Rocky Point Times December 2019 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

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: Ave. Agustin Melgar, Off Of Blvd. Samuel Ocaña Puerto Peñasco, Son. Mexico 83550 Col. Nueva Esperanza 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 66 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.

Editorial by Lannette Phipps

hristmas is right around the corner and it is still warm in Peñasco! We did have a ton of rain this morning, but it is still warm. Keep those swimsuits and shorts handy because I don’t think we’ll be getting into our sweats anytime soon. Paddle boarding and water sports weather all year long! I’m looking forward to some wonderful sunset cruises this month. The Christmas season brings Posadas, shopping and lots of fun around town. (Hopefully you can experience a Posada once in your life – same goes with a Quinceañera and a Mexican wedding.) There are a ton of shops around town where you can find the perfect gift for everyone! And don’t forget about an annual subscription to The Rocky Point Times Newspaper. The only gift that arrives every month!! Christmas is also a very charitable season around town. It is really great to see how many

people and organizations help our local citizens. You are welcome to join in on any of them and/or donate. Lots of organizations and individuals just need your time and if that’s all you can give, then that is fantastic! If you have any questions just hit us up via email, social media, snail mail or phone or check our Facebook Page – lots of charities and events and places to spend your holiday time making others happy. It really does feel great – for the whole family – to put smiles on the faces of people that are less fortunate than you. The Bike Rally this year was another big success and it was nice to see everyone sticking to their plans and coming down to have a good time despite the bad press we have been getting – and are still getting. Not just us, but the entire country. I don’t see the need to keep going over it since you can read all about it on social media and in the news, but I do hope that you all will come down and judge for yourself. Talk to people who have been here for a while and are vested. I’ve lived here full-time since 1995 – my parents came few years before that – and I definitely will not live anywhere

I do not feel safe. With that being said, please feel free to contact The Rocky Point Times if you have any concerns or questions. The last spot of “news is that our new cruise line has condensed their cruise departure dates and moved the inaugural cruise to January. If you booked the first cruise out and haven’t changed your date, be sure to contact CMV. If you’d like more information about the new cruise dates you can visit their website at www. us.cruiseandmaritime.com. I, for one, am very excited to be on the first cruise – a lot of us locals will on the first one - so it should be a blast! I will definitely take lots of photos and write about the experience. I was recently at the Ford Performance Driving School in Tooele, Utah and had some extra time to spend in various cities in Utah, so I took a drive up to Park City, Utah and guess what I found? Casago’s brand new office! What a small world. No doubt you’ve been reading about all of the awards Steve Schwab’s company had been receiving and I’m proud to say…”I knew him when”…He started with SeaSide Reservations here in Rocky Point and has done such an amazing job of turning that company into a highly respectable, ethical and worldwide company. We should all be super proud of him. So, I stopped by their new office to meet the staff and snap some photos. Looks like a beautiful city. CON'T ON PAGE 20

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

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

ADVERTISERINDEX & 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

Advanti Powersports..........................480-343-5252 Ajo Chamber of Commerce.....................520-387-7742 Ajo Plaza..............................................520-387-5044 Ajo Print Shop......................................520-387-6858 Ajo Satellite Sales..............................520-243-9617 Ale Cuevas Microblading........................638-114-7704 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

Baja Autoservices..........................044-638-383-4925 Balboas Rest..................................................383-5155 Barb’s Dog Rescue........................044-638-114-1659 Bonita RV Park...............................................383-1400 Bórquez, Ricardo, Atty............388-6110/520-407-6756 Bravo Realty...................................602-471-2621 Brooks, Dee...................................................383-3919 Bryan’s.....................................................388-5365 Buffalo Rent A Car.............................(638) 388-9999 Burrito Express..............................................383-8460

Candy Cake.........................................638-383-2673 Canvas................................................638-383-1161 Casago............................(602)888 9109/383-1545 Chef Mickey's Place...........................(638) 388-9500 Chef Tony Mena..................................(638) 107-5752 Chochoy Veterinary.......................................383-2338 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 Coffee Point.........................................(638) 388-5771

Del Mar Charters........................................383-2802 Dental Esthetic Design...638-383-2282/(602) 449-9401 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

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

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

N-O

Sonoran Resorts.................................602-476-7511

E Ecofun Rentals.........................................388-9699 Eddie Wharez.....................383-8633/602-324-9328 Ellie Balderrama..........323-308-5688 / 638-380-3625 Encantame Towers........480-445-9200 / 638-688-1010 Esperanza Home Care....................................383-8694

F Family of God Medical Clinics................(638) 383-3480 or...................................................(480) 812-5200 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

G Georgina Ross.......................................638-388-5322 .............................................................(520) 265-3789 Gift Shop & Gallery..............................520-387-6858 Gila Bend Title and Registration Services..928-683-2577 Glorias Beauty Salon.................................383-5075 Gretchen Ellinger...............383-1425/602-317-3881 or................................................044-638-384-0458 Grout Doctor........................................638-380-9293

H 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 Hung Rite Garage Doors.................(928) 237-7894 or.....................................................(638) 382-8506

I-J-K Imagen Oral..................................................388-7953 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 Kilombo.................................................638-388-5339 Kord’s Auto Care...............................520-387-6962 Kyle Wood..............................................480-297-8079

L La Arena 3C.....................................(638) 388-7729 La Argentina Empanadas.......................622-157-1914 La Casa del Capitan Restaurant....................383-5698 La Loteria Restaurant...........................(638) 688-2691 La Siesta Motel................................520-387-6569 Laguna Shores Resort & 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

