters, I do use heavier stuff. One more thing, do you have kids? CARL: I do. Boys eight and ten. They love to fish but don't catch much. CAP'N GREG: Bring them to Peñasco. With light tackle they’ll catch all they can stand. CARL: Excellent idea. I’ll do it. CAP’N GREG: Let’s celebrate your decision with, what else? A Tecate Light. CARL: Valuable information, frisky fish and cold beer. Thanks, Cap’n Greg. CAP’N GREG: Carl, your fish is my command.

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

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

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

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

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

A literary column By Marcia Diane

et’s us all give thanks for the

grace

during

we the

received flooding

everyone experienced here

in October. No one died. Damage was certainly done, even so, on the world wide scale…we got a pass.

By Anita Kaltenbaugh

ou feel it? Every year, without fail, Christmas and New Year come barreling in at the speed of light. It’ inevitable, we know the date--it never changes--and thanks to retailers across the world, we know it’s coming. Everyone shops online. Yes, it’s convenient, quick and instant. By pressing a few buttons on your phone, computer, tablet, VOILA, presents arrive at your door. Sometimes in 24 hours, or two days, and heck now even in one hour. What just happened to holiday shopping? Call me old school, but, there’s something to be said about walking around with fellow shoppers, touching and visibly seeing the holiday presents. Do you remember that feeling when you discovered that perfect gift for friends and family, and played the hiding game, so they wouldn’t see you buying it. Sometimes, it feels like those days are coming to an end. In Puerto Penasco, we have lots of great “up-close and personal” shopping areas. A few of my favorite walk-around holiday shopping destinations: 1. Mermaid Market- This month, December 1 and December 15th, 2018. In 2019 every other weekend until April. Local artists display their handcrafted creative art, gifts, and jewelry. Unique items you will not

find in stores. The Market is held in the Shrimp Plaza from 10-3 every other weekend from October to December. Rodeo Drive-Follow the signs off Benito Juarez heading toward Sandy Beach. Walk up and down the paved streets for a variety of gifts, clothing, and art. Something for everyone. Old Port/Malecon- get lost in this waterside shopping area along the sea. Souvenirs, gifts, and much more. Shop in your beach chair- shop while enjoying the fresh sea air with your toes in the sand and buy from the local vendors tirelessly walking up and down the beach. Mercedes- If you are leaving Old Port, this one of a kind shop, is on the right. Two streets above the sea in Old Port, when you are exiting it’s on the corner, before you get on the main road. Mercedes has the most beautiful dishes, glasses, and art. Give yourself some time and get lost in this physical shop.

And, if you just can’t help yourself by going online, or worse yet, you can’t escape for a weekend in Rocky Point, go online to https://bookswithsoul.com and check out my three new gift books featuring Rocky Point: Reflections of Puerto Penasco & Reflections of Rocky Point Two different gift books full of inspirational quotes, original art drawings and prompts to help you remember your times in Rocky Point. Guest Book: Beach Memories – A guest log book for those who have a home/ condo in Puerto Penasco. Each entry asks the visitor to answer a few questions and a special moment they experienced while visiting. Full of beach art and inspirational beachy quotes.

These gift books make fantastic stocking stuffers with a local flare. A special gift for the first time guest, seasoned visitors, expats or locals of Rocky Point. Available on bookswithsoul. com and Amazon. Here are 6 more ways to get in the holiday mood. 1. Decorate your home. Find/buy or borrow a tree, hang ornaments on it (size does not matter when it comes to trees, look at Charlie Brown’s tree). Hang up a few lights around your home or bedroom, light a candle, and at night twinkling lights will bring the holiday spirit inside your home. 2. Attend a Holiday service. Whatever your religion, try a holiday service at a local church, synagogue or temple. The message is all the same: peace, love and remembrance. 3. Get cold. Put a sweater on and play some holiday music while sipping hot chocolate. 4. Go Caroling. When’s the last time you tried this? If you haven’t, round up the family, friends or, join a group. The spirit of holiday songs will make you alive. 5. Start a tradition with yourself, your partner or your family. It’s as easy as a special meal, watching a certain movie, or playing a game. Simple is best, repeat it every year. 6. Think of a few special people that may be spending the holiday sick or alone and would enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas card or small gift. Spend 15 minutes of your day to write them a meaningful note the old-fashioned way. Snail Mail and the written word are very special. So with the holiday spirit in mind, slow down, go shopping and enjoy the season.

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

In light of that grace, I’ve picked us someone familiar, older and reliable… our very own dear Carl Sandburg. Listen and be soothed by him: At The Window Give me hunger, O you gods that sit and give The world its orders. Give me hunger, pain and want, Shut me out with shame and failure From your doors of gold and fame, Give me your shabbiest, weariest hunger! But leave me a little love, A voice to speak to me in the day end, A hand to touch me in the dark room Breaking the long loneliness. In the dusk of day-shapes Blurring the sunset, One little wandering, western star Thrust out from the changing shores of shadow. Let me go to the window, Watch there the day-shapes of dusk And wait and know the coming Of a little love. Published 1916 In Chicago Poems Even after a pass, we all can use a little soothing. Of course he wrote many more such poems…so go, read him and be a peace. And join us won’t you for our online writer’s group at m.diane.writeon@ gmail.com we regularly get to peace in those rooms.

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

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

Fishing with The Old Guys

Mexican State of Sonora Bans Plastic Straws

ast month, the Sonora Congress

unanimously

approved the

Equilibrium

Law and

reforms of

Ecological

Environmental

Protection to prohibit the use of plastic straws in food and beverage by commercial establishments. In reading the initiative that was approved in the session, one member pointed out that

By Vince Deadmond

eople tell me that after they retire they plan to take up fly fishing. Why wait? Fly fishing is a lifetime endeavor. I started dapping for Bluegills when I was 8 years old, years later I am still learning how to fly fish. As soon as you can hold a fly rod would be a good time to start. There always seems to be a new fish to pursue, and learning is worldwide. Fly fishing has become more accessible with free videos on the internet. You can watch and learn how to cast, tie flies, tie knots, and use different techniques to catch fish. When you get on the water it’s not always the same as the video. You will need some personal coaching and a lifetime to acquire all of the skills and gear you may need to chase different fish, so don’t wait any longer.

The Desert Fly Casters recently had their 55th Annual Rocky Point outing with about 30 members attending. The Sea of Cortez is huge so we broke up in to groups of 4 to 10 people, plenty of room for everyone. There are several things that make this trip a good one to attend. It’s close to home, 4-hour drive from Phoenix or Tucson. You can catch exotic fish that you see on the cover of fly fishing magazines. You don’t need to spend the same kind of money that you would at a fishing lodge with a fishing guide. Staying at the RV Park is affordable, meals in Puerto Peñasco are yummy and quite reasonable. While many of the veteran members are not professional fishing guides, they certainly coach new fly fishers into catching more fish. Rocky Point is a great place to start your saltwater fly fishing. Many of the folks attending this event stay at the Playa de Oro RV Park. If you don’t have a camper they can rent you one. There are hotels, condos, restaurants, and bars within walking distance of the RV Park. It was good to see the new Manny’s open and doing business. The RV Park is a natural meeting place to socialize, ask questions, tell fish stories, offer fishing tips, and techniques to improve catching. With the large number of fishers we had, we caught a wide variety of fish. Some of the notables were, Bone Fish, Baracuda, Flounder, Grouper, Parrot, Pompano, Orange Mouth Corvina, Pargo, Rooster, Needle, Cabrilla, Trigger, and I am sure other fish were caught but didn’t make this list. If you want the opportunity to catch

the straw is made of polypropylene, a derivative of petroleum, whose disintegration can take hundreds of years. For this reason, it has become an item which is used for a very short period of time, but takes a very long time to disintegrate and causes damage to the planet. According to data from the Program of the United Nations (UN) for the Environment, in 2017 300 million tons of straws were produced. In Mexico, he added, during the past year, 24 thousand tons of plastic straws were fish bring your fly rod to Puerto Peñasco. A couple of old guys Gary and Doc were staying at my trailer in the Playa de Oro Trailer Park. Our usual routine is to get up early and go fish. It was early and not quite light yet, Gary had a hand full of heart pills in hand and was looking for a drink of water. He looked in the fridge, nothing. He looked in the freezer and spotted one water bottle that was not frozen yet. He threw back the pills and took a big drink, he realized something was really wrong! Gary was sputtering, teared up, and trying to question how vodka got into the water bottle. Doc had a sly grin on his face as he admitted that he was the culprit. This is just some of the fun adventures that one can have on a fishing trip with old guys in Mexico.

Vince Deadmond The Fly Fishing Hardware Guy can be reached at Best Hardware True Value 237 N Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ vince@ajbest.com and at 480 982 7461.

discarded,

"something

really

alarming, which shows the problems caused by the use of plastic straws." He stressed the need to avoid contamination from now on by the use of plastic straws through the implementation of the prohibition of the use of these straws. Any establishment providing plastic straws to customers may be subject to economic sanctions ranging from 1,600 to 1 million pesos. Businesses have 45 days from the date of the new law to comply with the regulation. 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

Puerto Peñasco Boasts Big Improvements as Bike Rally Rolls into Town

By Joseph Sanchez President, Rocky Point Home Builders

uerto Peñasco welcomed bikers last month from the U.S., Mexico and Canada as the 18th as the annual Rocky Point Rally kicked off on November 8 and thousands of bikers rolled in to town giving a boost to the local economy filling the streets with the soothing rumble of bike engines over the weekend. The rally is not only a boost for the local economy but proceeds for donation registration, along with proceeds from Rally events such as the bike show and poker run go to seven local charities including Breast Cancer awareness, home for the elderly, school for children with special needs, Children's and Family Services organizations in Puerto Peñasco and Sonoyta (DIF), the Fire Department, and the local Red Cross. Consider that for nearly twenty years this rally has taken place during the month of November and if you think back over the last twenty years and the changes our little fishing village as undergone during that time it is amazing. Just in the last year the bikers will witness a lot of changes that improved our city, services and way of life here in town.

Investment Opportunities

There are no shortages of investment opportunities available in the real estate market here in Puerto Peñasco. Housing starts are at the highest start since the crash of 2008

and builders are staying busy not only building homes but tackling major renovations for some of town’s older homes. From large-scale land development to purchasing a couple lots and building some income properties, there is no better place to be at this moment in time that Puerto Peñasco. Building a home is not a difficult process if you work with a reputable company and construction costs can range from $90-$120 a sq. ft. which is about half the costs of construction in the United States. Also, prices for land are still at reasonable levels so now is the time to strike while the iron is hot as they say.

Commitment to Safety

Safety is a big priority for bikers, so they can appreciate that the drive from Phoenix to Puerto Peñasco is a little safer for travelers this year after officials from the Arizona Department of Transportation and officials from the State of Sonora came together to establish a safety corridor along Mexico Route 8, the highway that takes travelers to Puerto Peñasco. The safety corridor is currently in operation and the goal of the project is to improve travel safety conditions for the tourists which numbered over a million people in 2017. According to The Arizona Republic, such improvements will be added security patrols on the route to assists with accidents, vehicle breakdowns and provide a general awareness for travel conditions. The Arizona Republic reported that Sonoran officials will also proactively communicate traffic conditions with 511 and az511.gov, which is responsible for monitoring accidents, construction projects, road closures and more. Another feature will include new electric signage in English and Spanish that will flash safety messages, alerts, and general information to the traveling public.

Housing starts are at the highest start since the crash of 2008 and builders are staying busy not only building homes but tackling major renovations for some of town’s older homes.

Cruise Terminal

After being on hold for nearly two years, construction is supposed to resume on Rocky Point’s cruise terminal after an infusion of cash by the Sonoran Government back in December of 2017 during the annual meeting of the Arizona-Mexico Commission at the Puerto Peñasco Convention Center. The Mexican federal government had appropriated the equivalent of more than $13 million U.S.D. in the 2018 budget to finish the first phase of the threephase port project. Completion is scheduled for 2020.

Non-Stop Flight Service

Recently Puerto Peñasco Mayor Munro announced that Swift Air will begin regularly scheduled flights to Puerto Peñasco International Airport originating out of Mesa Gateway starting soon. This news will only add to the growth Puerto Peñasco is currently experiencing and it is expected that the airline will start with two scheduled trips a week with capacity for up to 150 travelers each trip. Founded in 1997, Swift Air is a full-service aviation enterprise according to their website. They operate a fleet of 737 airliners with updated interiors and amenities to include spacious and comfortable seating, inflight wifi, and a variety of seating and table options.