Nails Center................................................388-0434 Napa Auto (Ajo).................................24 HOUR TOW ....................................(520) 387-4TOW (387-4869) Ocean Blue Spa..................(638) 108-2108 Ext. 2210 Optica Turati................................................383-4645

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 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 Pristine Beaches............................480-495-5207 Pro Services...............383-6161/044-638-113-0446 Puerta Privada......................383-1020/480-445-9200

Q&R 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 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 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

or.......................................................(520) 777-0018 Sanborns Insurance........U.S. Toll Free 800-222-0158 Sandy Beach Massage....................044-638-384-4418 Santiagos Ocean Services...........................388-5318 or.......................................................(602) 324-9558 Satellite Services................................638-103-5317 Satisfied Frog................................638-383-1743 Sea of Cortez Adventures...................(928) 380-8619 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 Silva, Yolanda Insurance...............................383-6280 Sonoran Autoservice.......................602-909-4864 or.......................................................638-382-5423 Sonoran Grill...............................................382-8089 Sonoran Property Inspection Services....(623) 200-8574 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 The New Mexican Restaurant..................638-690-1472 Tommy Thomas Home Inspections..044-638-110-4728 or.........................................................602-748-4134 Tourist Assistance Unit..................................382-8413 Tucson Sonoran Express.......................(520) 954-2556 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 ZaGas.......................................................383-8100 Zuquin Restaurant........................................383-3250

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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 MX: (638) 383-0302 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Casago Blvd. Benito Juarez, next to Little Cesars at the north end of town USA: 602 888 9109 MX: 52 (638) 383-1545 Website www.casago.com Email homesrentals@casago.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 2019 CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST EVENTS! Friday 6th • SADR - Cholla 250, visit www.racesadr.com for more info. • 6PM Fundraising for Children 2019 Hosted by Infusion del Golfo and Laguna Shores Resort, Rocky Point Saturday 7th • SADR - Cholla 250, visit www.racesadr.com for more info. • Mermaids Market - Arts & Crafts, Clothing & Gifts, Food & Drinks. Shrimp Park Plaza 1st & 3rd Saturdays from 10-3pm. • 7PM CBSC Cholla Bay Christmas Light Parade Saturday 14th • 9AM - 1PM ocky Point Toy Drive Saturday 21st • Mermaids Market - Arts & Crafts, Clothing & Gifts, Food & Drinks. Shrimp Park Plaza 1st & 3rd Saturdays from 10-3pm. JANUARY 2020 Tuesday 1st • HAPPY NEW YEAR 2020! Saturday 4 • Mermaids Market - Arts & Crafts, Clothing & Gifts, Food & Drinks. Shrimp Park Plaza 1st & 3rd Saturdays from 10-3pm. th

Friday 17th • Roger Clyne's January Jam! Saturday 18th • Mermaids Market - Arts & Crafts, Clothing & Gifts, Food & Drinks. Shrimp Park Plaza 1st & 3rd Saturdays from 10-3pm. • Roger Clyne's January Jam! Sunday 19th • Roger Clyne's January Jam! Sunday 20th • Martin Luther King Jr. Day

FEBRUARY 2020 Saturday 1st • FishBowl (Super Bowl wkend) tentative. • Mermaids Market - Arts & Crafts, Clothing & Gifts, Food & Drinks. Shrimp Park Plaza 1st & 3rd Saturdays from 10-3pm. Sunday 2nd • Super Bowl Wednesday 5th • Mexico Constitution Day Saturday 8th • Bikes Fight Poverty by 1Mission visit community.1misssion. org Sunday 9th • Bikes Fight Poverty by 1Mission visit community.1misssion. org Friday 14th • Happy Valentine's Day! Saturday 15th • Mermaids Market - Arts & Crafts, Clothing & Gifts, Food & Drinks. Shrimp Park Plaza 1st & 3rd Saturdays from 10-3pm. Monday 17th • President's Day (U.S.) MARCH 2020 Saturday 7th • Mermaids Market - Arts & Crafts, Clothing & Gifts, Food & Drinks. Shrimp Park Plaza 1st & 3rd Saturdays from 10-3pm. Tuesday 17th • St. Patrick's Day Wednesday 18th • Benito Juarez Day (MX) APRIL 2020 Saturday 4th • Season Finale Pirates and Mermaids Extravaganza • Mermaids Market - Arts & Crafts, Clothing & Gifts, Food & Drinks. Shrimp Park Plaza 1st & 3rd Saturdays from 10-3pm.

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). 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. Latitude 31º - Card games and other games. Gringo Bingo at Colin's Cantina from 4pm - 6pm 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. 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

have written a column for In-Fisherman magazine for over 30 years about fishing in Northwest Ontario, and a friend suggested I write one about fishing in the Sea of Cortez. Sure. Why not? Of the thousands of fish I have caught here, a small number are what I consider story worthy. This is one of those. It was deep into summer and unspeakably hot and humid. Taking a breath was like drinking a glass of hot water. The ocean was flat as Nebraska. My brother drove over from Ventura to join in the fun. We ran my center console Trophy 24 miles to Bird Island and another 10 southwest to blue water. We trolled surface lures for dorado. After missing a couple light hits, and releasing the hook from a really ticked off pelican, we decided to try a bit of bottom fishing. The depth finder showed a small reef at 200 feet. It took two pounds of lead to get one pound of rock bass bait down to the seabed. Something eventually took the hook. After a brutal, sweaty and long fight, a bat ray with a five-foot wingspan broke the surface and

immediately took off again. Unlike me, it was not in the least bit tired. I guessed its weight at 130. My brother thought it was closer to 110. Must have been a female, because my research found they grow to six feet and 180 pounds while the males are half that size. We were fairly confident we could gaff the monster and bring it on board, but what then? I had seen a small shark do significant damage while flopping around a boat cockpit, and a critter five times as large was not something I wanted to deal with. So, I cranked the big 10/0 Penn reel for another 10 minutes until the beast with its nasty stinger was as close as I dared, and cut the line. Odds are good it spit the hook a few days later and is still down there terrorizing the denizens of the deep. After such a physically draining yet emotionally invigorating experience, we were running dangerously low on Tecate, so we called it a day. I have read that some serious fishermen target the big rays because they are so incredibly strong and so hard to land. And also, because they taste like chicken, but that's a story for another time.

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

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Puerto Peñasco Showcases Growth as Bike Rally Rolls into Town

By Joseph Sanchez President, Rocky Point Home Builders

olar technology has come along and is now affordable given the high costs of electricity in Mexico. Anybody who lives here full time has probably been victim of outrageously high electric bills that must be paid on-time or they will simply cut off your electricity. Puerto Peñasco welcomed bikers last month from the U.S., Mexico and Canada as the 19th Annual Rocky Point Rally kicked off on November 8th as an estimated twenty-two thousand tourists and eight thousand bikers rumbled into town giving a boost to the local economy filling the streets with a festive atmosphere and the soothing sounds of bike engines for a 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, Casa Hogar, home for the elderly, school for children with special

Safety is a big priority for all tourists and the safety corridor is currently in full operation with the goal of the project is to improve travel safety conditions for the tourists.

needs, Children's and Family Services organizations in Puerto Peñasco and Sonoyta (DIF), the Fire Department, and the local Red Cross. According the Oficina de Convenciones y Visitantes, most motorcyclists come from the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and California, as well as the Mexican States of Sonora, Chihuahua, Baja California and other notable countries such as Indonesia, Sweden and Canada were in attendance. In the nearly twenty years since this Rally has taken place the improvements to our sleepy little fishing village during that time is amazing. For example, just in the last couple years the bikers have witnessed a lot of changes, improvements to our city, services and way of life here in town. Investment Opportunities 2019 continues to be a major year of growth and expansion for Puerto Peñasco than in any other year since 2008. Housing starts are up dramatically over last year which is a good indicator of the strength of the local economy and shows that investment dollars are flowing into the town through the purchasing an existing home, land/lots and/or building new homes. There are many contributing factors that is spurring the growth including a strong U.S. economy, low unemployment and Americans having more disposable income than in years past. These factors together are contributing to the current housing and investment boom that is expected to continue through 2020 and beyond. Whether purchasing a lot for a future home build, purchasing an existing home or condo for a vacation retreat and/or looking into an income property for investment purposes, Puerto Peñasco is ripe with investment opportunities in the real estate market so take the time to explore all Puerto Peñasco has to offer by contacting a local real estate brokerage who will be happy to educate a potential investor. Keep in mind that building a home is not a difficult process and if you work with a reputable company and the construction costs can range from $90-$120 a sq. ft. which is about half the costs of construction in the United States.

Puerto Peñasco welcomed bikers last month from the U.S., Mexico and Canada as the 19th annual Rocky Point Rally kicked on November 8.

Commitment to Safety Safety is a concern for any traveler and the Bike Rally has marked one year since 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 in an effort to protect travelers and promote safety. Safety is a big priority for all tourists and the safety corridor is currently in operation with the goal of the project is to improve travel safety conditions for the tourists which numbered over a million people in 2019. According to The

Arizona Republic, improvements include added security patrols on the route to assists with accidents, vehicle breakdowns and provide a general awareness for travel conditions, new electric signage in English and Spanish that will flash safety messages, alerts, and general information to the traveling public. The Arizona Republic reported that Sonoran officials have been proactively communicating traffic conditions with 511 and az511.gov, which is responsible for monitoring accidents, construction projects, road closures and more. The open lines of communication will only foster continued safety improvements.

2019 continues to be a major year of growth and expansion for Puerto Peñasco than in any other year since 2008.

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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By Anita Kaltenbaugh

WHEN is this happening? t’s hard to believe that the end of a decade is upon us. Yes, next month we will experience a new decade, and enter the Roaring 20’s. Speaking of roaring-- let’s just stay in the moment and enjoy the last month of the teen decade. Let’s concentrate on this month and think of all things December. December reminds me of roaring fires, sweaters, Christmas, holiday lights, hot coco and cookies. Growing up back east, I also know December means shoveling snow, frigid temperatures and icy roads. But now living in Rocky Point, December means that I will be warmer than most places in the United States, Canada, Europe and England. Don’t get me wrong, I love sweaters, roaring fireplaces and holiday lights, but you know what? We don’t have to miss out. Yes, we have places in Rocky Point that offer all of the above minus the snow. You want a roaring fire? Don your sweater, heck even throw a scarf around your neck, and enjoy a little happy hour on the beach at Wrecked at The Reef in front of