Puerto Peñasco welcomed bikers last month from the U.S., Mexico and Canada as the 18th as the annual Rocky Point Rally kicked off on November 8 and thousands of bikers rolled in to town giving a boost to the local economy. (Photo Courtesy of RockyPointRally.com)

Safety is a big priority for bikers, so they can appreciate that the drive from Phoenix to Puerto Peñasco is a little safer for travelers this year with the creation of a safety corridor. About the author: Joseph Sanchez is president of Rocky Point Home Builders a design/build contractor specializing in custom home design, construction and renovations. He resides here in Puerto Peñasco with his wife and two children and is originally from Chicago. For more information email him at sales@rockypointhomebuilders.com

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

The Mexican League Playing American Football: Meet the LFA

or those living in Mexico who are die-hard fans of American football, there is hope for you when the NFL season ends: there is a Mexican league playing American football-and it's growing. The LFA (or Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional) began only a few years ago in 2016. The real powerhouse behind the LFA's creation is Juan Carlos Vázquez-a Fox Sports commentator. Vázquez was a huge fan of the previous American football league in Mexico called Liga Master, and all his life he had dreamed of creating his own league. He even wrote his MBA thesis on Liga Master and how foreign American football leagues can become successful. After 6 years of work, Juan Carlos Vázquezalong with Edgar Zapata who coaches one of the teams-managed to put together a consortium of investors to create the first Mexican football league in 20 years. He would now begin his second job as the Operational Director of the LFA. The LFA began with only four teams: three based in Mexico City, and one in the State of Mexico. Each team had a 40-man roster with an additional 5 players allowed during practice. LFA officials are hoping to keep the league Mexican-allowing only two foreign players per team in 2017. These teams played each other only twice during that first regular season. They would have a short playoff, and one team would emerge victorious at the Tazón México-the Mexican version of the Superbowl. They had big dreams of expanding the league to 6 teams by 2018, and even 8 teams by 2020-which would put it on par with the CFL (Canadian Football League). All games the first couple years were played at the Estadio Jesús Martínez "Palillo" which has a maximum capacity of 6,000, and

is located in Mexico City. Attendance was 1,600 on average, it climbed to an average of 1,900 in 2017, and it is steadily increasing. This included 200 - 300 underprivileged children who get in through a government program called the National System for Integral Family Development (DIF). The rest of the attendees are largely friends and family of the players-and the die hard fans. During the 2016 season, both sides of the stadium were only used twice: the LFA's first match ever-the opening game-and the Tazón México. Since then the LFA has expanded to five stadiums through the 2018 season. However in their opening year, they would have to settle for only four original teams: The Eagles - Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City The Condors - Xochimilco, Mexico City The Mayas - Iztacalco, Mexico City The Raptors - Naucalpan de Juárez, Estado de México The Mayas went on to win the Tazón México their opening year, when they defeated the Raptors with a score of 29-13. The LFA shocked the sports world when it expanded to six teams the very next year. They added two northern teams and they split the divisions into Northern Division and Central Division with three teams in each division-with the Eagles changing their name to the Mexicas after the leaders of the Aztec Empire for which the country is named. In the second year, the teams were:

- Northern Division -

The Dinos - Saltillo, Coahuila The Fundidores - Monterrey, Nuevo León The Raptors - Naucalpan de Juárez, Estado de México

- Central Division -

The Condors - Xochimilco, Mexico City The Mayas - Iztacalco, Mexico City The Mexicas - Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City The LFA's sophomore year was filled with challenges to overcome. The fledgling league could only afford to pay players low wages-and so the players often hold second jobs. One is a chef in a fine-dining restaurant, another is a police officer, still others are electrical engineers, and entrepreneurs. Gerardo Gil, the defensive back for the Mayas, doubles as a surgeon. His brother Antonio runs a chicken distribution and production business and plays as a defensive lineman for the Condors. Yet, they face off against each other as equals on the football field. The LFA could only afford to pay the players about $500 USD a month in 2017. When teams have to travel to Mexico City to play a game, they fly home that night to avoid travel accommodations and sleeping arrangements. Still, every team has professionalquality gear, and each team has a complete staff with medical personnel, trainers, and coaching staff. "We hope in a few years that this league can be successful enough that the players can live just from playing," said Mayas head coach Ernesto Alfaro. They are given a salary and they all have paid medical insurance to protect the player in the case of injury, complications, and high out-of-pocket costs. Each team even has cheerleaders and a mascot. In 2017, the Mayas repeated their victory at the Tazón México with a 24 - 18 win over the new Dinos of Saltillo. By the 2018 season, the LFA had increased its games to a respectable 7-game regular season. However in 2018, the LFA faced its own challenges when operational

problems led to the cancellation of a game between the Mexicas and the Dinos. Despite this setback, the Mexicas would go on to win the Tazón México giving the Raptors their second 29 - 13 in the Mexican league's final match. As a special treat, this game was played in Estadio Azul-where the Cruz Azul plays-with a capacity of 33,000 (almost 6 times that of their typical stadium in the LFA). For 2019, the LFA is looking to the future. Right after the NFL's superbowl ends, the LFA will begin in hopes of riding the emotions of the American league. They have secured an extra two teams: for the Northern Division, the Osos of Toluca, CDMX, and for the Southern Division, the Artilleros of Puebla City, Puebla-which is one of the fastest-growing and trendiest cities in all of Mexico. These extra teams will come with two extra stadiums increasing the league's reach to millions more Mexicans. Even more incredible, a press conference was held the 20th of April of 2018, shortly before the latest Tazón México, where it was announced that the league would be adding an additional two teams bringing the total to ten teams in the LFA. This leaves the LFA with more teams than Canada's CFL. Some ties have begun between the NFL and the LFA (which can only bring the fledgling league good publicity). Chad Johnson (formerly Chad Ochocinco) played a guest match with the Fundidores of Monterrey in 2017. Also, a linebacker of the Fundidores named Octavio González was invited to try out for the NY Giants minicamp. He performed admirably and is on the NY Giants short list for this 2018 2019 season. Overall, the LFA seems to be secure in the coming years while the sport appears to be building a steady fan base.

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

Potpourri - Short Shorts of All Sorts!

Sometimes so much is going on in our little slice of paradise by the sea that we can't address the many short subjects with proper attention. To handle the hodgepodge of dangling subject matter, we invented the Potpourri Page. Here are a few "short shorts" to keep you up to date.

Following weeks of incubation, the first 29 baby sea turtles of the season were released on Sunday, October 14th, in Las Conchas, where mama turtle made her nest two months ago. Cesar Garcia Gonzalez, Director of the Federal Maritime Land Zone (ZOFEMAT), explained on this occasion members of the Clean Beach Committee, along with volunteers and tourists, participated in the turtle release by creating a human chain in helping provide safe passage for the young turtles as they made their way to the sea. As in the past, biologist Itzel Cárdenas of Grupo Vidanta was on hand to carefully supervise the trail of the 29 sea turtles to the water. Garcia Gonzalez recalled at the beginning of September this year, a report was made about the arrival of a sea turtle on the Las Conchas beach to nest. Over 100 eggs were collected safely and put in protected enclosures, as per protocol. He added this represented the first of six turtle nests this season, with expectations of successful hatchings of the more than 500 eggs collected and protected now in 2018.

New Fishing Gear May Help Protect Endangered Vaquita

Testing of new shrimp nets for the upper Sea of Cortez was scheduled to begin on the first of, however the project was delayed due to the tropical storms that came through the area. Delegate of SEMARNAT in Baja California, Alfonso Blancafort, commented Friday that the tests will commence immediately and will be carried out throughout the entire shrimping season which ends at the end of the year. Since 2015, a ban has been established for commercial fishing in the Upper Sea of Cortez, with the objective of protecting the endangered vaquita marina. Many have confidence that this new equipment can make it possible for shrimpers to operate in the area negatively impacting the small population of vaquita that remains in the area. If test results come back favorably, commercial fishing could be reactivated for the area as soon as next season.

On Wednesday, October 17, the State Red Cross provided training to personnel from delegations of Puerto Peñasco, Caborca, Sonoyta, Magdalena, Cananea, Imuris, Agua Prieta and Benjamín Hill, in the use of external automatic defibrillators, which were delivered recently to each delegation. Miguel Ángel Ibarra Lomelí, Relief Coordinator of Cruz Roja Peñasco, who attended the training on behalf of this delegation, indicated that the delivery of the devices "Lifepak 1000", costing around 58,000 pesos each, was completed and the units are ready to use as needed. These devices, are used for people suffering from cardio respiratory arrest, and to provide a controlled discharge, achieving the stabilization of cardiac activity.

Toy Drive Donations Needed

Red Cross Volunteers Receive Training in the Use of Defibrillators

at St. Joseph's church in La Cholla

Men and women warm up their voices at St. Joseph's church in La Cholla in preparation for the Christmas Music Program on Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. By Cholla Charli

Mermaids Market Returns for Another Season

The "Mermaids" are back at work! Check out all the Mermaid's Treasures at each Mermaid Market. We have New Vendors (Mermaids) scheduled to be joining us! The 2017 - 2018 Season dates are listed on the poster. www. mermaidsmarket.com

'Celebrate the Season' sing-along

It's that time of year again, and Adopt A Classroom will be collecting to buy toys for their annual toy and treats giveaway. Below is a message from Barb Olszewski: In November I will brave the border and spend your money on toy sales. I will go to Ajo, AZ with the hope to buy out Family Dollar. They do a sale buy one get one 1/2 price and they have an alternate location in Gila Bend. I will ask some friends to go shopping with me and help bring across the border. We go to the shack area by and on the dump and along tracks where they do not even have water lines to their homes. All toys will be given to children as we do every year. We help with the Xmas party for over 500 kids there. The cost of the toys will average $5.00 to $10.00 each and filling in with some $2.00 little stuff and sale items. I have to Break out the Santa suit for Mark again soon. That Santa does a lot of local events for charities . He will also be Santa out at the edge of town. You should see the kids run up to see Santa. It's great. We are also looking for bulk candy for scout Halloween party and Santa hand outs to the kids. Cash donations can be made to Pay Pal with notation "Toys" - to rpbarbo@ gmail.com. Or check made out to Barbara Olszewski , P.O. Box 695, Lukeville, AZ 85341 Or please call me to meet up to pick up donations in RP 602-324-9529 MX cell 638 114 2406,. Thank you all so much for caring about our kids in Rocky Point.

y good friend Stephanie Mueller in Lake Havasu City has been a seamstress/ tailor all her life. Like most of us who sew, that means occasionally upgrading our “power tools.” The public is invited to attend the free “Celebrate the Season” Christmas Music Program at San José/St. Joseph's Church in La Cholla (Cholla Bay) on Sunday, Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. The program will open with wellknown Christmas hymns by the church choir, featuring a duo singing the “Ave Maria.” Highlighting the program will be performances by members of the Puerto Peñasco Youth Orchestra and Choir who will sing traditional Mexican Christmas songs in Spanish. Attendees will have an opportunity to make a free-will donation to the Youth Orchestra and Choir scholarship and special projects fund. The program will conclude with a Christmas Carol sing-along so the audience can join in. Cookies and cocoa will follow. The evening program will include only music, no service; however, bilingual Mass will be offered at 8 a.m., that morning as usual. To reach the church, take the road out past the Sandy Beach condos and Wrecked at the Reef. As the road winds toward Cholla Bay, the church will be on the right. Parking access is in the rear.