the massive warm firepits. Mayan Palace also has a fire pit on the way out to the beach, and guests of Marina Pinacate condos can go sit by the pool and warm up at their beautiful gas fireplace that faces the sea. There are even condo’s on Sandy Beach with indoor fireplaces (Bella Sirena), inside villas and penthouses for rent that have the flame, and multiple beach houses with firepits. Holiday lights? Every condo, hotel, restaurant and lobby usually have lights twinkling and a decorated Christmas Tree. Hot coco? Well, I suggest going to one of my favorite breakfast spots, Kaffehaus and ordering a delicious Café Mocha and apple strudel or one of the many sweet holiday treats they bake. We also have fabulous shopping and gift ideas. Gifts you can make, buy or create at the beach in Peñasco. A few ideas to get you in the holiday mood: 1. Seashell Mirrors or Frames. This gift requires a little beachcombing, and who doesn’t need a stroll on the beach. Grab a bag, bucket or box and make a collection. You can buy frames at the dollar store, Good Will or second-hand places. Super glue is your new best friend. Want to get fancy? Add some glitter or bling. Want to make it masculine? Search for some old netting, rope and maybe a fishing lure to change the look. What makes this gift so special? You took the time to find the shells, you made it with your two hands, and hopefully, you helped the planet by using recycled frames. Slap a special photo in the frame and your gift

is complete. Personalize it even more by inserting a blank piece of card stock and write “Our picture goes here when we visit Rocky Point in 2020”. Book a condo or hotel room and well… I’m going to say it, Priceless. Who wouldn’t want a future beach vacation on their calendar as a holiday gift? 2. Sandcastle Bucket for the kids. An excellent gift for the young at heart. When’s the last time you created a sandcastle? Buy a few buckets, (yes, the dollar store has them). Paint them, decorate them, and glue anything you want to their surface. Remember the shells, glitter, fishing scraps and bottle caps? Add some lightweight scoopers, shovels, funnels, putty knives, Popsicle sticks, straws. Throw in a few shells, a battery string of light to drape around and the kids will be bugging their parents or you to take them to the beach at Christmas. 3. Tic-Tac-Toe towel. A great gift pairing with the sandcastle buckets above. By a large beach towel or terry cloth towel and buy some grosgrain ribbon. (yes, I had to look grosgrain up, never heard the word). Walmart sells it as well as Michaels in a variety of colors. Glue the grosgrain ribbon on the towel in a tic tac toe pattern, and there you have it, hours of enjoyment for the entire family. Buy a little basket and find two different type of seashells (clam and spindle) and get 8 of each. One is x the others o. 4. Mermaid Market- If you are in town on December 7 and December 21, there is

a fabulous arts and crafts market full of gifts located every other weekend in the Shrimp Plaza. Gifts from the beach are hard to beat. Everything from jewelry, clothing, art, books and food. The artists and ware will amaze you, I bet you find something for everyone on your list. 5. Rodeo Drive - stroll through the shops looking for the perfect gift. Look for the sign Mexico Rodeo Drive off Benito Juarez. A gift from the beach is hard to beat. 6. Old Port /Malecon – Spend an afternoon shopping for something made with love by a local. 7. Can’t come into town? Check out Rocky Point Local Shop on Etsy ( go to www. etsy.com/shop/Rockypointlocalshop / Find Rocky Point beach towels, flipflops, hats, hoodies, shirts, cell phone cases and more with free shipping to the states. Rocky Point journals and beach guest books are available on Amazon (Go to amazon.com/author/bookswithsoul). For those who are cruising the Sea of Cortez In January (Latest update is that the December cruises have been delayed to January) there is a Sea of Cortez cruise journal on Amazon. Find a beach from the gift and make all your peeps happy. Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones! Make this last month of the teen decade count! The Roaring 20’s will be here soon! Feliz Navidad!

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

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AMPI Wishes Everyone A Happy Holiday Season! By Gretchen Corpe Ellinger, VP of Education, AMPI Chapter 51 Puerto Peñasco

s the year draws to a close, the members of AMPI - the Puerto Peñasco Chapter of the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals - wish a wonderful holiday season to all our friends, supporters, clients, and to the entire community. If your dream of owning property in Puerto Peñasco/ Rocky Point may come to pass sometime in 2020, now is the time to find a licensed real estate agent who is a member of AMPI. Your agent will be able to help you find properties that are listed in the MLS (multiple listing service), affording you access to every single listed property with every single agent who is a member of the association. AMPI is a sister organization to NAR, the National Association of Realtors in the United States, and the educational and ethical guidelines of the two organizations are very similar. While the State of Sonora requires real estate agents to be licensed, there is no requirement for participation in a professional organization. All members of AMPI subscribe to the AMPI Code of Ethics, and in fact sign an agreement to represent their clients in an ethical manner at all times. While ethical disputes are few, AMPI has a Vice President of Ethics who is available for guidance, and who heads the Honor and Justice Commission, which manages ethical complaints.

The clients of real estate agents who are not AMPI members have no such guarantee of ethical representation. Over the past year our association has grown to over one hundred members, the majority of whom are licensed real estate agents, with the rest being professionals in real estate-related specialties such as engineers, attorneys and appraisers. These professionals have worked hard to improve the practices of real estate, with the safety of our clients' real estate transactions their top priority. Devoted to real estate education, AMPI conducts classes for real estate licensure, and license renewal, under the auspices of the State of Sonora. Ever striving to improve real estate practices on behalf of our clients, AMPI has developed standard forms for real estate transactions. Those forms were developed by realtors who have years of experience in USA and Canada real estate and were vetted by the AMPI Vice President of Legal, a real estate attorney, to assure that they comply with Mexican law. Agents who are not AMPI members do not have access to AMPI-approved formats for their transactions. If buying or selling Puerto Peñasco/Rocky Point real estate is part of your plan for 2020, give yourself a great gift, and establish a relationship with an AMPI member real estate professional. You will know that you are working with an educated, ethical real estate professional, and that just could be the most important step to realizing your real estate goals for 2020.

International Coastal Cleanup Day 2019 Success!

ith the participation of 843 volunteers, including children and adults, and collection of over of 1.5 tons of trash, International Cleanup Day 2019 was carried out on beaches throughout our resort town. Mayor Kiko Munro was there to lend a hand and to remind everyone that the main objective of the day was, not only to pick up trash and debris from the beaches, but also to raise awareness about the importance of keeping the coastlines clean and in good condition in order to support the marine ecosystem and allow sustainable tourism practices. "We have the only Certified Clean Beach in Sonora and the largest one in Mexico," said the Rocky Point Mayor. "We must set a good example and act responsibly in the care of the ecosystem by both government and society, if we want to be

considered as the Aquarium of the World" In support and cooperation of the special day, agencies that make up the municipal government, Local Committee for Clean Beaches, Intercultural Center for Deserts and Oceans (CEDO), Rotary Club Puerto Peñasco, Inter-Community Group of the Corredor Puerto Peñasco-Puerto Lobos, Cívicos Peñasco, Music Union, Union of Street Vendors, Sports Pentathlon, as well as several educational institutions, civil organizations and others participated in promoting the event and adding to the hundreds of volunteers scoured the beaches and seabed between the Mirador area all the way to Cholla Bay. "We thank all the participating institutions and volunteers who show us with attitude and example the importance of the culture of the preservation of the ecosystem and the environment," said Mayor Kiko Munro.

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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Saving the Sea Lions of San Jorge

ne of CEDO's current projects in Sea of Cortez involves the management of San Jorge Island, part of the "Islands of the Gulf of California United Nations Biosphere Reserve," and a critical area for seabird reproduction, migrating openocean species like hammerhead and great white sharks, whales, as well an important area for local, small-scale fisheries. Isla San Jorge, or "bird island" as it is better known to Americans, is also home to the Gulf 's second largest colony of California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus), a highly-intelligent and charismatic marine mammal. Sea lions feed in coastal waters, often diving to great depths (max 274 m or 899 ft.) and swimming long distances, and they give birth to their pups on the whitewashed rocks of San Jorge. Through our Education Programs and NaturArte EcoTourism Program, we have been bringing visitors to swim among our local sea lions for decades, maintaining strict protocols of not coming too near the rookeries and never touching the animals. This is an unforgettable experience, as the pups are especially curious and love to mimic humans. Their bright eyes and incomparable agility are simply magical!(Photo above by Alan Berman - A curious young sea lion) CEDO has also long been monitoring the population of sea lions on the island with the help of local fishermen, who have been trained to record key information that can help us conserve this internationally-protected species, that is still considered to be in recovery throughout its range (the California sea lion is listed on the IUCN Red List, as well as on the Mexican Regulation for Priority Protected Species NOM-059SEMARNAT-2010). What is more, it is a keystone predator, meaning it maintains the integrity of the entire marine ecosystem by regulating populations of the schooling fish on which it primarily feeds (sea lions also eat octopus, squid and other mollusks).

Sadly, because sea lions also feed on larger, targeted commercial species, even pulling fish out of fishermen's nets, it is common (across the globe) for fishermen to kill them in order to safeguard their nets and catch. Sea lions also tend to perish or be harmed by contact with industrial and smaller-scale fishing gears. On Isla San Jorge, observations made by localcommunity monitors have revealed a sharp increase in the amount of "entanglement events," when sea lions get caught in nylon gill-nets and other debris. Though they are usually strong enough to free themselves, the animals often wind up with the netting slowly cutting through the flesh around their neck or flippers, causing much suffering and eventually an untimely death. For ethical reasons, as well as conservation purposes, we are working to reduce entanglement events by raising awareness among fishermen and training them to untangle the animals using stateof-the-art protocols developed by international experts. (Photo above from CEDO archives - Professionals carry out a disentanglement mission on San Jorge) This effort is underway with the support of government agencies that manage protected species in Mexico, namely SEMARNAT, CONANP, PROFEPA, and SEMAR, along with the municipalities of Caborca and Puerto Peñasco, Mexican NGO's like CRRIFS, and US based nonprofits like World´s Aquarium, the Marine Mammal Center in San Francisco, and Greater Good. CEDO is also working closely with the Association of San Jorge Island

Tourism Service Providers, and with the local fishing community of Ejido Rodolfo Campodónico, namely the Fishing Cooperative Ejidal Bahia San Jorge which includes 11 fishermen and 1 fisherwoman, all of whom actively participate in sea lion monitoring as well is in clean-up campaigns of abandoned fishing gear on and around San Jorge Island. (Photo above from the CEDO archives Part of the San Jorge Community Monitoring Group) Since 2014, when we began working intensively with the San Jorge community, CEDO has consolidated a "San Jorge Island Community Ranger Group for Surveillance & Stewardship," who will be participating in our upcoming training workshop held from October 31thto November 6that the CEDO Campus in Peñasco. In this workshop, local fishermen and more than 40 people from various government and non-government organizations, including from Sonora and our neighboring states of Sinaloa, Baja California and Baja California Sur will participate in establishing Mexico's first, permanent sea lion disentanglement task-force! In addition, we will be working with the local fishing communities to establish a voluntary no-fishing area of 711 hectares, specifically to protect the California sea lion. If you love sea lions as much as we do, please help us match our training costs of $5k. YOU can help alleviate the suffering of sentient beings while building a sustainable future for the people and ecosystems of the Sea of Cortez - one of our planet's last remaining ocean treasures.