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Tia Katy's Corner November 2018

Pothole Safety

By Kathleen Duncan

ll I want for Christmas is… to go to school! While most children in the United States are anxiously awaiting the start of winter vacation, the children on the waiting list for our 'Jovenes en Ascenso' program are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to go to school. Something that we tend to take for granted in the United States is that our children are entitled to a free public school education through 12th grade. Meanwhile in Mexico high school students must pay for registration, tuition books, uniforms and fees which can cost several hundred dollars a year. Although elementary school is declared to be free of charge in Mexico, in order to attend school children must have transportation, backpacks, notebooks and many other school supplies. So, unfortunately, many families in Rocky Point must choose between sending their children to school and meeting basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare. This holiday season I have an idea for a special gift that you can give to one of the more than 150 young people who are on our waiting list--the gift of education! For only $35 a month you can sponsor a student in our program and enable them to not only go to school but have the ongoing resources and support they need to succeed in school and reach their potential. Let's take a moment to think about some of the things that you could purchase with $35 in the U.S.: 6 Venti Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks; one dinner at McDonald's for a family of 5; one deluxe pedicure at most salons; one tank of gas in a medium sized car. Meanwhile investing $35 a month to sponsor a student in our program provides a young person with the opportunity to access educational opportunities that can transform their life. Once in school the student receives ongoing support from our local professional team, up to three hours of academic support daily at one of our homework clubs and all supplies and materials they need to succeed in school. Now let's take another moment to think about all of the wonderful efforts people make to assure that children in need in Rocky Point enjoy the holidays. In the six years that I have been volunteering

By Mike Bibb

Two of our kindergarten graduates from last year

here I have watched and supported many wonderful organizations that gather donations of toys and other gifts to bring to the children of Rocky Point. I have also watched and supported other groups that provide parties and other special activities for children in the community. I believe all of these efforts are worthwhile and bring a lot of joy to so many children in the community and I plan to continue supporting them. Unfortunately, however, when the holiday fun is over and the second semester of school begins in January many of these same children will remain home unable to go to school due to lack of resources.

So, this holiday season I hope you will consider giving a young person from the community a gift that will last a lifetime-the gift of education. To sponsor a student in our program you can set up a monthly recurring donation using your credit card at www.stepsoflove.org. There are also instructions on our website for paying by check or bank transfer. Steps of Love is a U.S. based 501c3 organization so all donations are tax deductible. I will finish by wishing you a happy holiday season and sharing a favorite quote of mine: "You can never uneducate a person who has learned to read" - Cesar Chavez.

he presence of a large pothole is ingeniously marked by a used tire. Why use a bright

orange safety cone to caution traffic to the presence of a dangerous pothole when a perfectly good used tire will work equally well. The

two

tropical

storms

October brought more than their fair share of headaches. In addition to flooded roads and leaky roofs, excessive moisture also inflicted substantial damage to numerous streets and boulevards. Seems hardly a roadway avoided Mother Nature's fury. The above picture was taken at an intersection on No Reeleccion (Calle 26), a couple blocks west of the Pemex station/market. Rains, erosion and traffic created hazardous driving situations by opening and enlarging multiple pavement fractures. Local unpaved roads suffered even worse. It's obvious many months of repairs will be required to rejuvenate a street

system

already

burdened

by increasing amounts of vehicle activity. Like many communities in the Sonoran Desert, Rocky Point is not prepared to handle excessive amounts of rain or runoff. The flatness of the terrain assures a heavy downpour will inevitably result in a certain degree of flooding in various locations. Sometimes, too much of a good Some of our students working hard at Homework Club

thing isn't a good thing.

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

Wowzers…Bike Week in Rocky Point Attention: One of the Best Weeks of the Year!!! Wine Lovers

By Mark Paliscak

ood day my comrades, beach lovers and party peeps! Well, I am still reminiscing about this past Bike Week which concluded on the weekend of November 11th. The parade of motorcycles rolling into town seemed endless even starting early in the week. By Thursday before the weekend, the bike convoy was endless watching them roll into Rocky Point one after another. The distinct variety of bikes was also equally amazing. I can surely say that this year they really seemed to raise the bar as the not only were the bikes extraordinary, so was the diverse crowd as well as the sheer number of bikers and spectators that rolled into Rocky Point. Saturday was the day of the big rally and bike parade and I had a couple offers from some bar owners to come hang out on their balcony to watch the festivities unfold. “What!” I asked, astonished that I needed to be at the bar at 11AM to ensure my spot…but hey it was a smart move to be able to arrive at that time just to get down to Old Port and grab a parking spot. My buddy Jorge over at Tekila Bar was kind enough to reserve a table by the balcony for my buddy Scotty visiting from Jersey and his girlfriend, Grover. We met several new friends (seems to be a staple in Rocky Point every time you wander out!) right

away and the bike parade had not even started yet and the entire Old Port area was blocked off for bikes only and there was a complete sea of bikes lining each side of the street. The bike parade started rolling down the streets of Old Port toward the Malecon at about 12:30 pm on Saturday. With each passing hour, the bikers would park on the street one after another which eventually led to a sliver of a path for some bikes to get through as the rest of the street literally became a huge parking lot of motorcycles. The crowd was fun and loud and there was so many street vendors, entertainers, musicians, food vendors and unlike in the USA where guns are prevalent and many towns have now banned their previously popular bike weeks…guns are illegal in Mexico and there seemed to be very few (I witnessed none) issues involving the police.

Hats off to the planners of Bike Week and all the bikers that travelled from far away to enjoy our beach town for a week. I was especially glad to see all of the local business people that were successfully enjoying the huge crowds with so many sales. When we moseyed over to Manny’s Beach Club, we were met by the same fun-loving crowd. Even after Manny’s new and awesome expansion with all the added seats, tables, swim up bar, swing seats, beach lounge

chairs etc…the place was completely full of patrons enjoying a wonderful weekend and the awesome tunes from the band. I did not catch the name of the band, but a blonde gal named Natalie was the lead singer and she and they were FABULOSOS!!! Oh my gosh, we are heading into the holiday season…By the time you will be reading this, I am wishing you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to ALL and best of all an sensational NEW YEAR…2019! There are so many opportunities for us to look back on 2018 and be thankful and grateful for our friends, family and neighbors. I sincerely wish everyone the happiest of the year ahead and look out for the gang from OLE MISS who will be rolling into town for New Years…that should be a scream…HOTTY TODDY Y’ALL! If you see any of the OLE MISS people misbehaving around town, please tell them Marco has eyes everywhere and to be good…however, please beware…it may be me masquerading as a student in an OLE MISS shirt. If that’s the case, just prop me back up for a good laugh!  And speaking of New Year’s parties, I hear Manny’s is planning a huge bash…SEE YA THERE! Adios Amigos. GOD BLESS.

By Cholla Charli

e've been duped! Well, actually, we didn't show due diligence. All this time, most of us thought we were only allowed to bring three liters of alcohol, beer or wine into Mexico duty free. This was a partial truth. You are restricted to three liters of hard liquor, which is approximately three quarts; and, you can bring up to an additional two liters if you pay the duty on them. I don' know why anyone would anyone bring beer into Mexico. It's like the old adage about carrying “Coal to Newcastle” or sand to the beach. However, wine is a different story. According to Mexican law, Las Reglas Generales de Comercio Exterior para 2018: Rule 3.2.3(X) – Passengers 18 years of age and older can bring up to six liters of wine into Mexico duty free. Breaking that down, it means each person 18 and older can bring eight bottles of wine, or two four-bottle boxes like Black Box, or one five-liter box like Franzia plus another bottle with 250 milliliters to spare. I know – some of you don't consider those boxes real wine but they do have the lowcarbon footprint advantage, and they are from California, albeit Fresno and Modesto! With Sam's Club and other retailers offering most all types of hard liquor, it's as affordable to buy alcohol here as it is to buy it in the States and bring it with you. If you like rum and tequila, which are made in Mexico, it's super affordable. However, finding the wines you love from the States is not possible down here, and taste-testing every wine in Sam's or Super Ley from Chile, Argentina, France, Spain and Mexico is a task which is probably beyond even dyed-in-the-wool wineauxs (that's French for people who drink wine from a stemmed glass). So, Salud! fellow wine lovers. Here's to really understanding Mexico laws and to a great California zinfandel!

Mexico law allows persons 18 and older to bring eight 750 ml bottles of wine into the country duty-free. Cheers!

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By Nancy Phelan AKA “The Pack Leader”

"Making Rocky Point a better place to be an animal" Quote By Lannette Phipps

he holidays are just around the corner. Maybe you are considering adding a new friend to your family. Also please consider making a year-end donation for the care of the animals. I have been working with animals here in Peñasco now for 17 years. My primary goal was to make Rocky Point a better place to be an animal. We brought in free spay/neuter clinics for the first time in 2009. We brought Compassion Without Borders in to do a week-long clinic in 2010. Their first but not their last. We also worked with the city on laws for the animals. We have received 5 recognition awards from the city for our work with bringing in free clinics. It took a village, but it worked...a big thank you to all the angels who helped us support our goals. I have slowed down due to health problems after lifting 50 lb. dogs and dog food for 17 years. We are lucky to see 2 new rescues have now started up

in the last few years. We were the only American rescue for 14 years but now there is help for the animals. We have some dogs and many cats waiting for fur-ever homes. If you are interested in adoption, please give me a call at the numbers below or contact me on Facebook. My energy level is low, and I am not as active as I once was. We will be posting pictures monthly of the animals presently at the center. We always have a need for food... grain free dog food, regular dog food, cat and kitten dry food, Purina canned Pate cat food and non-clumping litter. Toys and soft beds are always welcome. A big thank you to all our wonderful angels who have helped "Make Rocky Point a Better Place to be an Animal". A possible title for the book I’m writing. If you have a story about your experience with AACORP please send it to me to add to the book or print in the Ricky Point Times Newspaper. www.rpaac.org Mexico (011-52-638) 383-1012 Phoenix (602) 412-3932 Tucson (520) 407-6594 AACORP INC 501 (c) 3 Tax Exempt nancy_phelan@yahoo.com nancy@rpaac.org AACORP PO Box 1031, Lukeville, AZ 85341

CEDO's Great Coastal Clean Up YOU can be part of the solution.

n 1995, CEDO began to participate in cleaning and recycling campaigns in our coastal city of Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, and since 2005 they have partnered with The Ocean Conservancy, an organization that for the last 25 years has hosted an annual, international coastal clean-up event, with thousands of volunteers participating across the globe. Volunteers collect garbage, record information about it, and share it in a global database; by understanding what kind of waste we are dealing with, we are better able to promote specific and effective solutions for this growing problem. CEDO is also part of the Local Committee for Clean Beaches in Puerto Peñasco, a body headed by Mexico's National Water Commission (CONAGUA). The Committee includes public and private institutions, and CEDO has been involved in implementing the coastal cleaning program, conducting biodiversity assessments, and developing an action plan for protecting local beaches. In addition, CEDO supported the attaining of a national "Clean Beach" certification for Peñasco's most popular tourist destination - Sandy Beach (Mexican Standard NMX-AA-120-SCFI-2006). With CEDO's support, in 2016 Sandy Beach was certified as the first officially "Clean Beach" in Sonora. Coastal and marine areas provide us with essential services, whether we live by the ocean or far inland. In the oceans, half of the oxygen we breathe is produced by tiny plants called phytoplankton, and the water that evaporates from the seas' surface soon becomes our fresh drinking water. In addition, many of the foods we rely on for protein, such as shrimp, clams, and different species of fish, are born in coastal wetlands and live out their lives in the sea. Even if you eat meat or are a vegetarian, fish, seaweeds and other ocean products are used as feed for livestock and as nutritious compost for agriculture. In summary, we literally, breathe, drink and eat the marine and coastal ecosystem. Harvesting from the ocean and coasts also provides livelihoods for thousands of fishermen and their families in the northern Gulf of California, and millions of people globally. Many others make their living from tourists visiting beaches, wetlands, and islands, such that these ecosystems sustain a much wider economy and all of the hardworking people who are employed by hotels, restaurants, gas stations, tour operators and many more tourism-related services. Unfortunately, across the globe, marine and coastal ecosystems are threatened by an evergrowing problem, that has only recently caught the attention of the media, and that as a global society we have not yet begun to tackle in an effective way. This problem is the accumulation of man-made materials, in other words nonorganic garbage, in coastal and marine areas the natural sinks for anything that floats or gets blown by the wind. Communities in developing nations, such as those of the northern Gulf of California, lack sufficient waste management infrastructure, and what is more, there exists a throw-away culture where many people feel it is ok to use and to litter trash on the street, in waterways, and on the beach. Puerto Peñasco alone generates around 80 tons of trash daily. Meanwhile, the corporations that produce these insurmountable amounts of waste keep flooding the market with more and

more packaging and single-use convenience items that will inevitably contribute to the burgeoning pool of coastal and marine debris; the faucet is left running while we try to mop up the overflow. This issue is responsible for environmental and human health problems. Materials like plastics keep breaking down into smaller pieces, for example through photo- degradation (via sunlight), where they enter the food chain and remain in the ecosystem for hundreds of years. What is more, plastics attract persistent organic pollutants (POP's), such as heavy metals from mining, which sorb (that's a technical term) onto the plastic pieces and are then ingested by animals large and small. Even the tiniest zooplankton and corals in the oceans have been observed swallowing these toxic micro-plastics, which can impact their ability to reproduce. The toxins are then passed up the food web, such that the largest animals, and those that cover the greatest distances, like tuna, sea lions and orcas, have become living repositories of toxic waste. In technical terms this is known as the bio-accumulation and magnification of pollutants in living organisms. Other animals accidentally eat garbage until their stomachs fill and they starve (ingestion), while others become entangled in debris such as abandoned fishing nets, and drown. In a tragic twist of irony, humans wind up consuming the very trash that we produced, together with the toxic substances we have dumped into the sea. YOU can help solve the problem of marine & coastal debris by: • Joining our Northern Gulf of California beach clean-up effort in 2018; email us at info@cedo.org. • Using re-usable cloth bags when going to the supermarket. • Asking restaurants not to provide you with plastic straws and silverware. • Bringing your re-usable Tupperware and mug to your local store or café. • Becoming politically active and joining a "ban-the-bag" or other grassroots campaign against plastics. • Supporting CEDO's outreach and education work.