CON'T FROM PAGE 3

From left to right…Darlene, Craig, Elena and Martha We are all very sad at the passing of Sally Dalton, owner of Xochitl’s Café and send our deepest condolences to her family and friends. She was a wonderful and generous person and will be dearly missed. I’m happy to say that I’ve had no more speeding tickets through Sonoyta, but I’ve been keeping it down to 40 kmh ALL the way through town. Last couple times through there I’ve looked to see where the speed limit signs are, and they are basically non-existent. I swear there used to be a 60kmh sign, but I couldn’t find it. The speed limit does drop down to 20 kmh going through town, which I don’t think I ever realized. And I noticed there is a new 40 kmh sign on the south end of Sonoyta, on the south bound side. There has always been one coming into town, but I don’t think I’ve noticed one going south – so just maintain the 40 kmh until you get out of town where it speeds up to 80 kmh. And I have even started obeying that one since I have noticed the police out there lately. There always seems to be one about a mile from the border, right before the hill – that’s where I got nailed. So, just take an extra minute getting through town and go 40 kmh no matter who rides your tail! All of us here at the Rocky Point Times would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Be sure to check the Rocky Point Times Newspaper’s Facebook page for all of the latest festivities and book your New Year’s Even plans now! Our office will be closed from Christmas Eve through the New Year so we’ll see you next year! ¡Feliz Navidad and Prospero Año Nuevo!

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Short Shorts of All Sorts! 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.

CEDO Celebrates 40 Years of Research The Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO) opened its doors in Puerto Peñasco in 1980 under the leadership of Director Peggy TurkBoyer. Housed in its main offices next to a majestic whale skeleton, CEDO has distinguished itself for work on conservation programs and monitoring the biodiversity of the Sea of Cortez, along with projects that involve fishing communities from the Upper Gulf of California, and responsible tourism. To mark CEDO's 40th Anniversary, a series of events are planned throughout the Fall and Spring, culminating in a grand concert featuring Alejandro Filio and Fernando Delgadillo, set to the spectacular backdrop of dunes.

Cholla Bay Loses an Icon All who knew Sally Dalton were saddened to learn of her recent passing. Sally was the owner and the heartbeat of Xochitls Restaurant in Cholla Bay. She was a wonderful person with a big heart and love for the people and area of Cholla. She will leave a huge void in our community. Please keep her family in your prayers.

Puerto Peñasco Named Authorized Area for Whale Sightings Whale sighting activities off the coast of Puerto Peñasco have been officially authorized by the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources under Mexican Official Law NOM131-SEMARNAT-2010, which establishes regulations for whale watching excursions for the 2020 season from January 1st thru April 30th. This means whale watching tours that allow tourists to get an up-close encounter with these "Sea Giants" is now an officially authorized activity in Puerto Peñasco, provided compliance with regulations. Harbormaster Luis Castro Galan confirmed the official publication, which he says

will benefit tourism, strengthen safety and protocol training, as well as provide tour operators with resources. Castro Galan stated Puerto Peñasco was included within the official regulations for whale watching and habitat preservation activities following a request of the harbormaster's office, tourism service providers, and National Commission on Protected Natural Areas (CONANP), given the presence of whales in the area early in the year. This certification makes Puerto Peñasco the only spot in Sonora where this practice is officially recognized.

After One Year, Pinacate Entrance Still Closed to the Public Pinacate Natural Reserve has been one of the highlights of the Puerto Peñasco area for decades, but recently, a group of people have come forward claiming ownership of the land and demanding that the government compensate them for designating the area as a protected world heritage reserve. The dispute has been ongoing for one year and at this time, the main entrance to the reserve is still closed to vehicles. The tourist center and limited tours are still open to the public and are still highly recommended for anyone visiting our area.

High Tides and Strong Winds Cause Damage Tides in our coastal city have always been extreme, especially during the full moon and new moon times of the month. During certain times of the year, those phases are exaggerated by other natural factors causing the tide extremes to be even greater. During the latest new moon, the extremely high tides were coupled with very high winds, causing large waves which battered the coastline with a greater intensity and at a higher level than is usual for the area. The storm caused some significant damage to some of the seawalls and a few houses in the area of Las Conchas. Cleanup and repairs are currently under way, and those who had prepared for an event such as this, are now well aware of the power of an angry sea and will undoubtedly, alter their building plans accordingly.

Day of the Dead Festivities "Curios" Nov 1st & 2nd The popular "Rodeo Drive" (Calle 32) in Puerto Peñasco once again hosted to Day of the Dead celebrations Nov. 1st & 2nd. Both evenings included the display of traditional Day of the Dead altars, complemented with dance and music, and on Saturday a Catrina contest (awards for altars and Catrinas/Catrin were held on Saturday). Friday / Saturday Catrina display / procession.

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Christmas in Ajo By Bryan Blow Owner, Ajo Satellite Sales

jo has one of most unique Christmases in Arizona. When you pass the two churches, across from the Plaza, there is a street leading up to the Curley School, which was built 100 years ago and where I attended school. It is a very solid building 4-story building with cement walls over 1 ft. thick. All grades were taught there different years on different floors - and at the very top is an old Spanish Dome. A few years ago, the Curley School was declared a historical landmark and millions of dollars were allocated to convert the classrooms to apartments for artists – and they are very nice apartments. So, on Christmas Eve a canon goes off and everybody looks to the top of the dome and, lo and behold, Santa appears. The local towns people congregate in the streets below and wait for Santa. They used to use a dummy that slid down a wire to

a big sled down below, but one time the dummy got stuck on the wire and the kids went nuts, so now he appears at the top of the dome and then reappears at the bottom and gets in his sled and starts down between the two churches. It is a custom for the towns people to follow the sled. Christmas lights are strung all along the street and along the Plaza Park. The sled goes around the Plaza Park and then stops at the bandstand and Santa gets out and goes to his decorated chair and parents take their kids up so they can sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. On the other side of the bandstand, the Rotary Club has assembled containers of fruits and candy to pass out. This was set up for the kids, but nowadays a lot of moochers’ crowd in and get candy too. The line usually goes the length of the park and this is how Ajo starts off Christmas. It’s a wonderful tradition and, like I said, it has been going for a hundred years now, so if you are down in Rocky Point Christmas Eve maybe you would like to bring your children to this event.

Endangered Sonoran Berrendo to be Introduced in the Region of El Pinacate

o increase the genetic variability of the Sonoran Berrendo in the northwest of the state and thereby assist in its protection, three couples of this subspecies will be released in the El Pinacate region in February 2020. Prior to the release date, a census of these specimens in the area will be conducted, announced Luis Carlos Romo Salazar, the executive commissioner of the Commission of Ecology and Sustainable Development of the State of Sonora (Cedes). Salazar reported that, with the support of the Arizona Department of Hunting and Fisheries and the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), work is being done to prepare for this procedure. "The objective of the reintroduction is to incorporate new parental material to increase the genetic variability of this subspecies in the area, which although it has been recovering in recent years, has a number of natural and induced threats, including coyote attacks, which are the main predators of this subspecies," he said. He said that during the month of December the six adult individuals, three males and three females, will be relocated, with support from AZ Fish and Game Department, whose procedure includes the sanitary and safe

handling of the individuals from their place of origin and, after their importation, the specimens will be placed in confinement in a pre-release pen for acclimatization and sanitary quarantine purposes, finally to release them in the month of February. Each animal will be provided with an ear tag with a color and number to distinguish sex and identify each individual and will carry a satellite radio collar to monitor their movements and behavior, for a period of at least eight months. The Pronghorn in Sonora The Berrendo currently occupies two large territories in Sonora, that of the El Pinacate region, with a population of approximately 90 individuals and that of the Quitovac region, which is the largest and is located in the middle of the Sonoran desert, with A population that ranges from 750 to 800 animals. The Berrendos are a group of mammals related to antelopes and gazelles and in Sonora they occupy the great plains and grasslands of the desert, where they form biological corridors to move in search of food, water and shelter and generally form in groups of up to 10 individuals. The males lead the herd and protect the young from predators, such as coyotes, which are the main causes of natural death from predators.

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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

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

Tia Katy’s Corner December 2019

By Kathleen Duncan

n 2015 when I decided to start a program to help more kids in the community go to school and succeed academically, I had little understanding of the many barriers to education that kids in Rocky Point face. When I discovered that it is estimated that more than 50% of the young people in Rocky Point do not get to go to high school, I was shocked and also confused. I knew that Mexico has a publicschool system and I assumed that it was much like ours in the United States - free through 12th grade and accessible no matter a family’s financial situation. However, I quickly began to appreciate the differences in our public-school systems and the many barriers that kids in Rocky Point face when trying to go to school at all grade levels, but especially high school. Here is what I learned:

Unlike in the United States, in Mexico public school is not free through 12th grade. Beginning in high school, students must pay for registration, tuition, books, transportation, uniforms and these costs are very expensive relative to local wages. Consequently, many families in Rocky Point are forced to choose between meeting their family’s basic needs and sending their kids to high school. Meanwhile, even students whose parents can somehow pay for high school often lack access to resources that are critical for academic success in older grades: transportation, access to technology and tutoring in subjects they may struggle with. When we started our program in 2016, we quickly realized that providing intensive academic support for younger students who were at risk of not even making it through grade school would need to be an immediate priority. I am thrilled that by the end of last school year we were operating three homework clubs that are providing academic support to more than 300 of our grade school students. However, I was not thrilled that by the end of last school year we were still unable to find a location to offer this same type of support for the 120 middle school and high school students currently in our program.

And then Christmas came a little early for us! This past August the Puerto Peñasco Lion’s Club generously offered to allow us to use their facility in the center of town to provide an academic resource center for our older students. With

at this site in the future. We are so incredibly grateful to the Puerto Peñasco and Caborca Lions Clubs and to all of the volunteers who made this possible. Happy Holidays from our teams on both sides of the border!