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

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

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

Bringing Your Pet Across the Border

The 2018 Great Coastal Cleanup of the Upper Gulf of California was a Big Success

ith the participation of 558 volunteers including children, young people, and adults, the successful annual campaign The Great Coastal Cleanup of the Upper Gulf of California was deemed a huge success. The program both helps clean up the trash and raises awareness about the importance of keeping the coasts clean and in good condition for the marine ecosystem, informed César García. "We managed to collect 1,161 kilograms of garbage, from the beaches and the sea floor with the active participation of more than 550 volunteers including both children and adults" The Director of the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone (ZOFEMAT) explained that the Municipal Government through various municipal agencies joined forces with organizers of the Local Committee of Clean Beaches, Intercultural Center for Deserts and Oceans (CEDO), Rotary Club Puerto Peñasco, and the Riverside Inter-Community Group of the Puerto Peñasco-Puerto Lobos Corridor and educational institutions to coordinate this massive campaign to clean up the coasts and the seabed. The joint efforts on Saturday, October 27th, were able to collect 1,161 kilograms of garbage, including waste such as glass, cigarette butts, bottle tops, plastic, aluminum cans, and untold bags of other debris. Garcia explained that the efforts focused on the beaches of La Pinta, Mayan Palace, Las Conchas, Mi Playa, Mirador, The Malecon, Playa Hermosa, Sandy Beach, The Reef, La Cholla Beach, Estero La Cholla, as well as Estero Morúa. Much trash was also collected from the seabed by volunteer divers in many areas. "It was an event of pleasant family atmosphere, where the importance of the culture of care and cleanliness of the environment and marine fauna is reinforced," said César García. Finally, the director of ZOFEMAT, on behalf of Mayor Kiko Munro, thanked all participating institutions and organizers for their active participation in keeping the environment and the beach coasts clean and free of garbage. 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

By Denise Ackerly

ince Peñasco is such an easy drive over the border, many visitors love to bring their FLFFMs (four-legged furry family members) with them. Many of these regulations fall under "Import and Export of Live Animals", but the rules always seem to be open to interpretation. You might or might not have any of your documentation checked, but please avoid delays and possibly horrible situations by being prepared before you go. If you decide to travel further into Mexico, the chances of having your paperwork checked will increase. Also, any time there is a whisper of swine flu, mad cow disease, or bird flu, be prepared for more thorough inspections. This info is compiled from APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a department within the USDA), the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and SENASICA (Mexico's National Service for Health, Agriculture, and Safety). Of course, always check to see if there are any changes in regulations as they seem to change frequently. Dogs and cats are the only pets allowed to travel in and out of Mexico. Although you may love your pet iguanas, birds, bunnies, hamsters, turtles, etc., please leave them at home for vacation. This also means you can't acquire any of these other animals and bring them back to the US. Bringing pet food over the border is a bit of a gray area. From what I've read, Mexico doesn't want the import of any pet food of "ruminant origin" (eg: beef or lamb). Technically you're only allowed to bring "a day's ration", and I've even heard that people have had their pet food confiscated at the border. If you're staying more than the weekend, please consider buying American branded pet food at Sam's club or Welton’s and donate what you don't use to local dog shelters like Barb’s Dog Rescue, or Nancy Phelan’s Animal Adoption Center. They'll be thrilled to have it! Don't forget that most pets aren't great with abrupt switches in their food, so mix the new food with their regular brand for a few days to help them get used to it. Although the tap water in Peñasco is treated, it still may upset your pet's stomach and you might want to bring bottled water. Also keep in mind that salt water can also upset their tummies. There's a limit of two FLFFMs

per person, and a total of three without incurring any import charges. (This also might or might not be enforced.) If you need to bring four or more pets, contact SENASICA for an import certificate ($125 USD). To cross the international border, either southbound or northbound, you should have a signed Health Certificate printed on your Veterinarian's letterhead which includes: Proof that your FLFFM is current on her rabies and distemper vaccines, including vaccine lot numbers, administered not less than 30 days prior. (Mexico now recognizes the 3-year vaccine given in the US/Canada. If your pet received her last rabies shot in Mexico, it will be the standard 1-year vaccine.) To return to the US, the same 30 day minimum applies. If she just got vaccinated, she might be quarantined. Certification that your FLFFM was considered healthy within 10 days of travel (As a resident of AZ/CA/NM/TX, your health certificate is valid for 6 months.) Your name and address, your vet's name and license number Note: You can have more than one pet on the Health Certificate It must be computer printed or typed (any hand-written entries will void the whole Health Certificate) on letterhead and can't have any abbreviations. ("Dates: "January" is accepted while "Jan" is not. States: Must be the entire word and not the two-letter abbreviation. Ages: "Months" or "Year" is accepted while "yrs" and "mos" are not.") Please print out this form and have it copied onto your vet's letterhead. If your FLFFM looks like she is in poor health, you might be prevented from entering either country until further tests are done. tip: Photocopy your pet's photo and your drivers' license to the reverse of the health certificate. Tip: Indicate the last dose of flea/tick and heartworm medication given and whether or not your pet has been sterilized Your FLFFM might receive a physical

inspection at the border guard's discretion Assistance dogs will need to follow the same rules from SENASICA and the CDC Puppies/kittens less than 3 months can't receive the rabies vaccine, so they're exempt. However, without all the necessary shots you could really be taking a risk bringing her to Mexico. According to the USDA, If you adopt a puppy/kitten while in Mexico, she might be quarantined until one month after receiving the rabies vaccine. (However, Nancy Phelan of the Animal Adoption Center of Rocky Point has never had this experience in all of her trips transporting puppies across the border) Remember that Mexico doesn't have much of a budget for animal control. Therefore, there are always stray dogs (not too many cats) roaming the streets. These animals will often have worms and ticks (which can cause ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), so you'll want to keep your dog on a leash at all times. If your dog does run away, be sure she has an easy to read ID tag with your cell phone number so she's not assumed to be a stray. Make multiple copies of everything and always keep one set on you in case you're asked or need help to find her. Be vigilant with topical meds which KILL ticks and fleas (not only repel them) and chewable meds for heartworm which can be carried by mosquitos. Two local vet clinics Nancy recommends are: Dr. Chochoy Veterinaria Clínica, Benito Juárez Boulevard & Melchor Ocampo Avenue, Rocky Point (638) 3832338 and Servicios Medicos Veterinarios, Sonora Blvd & Galeana, Rocky Point, (638) 383-3344. Both are also skilled in pet orthopedics for broken legs, etc. Last but not least, please be a responsible pet owner. No one wants a surprise between their toes while walking through the sand. Bring LOTS of pet waste bags to clean up after your FLFFM, and be prepared with extra water and shade when visiting the beach. Enjoy!

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

The Story of Mexican Beer

he Spaniards were the first to brew beers in Mexico using barley and wheat, although production was limited in the early days, in part due to the lack of available grains. The first official concession to brew European-style beers was issued by the Spanish authorities in the middle of the 16th century; however, despite the brewers' attempts to expand the business by growing more crops locally to increase the supply of barley at a lower price, heavy regulation and high taxation imposed by Spain on locally-produced beers and wines stymied the industry's growth. After Mexico's war of independence, beer production began to flourish in Mexico, and during the latter part of the 19th century an influx of German immigrants brought additional knowledge and expertise to the field which caused the local market to diversify and improve its products. By the turn of the 20th century, beer had become big business in Mexico, helped also by prohibition in the United States at that time, which gave rise to a brisk and profitable trade of beer and other alcoholic beverages along Mexico's border towns and cities. By the end of the Mexican Revolution, there were more than thirty-five breweries operating in Mexico, and a period of consolidation that began in the 1920s brought about the beer market we see here today: smaller breweries were absorbed into one of the "big-two" breweries, Grupo Modelo and Cerveceria Cuautehmoc-Moctezuma, which emerged as the dominant players of the Mexican beer market. Successful beers produced by the acquired regional breweries were mass-produced and distributed nationally, and less successful beers disappeared from the market altogether. Smaller breweries that were not bought-out were forced to close as they could not compete with the economies-of-scale brought about through consolidation. The two big Mexican breweries, which by the turn of the 21st century controlled over 90% of the Mexican beer market, were subsequently acquired by international conglomerates. Cerveceria Cuautehmoc-Moctezuma, whose

brands include Sol, Bohemia, Tecate, and Carta Blanca, was sold to Heineken in 2010; Grupo Modelo, which sells Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico brands among others, was acquired by Anheuser-Busch in 2013. The colossal marketing budgets and the extensive distribution networks controlled by these two breweries ensure that their big-brand names are placed at the forefront of buyers' choices across the country. However, changing consumer habits are fueling a boom in artisanal beer across Mexico, and independent brewers have been making a noticeable comeback in recent times with small-batch craft beer and ale labels appearing regionally in local stores, restaurants, and bars. The majority of beers sold in Mexico today are lagers, pilsners, Vienna-style light and dark beers, as well as Munich dark beers. Beer in Mexico is served cold, or taken as a Michelada: beer with lime juice, or lime juice mixed with a variety of spicy sauces like Worcester, tabasco, or soy sauce. The beverage is still regularly supplied using returnable bottles, although recyclable cans and bottles are becoming increasingly common. If you are visiting Mexico and purchase beer from a local store, choose the cans or recyclable bottles with the words "No Retornable" printed on the label, which don't require a deposit and can be recycled after use. When you're living in Mexico, it's worth building up a small stock of returnable bottles which you can take back to the store when you want refills. Building up a rapport with your local store keeper might earn you the privilege of being able to take beer bottles without paying a deposit, as the store keeper trusts that you will return the bottles and, presumably, buy more beer there. Most Mexican beer bottle sizes are 325ml, although some brands of beer are also available in larger 925ml, 940ml and full 1-liter sizes. In Mexican slang Spanish, the larger bottles are called caguamas (sea turtles) or if you're in north-eastern Mexico you might hear them referred to as ballenas (whales); in Mazatlan, ballenas refer specifically to the Pacifico brand of beer sold in the larger-sized bottles.

Rocky Point’s Rodeo Drive

By Barbara Iverson

ecember is always a wonderful time of the year, however, it can also be a bit stressful. Or is it just me. Well we do indeed have the solution for relieving some of that stress. Rodeo Drive has the solution for all those on your list that you just can’t find the right gift for. In that department we’ve got you covered.

While strolling down the Drive you’ll see an outstanding collection of traditional hand painted pottery. Charming animals, bowls and platters just to name a few of the large variety you’ll find up and down the street. Temos has by far the largest selection in Rocky Point, if you don’t find it there you won’t find it anywhere.

Su Casa has an eclectic collection from small pewter hearts, filled with candy and a note that says, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart”, for your child’s teacher or that helpful neighbor that watched your cat while you were down here at the beach. Then there are beautiful salad bowls and serving plates or a colorful piggy bank for the little one on your list. The array of flowers up and down the street are not to be missed. You may see them other places in town, but on Rodeo Drive you can see them made right in the shop. It’s even possible to have something custom made, your favorite flower in your favorite color. Just bring a picture. Have you seen Kokopelli lately? They have magnificent statues hand made in Mexico. If you go into their back room you’ll often see them painting the pottery they sell in the store.

Fabiola’s Plaza has a nice selection of resort clothing and jewelry for the lady in your life all unique and beautiful. They feature a sophisticated but casual look in fabrics perfect for our climate. Didn’t find what you want there? Just a few doors down you’ll find Gia’s shop. All little different look but also charming and great for the Southwest. Once you’ve finished up your shopping tour stop by Mariachi’s and Tequila for a relaxing dinner or one of their frosty Margaritas? Always great food, great service a charming décor. Come stroll down the Drive. Courteous and friendly vendors, great prices and a wonderful selection of merchandise. See you on the drive!

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

TRAVELINFORMATION 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...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 INTERNAL AFFAIRS AT 388-6552

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.

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 shoppingm to find everything from one-ofa-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

COMING FROM PHOENIX

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.

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 CALIFORNIA

U.S. AIRPORTS (CLOSEST)

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

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

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

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.

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

All fines are to be paid at the main police station

PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED

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

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 CLOSED MIDNIGHT - 6:00 AM

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 (approx. 3 quarts) of wine, alcohol, beer, etc. if the passenger is an adult. You may import an additional 2 liters and pay 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 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 $1,000 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 and you are allowed only two (2) animals per vehicle. 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 CLOSED MIDNIGHT - 6:00 AM 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 inbetween. 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: 602-455-9522 Tucson Sonoran Express (520) 954-2556 www.TucsonSonoranExpress.com

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. $195 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. $44 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. $30 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.

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

The Eats

Ahhhh “Turkey”

By Marco Zepeda

his month we bring you 3 restaurants, two of which are in Old Port and the third right in town, before hitting the

Malecon Hello to all! This month I am bringing 2 great restaurants you can’t miss while you are visiting Rocky Point.

Colin’s Cantina, located inside the Princesa de Peñasco Resort on Sandy Beach, is open every day except Wednesday’s from 8am to 10pm. This time I will tell you about their wonderful BBQ short rib tacos! I can’t say enough about them, so you will have to go there and try them yourself and you will not be disappointed. They are served on Tuesdays only from 3pm until they are gone…and no, they don’t last long. They are served with a very rich chipotle sauce on the side that you can only find at Colin’s Cantina. You will love them. You can also try their excellent bacon cheese burgers and the day to go is Monday because they are 2 for 1. Colin’s has all kinds of drinks and artisanal beers and you can’t miss the Sunday breakfast mimosas and the Thursday Gringo Bingo a great way to make new friends and have a great time while you enjoy delicious food. Ana and the guys will make sure you have an excellent experience and don’t forget to ring the bell before you go out the door to let them know you had a great meal.

Our second restaurant is Bryan’s Sports Bar and Restaurant which is located on Fremont inside Plaza Alaina, just about 2 blocks from the where you turn to go to the Las Conchas community. Bryan’s is open every day, but Tuesday from 3pm to

By Rob Baylor

A 12pm. We decided to go on Wednesday for chicken wings and pizza: The wings are 2 for 1 and they are always excellent, cooked with just the right amount of sauce. They have several flavors, but our favorite is the traditional buffalo wings. You can accompany your wings with a frozen beer mug and it doesn’t get any better than that. The girls are always giving their best smile and are very friendly and helpful and you can’t beat the prices. If you are not into wings, they have their Pasta Night every Thursday and it’s only $5 dlls. They have several choices like the Blackened Chicken, or the Alfredo, which are our favorites. And once more, if you want to just go out and enjoy your favorite game on their TV’s or watch a Monday Night Football game you can order their $1 dll sliders. Lots to choose from. Hope everyone has a great time and has an excellent Holiday. Feliz Navidad my friends, until next month.

nother season has come and gone. To us Permanents we welcome the return of our friends that go away for the summer. My wife Nancy and I stay here year around and we get a little bored because we like what the fall, winter, and spring has to offer. Actually, there is somebody to talk to other than ourselves. I believe that I am pretty good company but sometimes I can’t find anything to say that I haven’t already said. Then if I say anything, I get “you already said that 5 times”. I try to get an article in each month but here again I run out of things to write about that I haven’t done before. Of course a lot of the people that read the RP Times haven’t seen my articles in the past so I can cheat a little. So hang on and don’t let go. *Relativity* Holy molly! Search for a healthy and happy life and we sometimes miss what is really happening around us. I usually try to write my stories so it might bring a chuckle to my readers as I have had an interesting life full of mishaps. However, when I get writers block I ask my friends for ideas. This time I got a little education. I hope you

find it interesting. Have you heard of Negative Ions? Floating around in our presence, you can’t hear or see them but they are there. Ions are molecules that have means that some things are relative to others. In our gained or lost an electrical charge. They are created in nature and are broken apart by sunlight, moving air or water. You may have experienced the power of them when you set foot on the beach, stood on a creek or river bank. While it is pleasant just to be there listening to the sounds there are ions at work. The pounding of the surf, the roar of a waterfall, create negative ions which cause a lightened mood. You just feel better. It takes your mind off the everyday riggers of life. It has been said to relieve depression as much as antidepressant drugs. Standing there you feel more relaxed and your imagination soars. Watching the dolphins, whales, or throwing toys into the water for your dog to retrieve just makes us feel better. The best part is no side effects. The call of the beach is catching. Bring someone down to Mexico and you will witness this as they can’t wait to come back again. Pretty soon they have an RV or a condo. Get a glass of wine or a Tecate beer and a chair and you will be hooked. Don’t forget your cooler and sunscreen because who can have only one and you don’t want to get sunburned. Hope you enjoyed this educational article. Next time I will try to be a little less on the serious side. Good fishing, swimming, and Negative Ion hunting.

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

GENERALINFORMATION 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 Catholic Mass offered every Sunday at 8 a.m. at San Jose’ Church in La Cholla/Cholla Bay. Everyone is welcome.

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. 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 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 vehicles 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 entrace 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.

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.

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 as do these wedding specilaists:

Si I Do! - (011-52-638) 383-0700 www.siido.com

Wedding Music by Pablo 602) 288-8687 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.

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 operatorCall 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 044 + 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 045 + 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.

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

Area Beaches! Puerto Peñasco’s main attraction is undoubtedly its beaches, the horizontal strip where the sea merges with the rocky and sandy shores. In addition to the coastline for those staying at beachfront hotels and condo complexes along Sandy Beach, there are various spots in Puerto Peñasco where one can enjoy a warm corner of the Sea of Cortez.

Playa Hermosa One of the most popular beaches is “Playa Hermosa,” which extends from in front of area hotels and toward the condo complexes of Sandy Beach. This stretch of beach traditionally receives the greatest number of tourists, given there are no marked drop-offs or pronounced rocks. To facilitate access to Playa Hermosa, steps have been built at the spot known as “Los Palacios” next to the first condominium complex of the hotel zone, as well as at the area referred to as “Los Guardados,” the two principal access points. Another entry is along a walkway located between Hotel Peñasco del Sol and Gamma seafood restaurant. Sun shade rental is available along Playa Hermosa.

El Mirador The area of the Mirador is another coastline offering various access points to the beach. The Mirador also offers a number of hotels and smaller condo complexes, along with RV parks restaurants, cantinas, and mini markets, for visitors.

Dozens of families make their way to this rockier shore to enjoy the sea. Here the drop-offs can be more pronounced during low tides and swimming is recommended only when the water is calm. Beach access spots are located along the Mirador and primarily toward the end of the Mirador intersecting with Ave. Sinaloa.

La Cholla The area known as La Cholla, primarily consisting of U.S. residents, offers a coast frequented by both Mexicans and people from the U.S. given its much calmer waters. Although Cholla Bay is about 6 miles from the urban spread of Puerto Peñasco, a visit to the warm beach stretching from Pelican Point to the boat launch is well worth it. Hidden between the beach homes on the west side of Cholla Bay, one can also make their way down to the rocky landscape of Tucson Beach where families of sea lions often make their ways onto the rocks to relax. The area has local restaurants and markets.

Mi Playa Dirt roads from off one of the city’s main boulevard lead directly to Mi Playa. This area offers parking and a number of palapas for a fun family afternoon. However, it is recommended children not swim in this spot given stronger currents that can occur in this area. To get to Mi Playa, take the dirt road off Blvd. Fremont and follow the signs. Entrance and exit routes are separate leading in and out of Mi Playa.

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

Sonoran Resorts 8th Annual Food Drive Begins Now

s hard as it is to believe, the holiday season is upon us once again, and that means that it's time

for our annual Food Drive. This will be

items in any of our sales office. Our offices at the Sonoran Spa, Sonoran Sea, Sonoran Sun, and Sonoran Sky are open every day from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. Please stop by to drop off a donation if you're in town. Warm jackets and blankets are needed too, and we will gladly accept those as well. We are getting an earlier start this year in hopes of catching more people in town to donate. While we haven't kept track of exactly how much has been donated in years past, there have been several full pickup loads that have been delivered to various charity

the 8th year that the Sonoran Resorts

organizations over the years. With your

team has orchestrated a food drive to

help, hopefully we will surpass our

assist those in need. Once again, we will

donations this year. Thanks in advance

be accepting all non-perishable food

to all who participate.

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

CLUBSANDORGANIZATIONS 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 A group dedicated to helping the stray animals by providing no-cost spay and neuter clinics, adoption, dog and cat food, medicine and medical care. The center is run solely on donations and is an Arizona 501(c)3 non-profit corporation so all of your donations are taxdeductible. The center is always in desperate need of dog, cat, kitten and puppy food, animal toys, bedding, cleaning supplies, old towels and blankets as well as medicine and monetary donations to pay vet bills, purchase animal food and medicine. Please drop off food/supplies directly to the center.

ADOPT-A-CLASSROOM

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

AL ANON See us on Facebook: Rocky Point Alanon Same location as our AA Meetings (See below AA announcement) Schedule; Thursdays 11am. Contact: Marcia: marsupis@gmail.com

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Welcome Open AA Meetings at South Of The Border Passport Club Location: Directly Across from: Granada del Mar Hotel South Sinaloa Blvd. Where the road ends and the sea begins At the office of: Oc3an View Ministries Schedule:M-W-F 10:00am Sat. 5:30 pm Contact: Conrado: MX cell 638-109-8017 Marcia: marsupis@gmail.com

AMERICAN LEGION POST MX 15 141 Chihuahua & Matamoros (Calle #1) Across from Pink Cadillac Open daily and the Public Always Welcome 2017 OFFICERS: Commander: Mike LaBarge Vice Commander: Jerry Clackler 2nd Vice Commander: Mike Williams Adjutant: Gary May General Meetings 1st Wednesday 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: Tuesday, 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 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.

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: Rommel Bustamante Vice President: Glen Martinez Secretary VP Communications: Robin Miller Treasurer: Kris Nichols Legal: Ricardo Borquez VP Education: Joseph Toland VP Events: Ellie Balderrama VP Ethics: Gretchen Ellinger For Inquiries, please contact: Luisa Federico, AMPI Administrator email: luisa.ampi51@gmail.com AMPI Phone: 638-382-0439

ANTI-GRAFFITI CAMPAIGN Founder: Eloy Gonzalez: 044-638-112-0898 eloy_glez_glez@hotmail.com Group dedicated to wiping out the unsightly graffiti in Puerto Peñasco. Donations of paint, brushes, rollers, and your time are always welcome and needed.

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 (044-638) 384-0113 or from the US (602) 324-7241.

BOOK & EXCHANGE Rocky Point Times Office Ave. Pino Suarez (off Calle 13) Phone: 383-6325: Mon.-Wed. 9am-5pm www.rptimes.com Free Book, VHS and DVD exchange for all Rocky Point residents and visitors.

BUNCO BABES

Beverly Luna (505) 565-5138 or MX (638) 388-7766 Crystal Renner MX CELL (044-638) 384-6743 or (520) 505-6880 The Ladies Bunco is on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 3:30 P.M. at Guiseppi's Rest. The Mixed (Men and Ladies) Bunco is on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:45 P.m. at Latitude 31 Rest.

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: Santiago Ruiz Hurtado 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.

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.

CEDO CON’T

COORDINACION DE SALUD MUN.

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!

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

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 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 and can aid in the transportation of critical victims. 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 Vice-President: Helen Dahlstrom Secretary: Billie Crumbley: 382-5133 Treasurer: Enedina Otañez: 382-5142 Membership: Helen Dahlstrom BOARD MEMBERS Sal Otatanez, Rhea Dugan, Pat Goodin, Ken Goodin, Chuck Blair, Marlene Blair Connie Horton, Kelley Adams, Dave Adams, Theresa Orcutt

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.

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 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: 044-638-102-0514 Call for directions Shelter providing housing, food and care for those addicted to drugs and alcohol.

CONNECTION CLUB Meet every Thursday at 4pm at Puesta Del Sol Restaurant at Playa Bonita Resort. Want to meet folks in Puerto Peñasco? Come to The Connection, a happy hour gathering where you can meet a great group of people. Married? Single? Full-time or part-time resident? Mexican, American, other nationality, young, mature? It doesn’t matter. Everyone is welcome.

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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CLUBSANDORGANIZATIONS FUNERAL HOMES Funeraria Renacimiento 383-1233 Funeraria Santa Cecilia 383-2522

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.

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

LAS CONCHAS HOMEOWNERS ASSOC.

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

Founder: Steve Schwab Established 2003 520-232-2241 7655 E Redfield Rd. Suite 3 Scottsdale, AZ, 85260 www.mexicochildrensfoundation.org Email: info@mexicochildrensfoundation.org 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 general 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.

MISSION VILLA GRANADA 2 blocks east of Lucas Chicken, in the former Villa Granada Hotel. We provide lodging and meals for Missionaries who work on improving/building churches out in the San Rafael Community and other assorted projects. GM Pastor Edgar Cabrera (638) 383-1394. Main Office for (480) 503-8832. Maggie, is bilingual. Volunteers for maintenance/cleaning needed, as well as rice, beans, building supplies/ materials, tools, children art/crafts supplies, canned foods, Spanish bibles, and prayer. Weekend Missions, A.C.-Mexican Non-Profit. Weekend Missions, Inc. USA 501c3.

NUEVA CREACION Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Center Sub Directors: Gregorio Soto Rodriguez and Guadalupe de Soto Phone: 044-638-105-9804 Calle Juan Aldama No. 527 Go to the new cemetary, turn right, go one block and turn left and 6 blocks ahead you will see the center.

OC3AN VIEW MINISTRY

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

LIONS CLUB Phone: 383-2488 Ave. Niños Heroes and Juan Aldama President: Ramón Ramos Rodríguez Women’s Committee President Lupita de Ramos 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.

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 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.

PEÑASCO SINGLES (PS) 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 Dick 638-1050615 (local cell) or 602-321-8106 (U.S. cell works locally) or just show up at the Tuesday happy hour and introduce yourself.

PINACATE BIOSPHERE RESERVE

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. 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

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 Professional Business Women’s Club Meetings each Tuesday 8PM Phone: 383-2052 Monday - Friday 9AM - 1PM Constitucion and Serdán esq. # 1 www.bpwpuertopenasco.com This association of professional business women meets once a week and helps young women who are finishing school - high school or college and who have economic needs.

PUERTO PEÑASCO SCOUTING PROJECT Contact: Barbara Olszewski rpbarbo@gmail.com (602) 324-9529 / (638) 114-2406 Marsha Hansen marshansenaz@gmail.com (520) 234-2577 Haley Villalobos haleyvillalobos@gmail.com (638) 104-1515

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.

SANTIAGO RUIZ SALCIDO ASSOCIATION This group offers help to people in their terminal cancer phase. It is comprised of a group of people who offer care to cancer patients who suffer from a terminal illness, when the time comes that the hospital can do nothing further. The patients are given support to help them have a better quality of life by receiving love, respect, and understanding in their final hours. Contact: awyspot@hotmail.com Santiago Ruiz Salcido Rocky Point cellular (044-638) 384-6166 The groups’ basic needs are adult diapers, Ensure shakes, medicines, hospital beds etc.

2 FISH MINISTERIOS Founder: Pastor Stan Tedrow Peñasco Christian Fellowship Melchor Ocampo & Tecla Bustamante Donations accepted and welcomed at the Felowship Monday Friday 8AM - 2PM All gifts are taxdeductible Checks payable to: Mission Heartbeat PO Box 1032, Lukeville, AZ 85341 This rapidly growing organization was created after seeing the desperate need families were faced with when the U.S. economy declined, heavily impacting Mexico, and the peso dropped dramatically. As a result, jobs vanished, more people became homeless and could no longer afford to feed their families. Pastor Stan Tedrow shared his burden to feed the hungry with his congregation, and two feeding sites were born on February 24, 2009 with more being added since then. Currently, citizens can receive a hot meal at Fountain of Life Mission in Colonia San Rafael and at Arizona Taco Place on Constitucion and at Aquiles Serdan across from Hotel Paraiso del Desierto on Constitucion.

TOURISM BUREAU (OCV)

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.

ROTARY CLUB PUERTO PEÑASCO MAR DE CORTÉS

Meet on Wednesdays at 8:00AM in Don Julio’s restaurant at the Old Port (Malecón).

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.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Ginger Phillips: (972) 742-3740 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.

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 Lic. Ana Laura Saens: 383-7025 Rafael Gonzales V.: 388-0444

WOMEN’S SHELTER

Centro de Rehabilitación para Mujeres La Esperanza A.C. “Recovery starts with HOPE” Director: Ana Krausse (638) 102 – 0869 Cel (638) 103-3712 Email: laesperanzampp@outlook.com Capacity to house 16 women of different ages, the center helps them change their lives and reincorporate themselves into society once again. The center is open to every woman in need. Daily needs; food, clothing, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and monetary donations to pay for utilities. The women at the center support themselves and family with hand crafts available for sale at the center. How to get there: From Blvd. Samuel Ocaña, turn north at sign on Pto. Ensenada. Go 10 blocks and then 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.

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

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The Season of Giving

By Stephanie Wood

he holiday season is upon us once again. This year seemed to go by especially fast. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year is a time to enjoy traditions, family and friends, and yes, a time of gift giving. Most of us have so much, too much really, of everything. Although I love the holidays, the merriment and good cheer, the excitement from children and adults alike; I break out into a cold sweat at the idea of finding room for new toys and new clothes for my kids. We just don’t have any more room for stuff. Plus we’re trying to downsize for our big move in 2020. Alas, you cannot tell that to grandparents or an aunts and uncles who get such joy out of giving; nor can you deny them the pleasure of seeing a child’s face light up at opening those Christmas presents. What we’re doing instead is donating the (relatively) old things we don’t use to those in need. There’s a great need in Rocky Point for items you don’t use anymore. Whatever isn’t needed can be sold or traded for something else. If you haven’t been to RP in November thru February, it’s cold! Everyone needs blankets, sweaters, socks, and shoes to keep warm. Before the arrival of Christmas presents, take a few hours to go through your closets, your drawers, your garage (you know you have stuff out there) and pack it up to bring down

on your next trip. I’ve got my five year old on board with cleaning out toys she doesn’t play with to make room for new presents. She understands there are kids without toys or warm clothes and she’s excited to be helping them. We’re going to take everything to the Rocky Point Times office to be distributed to charitable organizations. If you have unused school supplies, furniture, old electronics and TV’s, remember that someone else probably needs it. There are children’s organizations, homes for the elderly, and animal shelters that rely solely on donations. So even if you don’t have extra cash to give during this time of year, you can still make a difference. Also in lieu of cash, the children’s and elderly homes need cleaning supplies, soap, toiletries, diapers, non-perishable food, rice, beans, bread, etc. If you’re buying toilet paper, paper towels, bleach, etc. in bulk, bring some of it down to donate. The dollar store has lots of name brand toiletries like soap, deodorant, toothpaste and tooth brushes. I have heard it’s best to bring down donations in suitcases, rather than bags or boxes, which can raise some issues at the border. We’ll pack our items in suitcases and bring industrial trash bags or deconstructed boxes for distribution. Wishing you a Feliz Navidad y Feliz Año Nuevo!

Stephanie Wood Assistant to Realtor Kyle J. Wood. Rocky Point, Mexico, US 602-909-7800 www.RockyPointKyle.com, www.PuertoPenascoJoe.com. RockyPointSteph@Gmail.com.

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The End of One Oppression and The Beginning of Another

By Rosarie Salerno

ears before the official abolishment of the Repartimiento in 1720 CE, this economic system was on its way out. Repartimiento was dependent upon the available Indio population of forced labor by the Spanish. Many natives were either killed off or died from European disease of one sort or another; villages shrank and disappeared. Most of the estates were lacking the labor force to work the fields; some were bankrupt due to mismanagement or the death of the land holders without heirs, leaving idle vacant land in Mexico. These vacant lands reverted back to the Royal Crown of Spain. The King was in need of capital and began selling the land even though he feared losing control of the territory. The American-born Spaniards, known as the Carrillo, had made large sums of money from the Encomienda and Repartimiento systems and was anxious to invest in the newly abandoned lands. Some of the land was declared vacant, with or without knowledge by the Crown, regardless if it was still inhabited with small communities of the native people or not. Villages were simply engulfed within the land purchased and became incorporated into the new system of the Hacienda. Haciendas were one of the methods used by Spain to colonize the Americas. The Hacienda’s organization was similar to the complicated feudal system that was a way of life in Medieval Europe. The primary function of these Haciendas was for the purpose of creating industrialized centers besides adding to the wealth, power and prestige of the owner. Various products were produced from farming, ranching, lumber mills, rope making, mining, the cultivation of sugar cane, the growing and the fermentation of agave for the drink Pulque and Pulque’s distillation to make Tequila.

The Mexican laborers were bound totally to the Hacienda for basic sustenance, some medical benefits and an insignificant wage. They were always in debt to the Haciendados. It was very common for the laborers to receive advances of their wages and was completely unable to ever pay back the money they owed. Debt was also inherited by the family upon the death of the borrower, which kept the people tied to the Hacienda indefinitely. Worse, was an Indio expelled from the Hacienda, as there was no place for him to survive outside of this economic system. Since the Indio was prohibited from all professional trades, there was no source of livelihood other than the Hacienda. The Haciendas provided housing for the laborers and their families, a school for the children, a church, a jail, a cemetery, and the processing plant or factory. Some Haciendas were so large they had their own railway station and were more like towns. They also served as inns for travelers and became important economic and social centers. Huge fortunes were made from the labor of the Mexican peasant. The Church, who had at first looked after the wellbeing of the natives, now used them to increase their own wealth. The Indios were forced to pay tithes of 10% of their income or from the fruits of their labor in the form of crops and domestic animals. The Church was allowed to keep 8/9ths of the tribute, 1/9th went to the Crown. The missionaries built over four hundred convents by 1630. Many convents served no social or economic purpose. It was common for the clergy to become lazy and self indulgent. They also charged exorbitant fees for performing marriages, burial rites and baptisms. The Indios were always subservient and submissive; head bowed with hat in hand. The Hacienda system lasted until the Mexican Revolution of 1910 – 1917.

For all your Real Estate needs, Bank Trusts and FM3s please contact me.

Rosarie Salerno Consulting, Puerto Peñasco

rosariesalerno@hotmail.com cell (044 638) 384-7145, (638) 383-8417 or (520) 777-0018

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BARB’S DOG RESCUE NEWSLETTER Miracles Happen All Year Long By Bo & Linda Bernard

CHRISTMAS MIRACLES

This month’s article is about Miracles. Not the Biblical parting of the Red Sea kind, but ones that, none-the-less, seem significant. What is a miracle anyway? Must it be a grand, sweeping event, or can it be the simple magic found in the world around us? If you accept the latter, and you find yourself an unapologetic dog lover, then continue reading. This column is about the miracles that take place at Barb’s Dog Rescue throughout the year.

A HAPPY ENDING FOR WINNIE

Last month we featured a dog who had been part of Barb’s community for a very long time. Her name is Winnie. We implored all our readers to consider adopting her. A few days before the November issue was even available, Barb received a call from a person who had visited the rescue several years ago. The caller said, “I told you I would love to adopt Winnie but couldn’t because I had an older dog who was set in his ways. Unfortunately, my dog recently passed away. The good news is I am coming to get Winnie. I couldn’t forget about her.” For Winnie, finally having a home of her own seems to be a miracle.

happened to cross Kitty’s path while walking the grounds at Bella Sirena? We certainly think so. Mya became our next visitor just a few days after Kitty was adopted. Like all of Barb’s puppies, she had received all her shots, had been spayed, and was ready for her forever home. Full of fun and affection, Mya was a delight to behold. Her long legs and “impressive” feet suggested she had a lot of growing left to do. Was it serendipitous that again the perfect owners just happened to cross paths with the perfect pup? Maybe it was…or maybe it was a miracle. After all, especially at this time of year, aren’t miracles around us everywhere? Miracles really do happen at Barb’s. And they happen because of people like you. Thank you to all who have adopted, all who have volunteered, all who donated, and to our generous sponsors. Happy Holidays and best wishes for health and happiness in the coming New Year!

THE MIRACLE OF CROSSED PATHS

Barb called her Kitty. Small at birth and an adorable tabby-cat color, she looked more like a newborn kitten than a dog. She miraculously survived when many of her litter mates did not. She loved people and never failed to entice a visitor to come close and spend some time with her. Instantly hooked, we took Kitty home so she could learn to walk on a leash and begin housetraining. Was it a miracle that the Arizona visitor to Puerto Peñasco just 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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CLASSIFIEDADS PUERTO PEÑASCO ‘ROCKIES’

ANNOUNCEMENTS BILINGUAL

SERVICES

SUNDAY 10AM with Peñasco Christian Fellowship. Bilingual services also offered Wednesday at 7PM. Located ½ block E. of the Melchor Ocampo & Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez intersection. North from Las Conchas Pemex, ½ blk E. at 3rd stop sign past railroad tracks. For more info. call Stan or Becky at 383-4513. (#1-24) JEHOVAH’S KINGDOM Ministry

School

Thursday &

Service

Meeting 7pm. Sunday Public Discourse 9:30am. Located on the (baseball) stadium road, on the left, just before the big blvd. Call 382-0049 or 383-3885. (#a1a) GRUPO UNIDAD CRISTIANOS DE PEÑASCO Pastor Ernesto Portugal. Headphones available for English translation. Sunday service

10:30AM,

Thursday

Service

7:30PM,

Children’s

school same hours. Church office open Monday through Friday 9:30AM to 2PM. Located on Simon Morua. Call for info. (01152-638) 383-2240. (#1-ch) ADOPT-A-CLASSROOM

–

Charity organization operated for 9 years now by Barb and Mark Olszewski, helping 9 schools and over 2,500 students. If anyone would like to help us with donations of spiral notebooks, pencils, crayons, erasers, rulers, etc...it will really be appreciated. You may use the offices of the Rocky Point Times Newspaper for a drop-off-point (off Calle 13map in paper), or get information at www.rockypointclassroom.com (#1-AAC)

sponsors!! Visitors are welcome to come watch us practice each Sunday 3-6PM at the Municipal Gymnasium on the main Blvd. at the north end of town. WE NEED DONATIONS to purchase sport wheelchairs for basketball. We ALSO NEED basketballs and uniforms!! Call Mark (602) 324-9529 or in Rocky Point (011-52-638) 383-4963. Email markbarb@prodigy.net.mx (#1WC)

WITNESSES HALL

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL – Needs team boosters and

BARB’S

DOG

RESCUE

–

located 8 miles north of Rocky Point on the highway to Sonoyta, signs on both sides of highway. Also donation drop off point at Twin Dolphins Real Estate on Blvd Fremont, next to Cruz Roja (Red Cross). barbsdogrescue@ gmail.com. Mexico (011-521-638) 114-1659 or (044-638) 384-0113. From the US dial (602) 324-7241. (#1-dg) AMERICAN LEGION MX-15 OF ROCKY POINT – is located in the Mirador Beach area, just down from Manny’s Beach Club, up the hill behind Pink Cadillac, downstairs at Los Juanes Restaurant. We serve Breakfast from 8am-11am and Lunch 11am - 2pm and Dinner Specials. post15mx@mail.com (#1-AL) SAN JOSE MISSION CHURCH – Bilingual Catholic Mass offered every Sunday at 8 a.m. at San Jose’ Church in La Cholla/Cholla Bay. Everyone is welcome.(#1SJ) ANIMAL ADOPTION CENTER OF ROCKY POINT – (A 501© tax exempt corporation) wwwrpaac. org. Center located north of Benito Juarez on Calle 15 (Leon de la Barra) 3 blocks left corner. Also donation drop point at Rocky Point Times Offices (011-52-638) 383-1012, Phoenix (602) 4123932, Tucson (520) 407-6594, nancy_phelan@yahoo.com. AACORP P.O. Box 1031, Lukeville, AZ 85341. (#1-AAC)

BEAUTY SALONS GLORIAS BEAUTY SALON SINCE 1969! We do it all and we carry a full line of beauty supplies. Gloria’s Beauty Shop is located on Constitucion, just before Super Ley Market. Phone locally at 383-5075 or from the U.S. (011-52-638) 383-5075 for an appointment, ask for Gloria. English Spoken. (#25-13) PBC - PEÑASCO BEAUTY CENTER - IN Rocky Point Full line AVON Beauty Supplies. Hair, Nails, Facials, Massage, Manicures and Pedicures (638) 383-1086. English Spoken. On Constitucion, across from Super Ley (#25-1)

BILL PAYING SERVICE WHILE YOU’RE AWAY I’LL PAY YOUR electric, water, phone, bills, etc. Since 1993 I’ve been working with Immigration services. English/Spanish spoken. References available. Call Silvia Villa at Premium Services, locally at 383-5758, or from the U.S. dial (602) 4761187, or email me at sivife@ hotmail.com. (#30-2) BILL PAYING – Maintenance and cleaning. FM3 Services. Proservices Rocky Point. Fremont Plaza #15. Mon. thru Fri. 8:30-4:30, Sat. 8:30-1:30. (638) 383-6161. English/Spanish Cel (044-638) 113-0446. astrid. avila@live.com.mx (PS-1) COFFEE AND COFFEE HOUSES MAX’S CAFÉ: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, Dinner, Pizza, Full Espresso and Liquor Bar. Free Wireless Internet & Phone to the U.S. Located in front of Hotel Peñasco del Sol. Live Music Thur-Sun 8PM-11PM 383-1011. (#56-5) BEST COFFEE IN TOWN – XOCHITLS CAFE (Sally’s place) in Cholla Bay. Not to mention awesome food! Breakfast 6AM2PM! You can’t beat her chiles rellenos and spinach omelet. Call to order ahead 382-5283. (#5610)

DENTAL SERVICES WANT A DENTIST WHO USES THE latest in technology and equipment when getting your teeth cared for? Ernesto Grijalva, D.D.S. comes highly recommended by all of his patients – ask anyone of them! Stop by his office located on Blvd. Fremont, just south of the fire dept. or call for an appointment (011-52-638) 383-3434. (#64-3) FM3 SERVICES SERVICES FOR AMERICANS – Permanent and Temporary Residence, Tax ID Numbers (Hacienda Registration), accounting services, bill paying and more. Office location: Sun Valley Business and Immigration Service, Blvd. Benito Juarez No. 191 Between Nicolas Bravo & Simon Morua. Call local at 3838891, from the U.S. dial (520) 829-4340 or email Bianeysvisa@ aol.com or Dynorasvisa@aol. com. English spoken. (#79-9) FM2/FM3/RFC/HACIENDA/ IMSS – If you don’t speak Spanish, or just want someone to help guide you through the process, call Silvia Villa at Premium Services at 383-5758, or from the U.S. dial (602) 4761187 or sivife@hotmail.com. Translations from English to Spanish or Spanish to English also available – any document you need translated. Call Silvia whenever you need help with anything from bill paying to ordering flowers! (#79-1) BILL PAYING – Maintenance and cleaning. FM3 Services. Proservices Rocky Point. Fremont Plaza #15. Mon. thru Fri. 8:30-4:30, Sat. 8:30-1:30. (638) 383-6161. English/Spanish Cel (044-638) 113-0446. astrid. avila@live.com.mx (PS-1) FOR SALE FOR SALE IN PARADISE – (Rocky Point) – FOR SALE IN PARADISE - (Rocky Point) - 2 bedroom/2 full baths, fireplace, den, living room, big kitchen, attached garage, storage shed, big corner lot, landscaped, swimming pool, lots of parking, entire property 6 ft. block fence. American owned with Good paperwork. Call for showing. Esther, AZ cell in Rocky Point (602) 324-9558. (#ES-2)

FURNITURE DELIVERY MOVING FROM THE STATES to all of Mexico. Since 1987. Our price includes no surprise fees from pickups to setups. No middle man, door to door service. Email geoff@bordermovers.com or phone (480) 232-3518. (#90-9) HOUSES & CONDOS FOR RENT LONG TERM & NIGHTLY RENTALS, Las Conchas, Mirador, In Town, Sandy Beach Homes and Condos. Starting at $150.00 USD per month. Twin Dolphins (011-52638) 383-3919, (602) 324-7241 (#100-4) FURNISHED 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT – located near the beach inside a secure new R.V. Park. WiFi, pool, palapa, BBQ’s, and dog park included. Call (011-52-638) 388-5094. (#5-17) HOUSES & CONDOS FOR SALE AJO HOUSE – 3bd, 2ba. Backyard faces County Park, mountain views. Has a/c full house backup generator. Bottom of “U” street, nice neighborhood in Ajo, AZ. (520) 387-5474. (#102-m) INSURANCE SERVICES INSURANCE AND BONDING AGENCY – REAL ESTATE Mexican & American Insurance: Auto, boat, life, house, commercial. Yolanda Silva, Agent. Ave Nayarit #62. Call 383-6280. (#107-1) JEWELERS JOYERIA MAX – MAX’S JEWELRY - Custom design, repairs, diamonds and gemstones. Special orders are our specialty. Open 11AM – 9PM Monday through Saturdays. Shop located on the north side of No Reeleccion (Calle 26), just east of RR tracks. Lamek_ fu@hotmail.com. Call Max (011-52638) 388-5512 and 383-2698. (#110-2) MUSEUMS THE (FRIDAY) SEASHELL MUSEUM – Small Private collection. Free admission. Open Fridays 10 am to 5 pm. Map at: www.seashellmuseum.com. (#NB-1)

PEST CONTROL PREDADOR - TERMITES, cockroaches, mosquitoes, flies, bees, fire ants, fleas, scorpions, spiders, rats, ants, mice. We have our Federal License. English spoken. Call Juan Mendivil, owner at 383-8787. 24hr emergency phone dial (044 - 638) 113-0691. (#126-1) REAL ESTATE SERVICES TWIN DOLPHINS – Blvd. Fremont, next to Red Cross. Mexico (638) 383-3919 US (602) 324-7241. (#140-1) ROCKY POINT REALTY GROUP – Jonni Francis at Paseo Las Glorias, across from Peñasco del Sol. Mexico (638) 382-5355 US (602) 334-4134. (#140-2) SERVICES SATELLITE TV – Sales, service & installation. Residential & Commercial (638) 103-5317 Mex Cel. (602) 635-2246 Vonage. (#157-2) BRENDA LEE DESIGN – Customized Interiors, window treatments. Cel (602) 909-9146. www.brendaleedesign.com. (#157-5) SHUTTLE SERVICE HEAD OUT TO ROCKY POINT – door to door shuttle service from Phoenix to Rocky Point. Group and one-way rates available. Wanna Go? Let Us Know! Phone in the U.S. (602) 971-0166. www. headouttorockypoint.com. No waiting in border lines when you ride with us! (#158-3) WANTED PART TIME JOB OPPORTUNITY – for a bilingual experience construction project coordinator, with supervision skills, starting Friday around noon and Saturday till about 2 pm, includes meals, in town gas allowance, and lodging if needed. Earn from $50 to $200 dollars per week. Christian a plus. Hotel Mission Villa Granada, Vincent (602) 696-3288. (#VA-1)

CLASSIFIED AD PRICES 25 WORDS FOR $15 WORDS AFTER 25 ARE 20¢ PER WORD

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Gift Shopping in Paradise

By Gretchen Corpe Ellinger

or a number of years after moving to Rocky Point, I stocked my larder with shopping trips to the USA. Before moving here, as a regular visitor, I packed a cooler, or several, full of food to be consumed while on vacation in Rocky Point. Then I learned about the carnecerías, fruiterías, and panederías, not to mention the many great restaurants in Rocky Point goodbye, coolers and ice! After moving here, I still drove north to purchase household items such as paper products in large quantities, but slowly those items became locally available, and now I rarely shop when I go north. The exception is my annual Christmas shopping trip - an exhausting ordeal I came to dread. After a 225-mile drive, braving the crowds, trudging from store to store, then bringing everything I purchased 225 miles home for wrapping, then driving back to the border for mailing - WHAT was I thinking? One recent year I came to my senses with a flash of brilliance. "Wait! Why not shop here in Paradise? There is still time to go north if gift shopping in Paradise is a bust, and who knows what I might find?" Motivation was high; one trip to the post office at the border to get everything mailed - the time and miles I would save would be huge. Once I got into the Christmas shopping frame of mind, the shops in Curios la Choya and in the Old Port overflowed with gifts perfect for my family and friends. Right here in Paradise you can find primitive handmade wooden toys, original artwork, designer clothing, much of it hand-made and hand-embellished for the entire family, incredibly beautiful

jewelry, extraordinary table linens and dining accessories, and on and on and on. I discovered that part of the Christmas shopping frame of mind is to refocus; that is try to picture the things you see in a different setting. Those lovely embroidered blouses and stylish wool capes hanging from the rafters behind ceramic monkeys with shot glasses in their hands would look very different if seen on a mannequin in the display window of Saks Fifth Avenue! Shelf upon shelf of Talavera dishes stacked as high as space allows just does not do justice to the individual pieces; select one lovely fluted dish, isolate it from all the others, and it reveals itself as a hand-painted one-of-akind work of art that is also functional. My eyes opened to the Christmas gift potential of all kinds of things in the shops - who couldn't use an extra blanket? The rich stripes of the traditional serapes that seem to be in every shop will add a splash of color to any decor, or be perfect to keep in the car for emergencies. What about Christmas ornaments? The variety of Christmas ornaments and decorations available in local shops is amazing - there are charming traditional ornaments made of hand-woven straw, sculpted tin stars, beautifully painted ceramic ornaments, hand-blown glass ornaments, even seashells - all priced for giving. I have to mention the nacimientos - absolutely charming nativity scenes - also in every style from primitive to sophisticated, all hand made, some funky and interesting, some absolutely gorgeous. The many gift options here in Paradise will dazzle you! There are so many things in the local shops that would make perfect gifts - there truly is something for each and every one - and every year I find the right gifts for everyone on my list, once I started focusing on individual items. The shopping pace is slow and friendly, and the prices are very attractive. I cannot wait for Christmas - I am so anxious to see if everyone likes his or her gift as much as I enjoyed shopping for them here in Paradise. Merry Christmas to all, where ever you are, and happy shopping!

HOA to the rescue following Sergio

By Cholla Charli

urricane Sergio wreaked havoc in the little community of La Cholla in October, destroying roads, damaging homes and downing utility lines. The winds were relatively mild, but unprecedented rain took a big toll.

Puerto Peñasco averages around three inches of rain a year. Hurricane Rosa which hit on Sept. 28, brought winds and a year's worth of rain, damaging some of the roads, which are mostly dirt. Twelve days later, Sergio dumped around 5 inches in one night, washing away tons of dirt from the roadways.

Major intersections had gullies three to six-foot deep. The road to Tucson Beach was gutted leaving pipes exposed and making access possible only on foot. Pelican Point was completely cut off from the rest of the community. Under the direct supervision of Gustavo Brown of Sandy Beach Resorts, men

and equipment from SBR were able to create a one-lane passage within hours to assure that emergency vehicles had access to the homes there. Although a heavy equipment operator from the city restored the boat launch access roads on Cholla Bay within hours after sunrise, the city was not in a position to repair the extensive damage through the community. SBR continued to make roads passable but complete repair would have to wait. On Oct. 28, the Board of Directors of the Cholla Bay Homeowners Association gathered for its regular scheduled meeting with road repair being the main topic of discussion. SBR had provided the Board with an estimate of how many loads of dirt would be needed, and the cost to deliver, spread and compact the materials for proper road repair. The Board voted unanimously to earmark up to $35,000 from its reserve funds, making it possible for SBR to begin work in earnest. A schedule of road repairs was drawn up and although completion is expected to take several months, the work is under way.

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More to Piñatas than Meets the Eye

By Jim Ringquist

he highlight of many a Mexican festive occasion-a birthday celebration, Christmas party, or posada, is the breaking of the

piñata. For the uninitiated, the piñata is a decorated clay pot or papier-mâché container filled with treats (more about those later) which is strung from a rope and flailed at in turns by party-goers who are blindfolded and armed with a stick. A person at one end of the rope-or sometimes a person at each end-will be able to swing the piñata in an attempt to keep it away from its attacker, and make the game last as long as possible. When the piñata breaks, the contents are scattered on the ground and a rush is made to collect as much booty as possible. At most children's birthday parties and Christmas posadas the order in which the participants get a shot is based on age, from youngest to eldest. This is logical since the bigger the person, the more likely they are to break the piñata, and the idea is to keep it going for a good while. The duration of a "turn" is as long as it takes to sing the piñata song, which goes like this: Dale dale dale, no pierdas el tino, Porque si lo pierdes, pierdes el camino. Ya le diste uno Ya le diste dos Ya le diste tres y tu tiempo se acabó. Which loosely translates as: Hit-it hit-it hit-it, don't lose your aim, Because if you lose it, you will lose your way Now you've hit it once, Now you've hit it twice Now you've hit it three times And your time is up. More thought and decision-making goes into a simple piñata ritual than you might expect. First of all, what should go inside the piñata? Christmas piñatas tend to be healthier than birthday piñatas. They usually contain pieces of sugar cane, tangerines, or little oranges called naranjas piñateras, peanuts, a Mexican fruit called tejocote, limas (a sort of cross between an orange and a lime) and a variety of candy: boiled sweets, chocolate coins, and such. Birthday piñatas tend to have more candy and less fruit. Next, where to stretch the rope on which the piñata will be strung? This often involves at least one person, usually an adult, leaning precariously out of an upstairs window, or hanging-off the side of one of those spiral iron staircases common in Mexico as a way up onto the roof. Finding the right stick to strike the

piñata can be tricky. Years ago, a broom handle used to do nicely, but today most of these are hollow plastic or thin hollow metal tubes, and too light to make any impression on the piñata, especially the more common papier-mâché ones which are quite resistant, as the material is flexible. A baseball bat, on the other hand, is too heavy for the smaller swingers and an unfair advantage to the bigger children or adults. Piñata shops actually sell sticks that are about the right size and weight, which is fine in today's world of readymade. If the stick doesn't break during the ritual, it can be stored ready for the next party. Once the piñata is all set up, and someone finds an adequate scarf or bandanna to use as a blindfold, the fun is ready to begin (the little children are not blindfolded, by the way). If the piñata is one of the spherical ones with paper cones stuck on it, a common strategy frequently used by players is to knock-off one of more of the cones without breaking the piñata. There's a sort of unwritten rule that if you break one of those off, that ends your turn, but you get to keep the cone, which is useful for filling with goodies once the piñata is broken. If the piñata is thematic-Disney characters seem perennially popular-an arm or a leg or any other non-core piece of the piñata could be broken-off and kept for the same purpose. With clay pot piñatas, one good crack can break them open and the contents would spill on the floor. With the more common and most popular papier-mâché variety, often the piñata will split rather than break, and just a few things fall out, prompting some of the children to rushin to grab them while the person with the stick may still be in full-swing: if blindfolded, they might not realize the piñata has been split. This calls for a time-out while the stray pieces of fruit or candy are retrieved. If the split or tear in the piñata is big enough, the person in charge of the rope will usually shake it up and down so that more fall out. Then one of the adults will take it upon him or herself to declare the piñata broken, step into the arena, grab the damaged artifact and shake it until all the contents are emptied onto the ground. This signal is a cue for the scrum, as children rush in armed with their cones and other piñata parts, or at least one of those ubiquitous plastic bags, to fill. After the adrenaline fest, adults with brooms appear to sweep up the remains of tissue paper, papier-mâché, and the odd broken fruit no one claimed; and some redress is made in benefit of the less aggressive of the participants whose share of the loot doesn't come anywhere near to what even the least social-minded might consider fair.

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Our Contributing writers...

Steve Franklin

Steve Franklin is a Cholla Bay resident and has been photographing wildlife and nature for 20 years. He frequently visits the Western States, as well as the Sonoran Desert, to add more art to his collection. His company is “Wild West Images” and he can be found at SFrank962@aol.com. He specializes in custom frames made from Saguaro & 100 year old Barn Wood to add to the beauty of his images.

Gretchen Ellinger

After years of visiting México, and nearly 15 years a full-time resident of Puerto Peñasco, Gretchen thinks moving to Rocky Point from the USA was the best thing she ever did for herself! Gretchen has been a real estate agent in Rocky Point for as long as she has lived here, and has written for the “Rocky Point Times” for much of that time. After living in beach communities for many years, she and her little dog Luna moved to a neighborhood in town, and are so glad they did! Besides fulltime neighbors and all the conveniences, beaches are a quick drive away, and in town there is something new and interesting every day.

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.

Mike Bibb

Contributing writer, Mike Bibb from Safford, Arizona, is a recovering paranoid-schizophrenic with several bipolar disorders. As long as he remains under constant medication, the public is generally not at risk. However, he has been known to lapse into bouts of uncontrollable thirst which can only be sedated with multiple servings of iced Indios, Dox Equis or some similar tonic. There is no picture of him available at this time due to national security reasons should his face be seen in public.

Vince Deadmond

Vince Deadmond, “The Fly Fishing Hardware Guy”, is co-owner of Best Hardware in Apache Junction, AZ. He is an enthusiastic, caffeinated, fly fisher in search of a really good cookie. He has fly fishing stories published on the web, in local newspapers and magazines. His stories tangle family, friends, and fly lines.

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.

Marcia Diane

I’ve had the honor of writing for one of the best publications in the business and with some of the finest colleagues for over a year now, yea RPT! When I was little I promoted circuses and trained animals. Now that was something to write about. When I grew up I just couldn’t stop, writing that is. Though I’ve stolen and trained some horses since then. Can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather live than this astounding Sonoran Desert Sea…lucky, lucky me. Anybody who’s inclined to share their private thoughts, don’t hesitate to join our on-line writing group at m.diane.writeon@gmail.com. We put out our submissions every second Friday of the month. See you all there.

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

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 new home town.

Anita Kaltenbaugh

Originally from Western Pennsylvania, lived and worked in Rocky Point for two years. Waking up and walking the beach everyday was a dream come true. Anita and her husband love to travel and explore new and different places all over the world, but her heart still remains in Puerto Peñasco. Anita Kaltenbaugh is the Mexico travel examiner at examiner.com and author of the book “Travel SecretsInsider guide to planning, affording and taking more vacations” available on Kindle, NOOK and Amazon.com.

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.

events.

Nancy Phelan Since the year 2000, when she retired to Puerto Peñasco, she was appalled by the brutal way animals were treated and abused. Nancy started an animal rescue “Animal Adoption Center of Rocky Point”. Today she works closely with the city of Puerto Peñasco, conducting spay/neuter clinics and adoptions

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 20 years. Cap’n Greg, his wife Sandy, and their silky/pom pup Jezebel live in Green Valley.

Rob Baylor

Rob retired in 2004 after 35 years as a self employed appliance service tech. He served two tours in Viet Nam. He moved to Denver Co in 2004 where he married his wonderful wife,and editor, Nancy. They moved to Rocky Point in 2011, where Rob loves to fish, eat tacos and drink beer on the beach.

Lannette Phipps From the age of 10 Tom and Sandra O’Hare taught me from the bottom up how to publish independent yellow pages in three states while going up against the “big guys” and knocking them down a peg or two. I guess we could fast forward to 1995 when I was working for an all in-house publishing and photography company in Buena Park, CA when my boss (and best friend) and I wanted to start our own freelance graphic design business. We didn’t have the necessary funds to launch properly so I called the folks in Mexico and asked them for a loan. “On one condition,” they said “You have to come to Rocky Point for 6-months and work for The Rocky Point Times Newspaper. You don’t like it then you can go back to California and we will loan you the money”. Here it is, 17 years later and 2 newspapers under my belt (more before 1995) and I’m still here. I never left. When you are a family business you pretty much have to do everything so that’s what we all did.

Mark Paliscak My favorite thing about writing for the Rocky Point Times is to explore everything our cool city has to offer… From deep sea fishing to throwing back a margarita at a local watering hole to just chilling at our beach… I love the new experiences and sharing the stories about the interesting people and places I see. I am also amazed with each passing year the outpouring of support that people from all over give to our family charity to aid the poor living along the railroad tracks here in Rocky Point. The love and generosity is truly amazing! If you have a Peñasco story, please email Marco at mpaliscak@amerifirst.us.

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