The computer lab room before…

And after!

help from volunteers on both sides of the border in just a few short weeks we were able to convert a smaller room into a computer lab and the main room into a homework and tutoring area. By early September the doors to our new ‘Brigada Juvenil’ (Youth Brigade) were open and regular hours and a tutoring schedule had been established. Currently, in addition to academic support our local team is also offering guitar and keyboard lessons, chess classes, and they have plans to add many more resources and activities

OUR CHRISTMAS WISH LIST- This holiday season rather than donating toys or other gifts please consider: 1) Making a one-time donation to support our program or sponsoring a student monthly at www.stepsoflove.org 2) Donating healthy snacks for us to provide for children at our homework clubs 3) Donating any of these resources for our newest homework club: laptop or desktop computers in good working order, a digital camera, an ipad.

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(a 501 © non-profit Corporation)

By Nancy Phelan AKA “The Pack Leader”

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

appy Holidays! It is getting colder in Rocky Point and will try to keep the animals warm during the winter. We have stopped taking in dogs as there are several groups now rescuing dogs. We are the only group rescuing cats and are overflowing. I have Parkinson’s and it is difficult to care for them. We have a few dogs and A LOT of cats…Siamese, tiger, white, orange etc. All sizes and they are all spayed and neutered and have all of their shots. If you would please consider adopting a cat – and want to come by and pick yours out or take a look at them please call for an appointment, due to my health. Luis is here at 4:30 until 6:00 for donations. We desperately need dry cat food, Friskies canned cat food and non-clumping kitty litter. We use Kirkland dog and cat food, but any good brand is appreciated. Small cat beds and litter pans are also needed. I want to thank everyone who has helped make Rocky Point safer for the

animals. It has been 19 years since we started, and many friends have passed. It did take a village, but we paved the way for new groups to start up and they are doing a great job. If anyone would like to open a cat sanctuary in Rocky Point, it is badly needed. Please consider adopting a cat or two. It is going to be difficult finding a home for them by summer. Also, we are selling the 2009 Joiner ATV TR 110, over head rack, overhead lights, security lock,2 coolers attached,5 harness seat belts, new tires, goes 60mph, big engine. Asking $8,000.00 Or make offer. Need money for the animal care. Call Nancy 383 1012 or 602 412 3932. Vehicle is in Rocky Point.

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

Welcome Millennials By Vince Deadmond

ccording to an article in The New York Times millennials have discovered fly fishing. For some of the same reasons fly fishing has always attracted people. It offers a reason to be outdoors, a closer connection to nature, a great way to unwind, an avenue for environmentalism, built-in community, and a lifetime of learning and growing.

While fly fishing gives one a break from the phone, and when the fishing is done you can reconnect with your fly fishing community, instantly. While Puerto Peñasco is not well known as a fly fishing destination, it is a great place to practice your saltwater fly fishing. Plenty of fish, easy access, cast from shore, use a pontoon boat, or kayak. Does not mean that you can be clueless and successful, but with some casting instruction, and help with selecting gear one can start to catch a few fish. The Desert Fly Casters fly fishing club had their 57th annual Rocky Point outing in October. The club usually selects a neap tide (one of the 2 smaller tides of the month) because they are easier to control your fishing line, pontoon boat and/or kayak. Going on the fly club outing is like going on a guided fishing trip without the expense of a guide. Lodging, food, and drink are a bargain in Puerto Peñasco so this really is a good place to start your saltwater fly fishing journey. Rewards. Early one morning the group was getting ready to launch pontoon

boats and kayaks at La Pinta The Second Estuary on the outgoing tide. One of the camp dogs came over and piddled on the front tire of my buddy Joe Staller's truck. I said, "Good Dog!" As I fed him some of my leftover burrito and tried to encourage that kind of good behavior for the rest of the week.

The Second Estuary is one of those places that can have very rewarding fly fishing if you have the right fly lines, the right fly rod, the right flies, and the correct technique. Almost everyone fishing had twenty fish days, back to back to back with quality fish being caught every day. The group caught Orange Mouth Corvina, Trigger, Pompano, Flounder, Cabrilla, Bone Fish, Sierra Mackerel, Grouper, and as usual with a big group we needed to look up some fish that we could not identify at first glance. Our group usually does catch and release, but the fish caught in the Sea of Cortez are usually tasty table fare. We kept two gallons of filets for a future club fish fry. If this sounds like fun to you check out the web page for the Desert Fly Casters in Chandler. Or one of the other many fine local fly clubs across the state of Arizona. Fly clubs are in Tuscon, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Sierra Vista, Payson, you get the idea.

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.

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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. $558 pesos (per person) and return to the office to give them a copy.

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

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

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 entrance to the Reserve (located in

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sally Dalton will be missed

By Cholla Charli

n Nov. 3 (following la Dia de los Muertos) La Cholla said goodbye to Sally Dalton, owner of Xochitl’s Cholla Café. Sally had suffered a heart attack while undergoing cancer treatments. She will be remembered forever and greatly missed by the residents and visitors to Cholla; but the restaurant will go on – business as usual – almost! On Nov. 3, a celebration of life took place at the restaurant with people sharing memories and good humor. Then her son Shane, with her sister and two brothers, and more than 100 friends, spread flower pedals and her ashes in the waters of Cholla Bay. On Monday morning the staff

Sally Dalton took food and supplies to an orphanage every Sunday and when the children had birthdays, she took a piñata and cake which was elaborately decorated by her staff.

opened the restaurant and served her famous Huevos Rancheros, Spinach and Bacon Omelets, Mickey Mouse pancakes and Tortilla Soup, among other favorites. The Cholla Café was opened around 1960 by a woman named Eva who ran the café along with her granddaughter Xochitl. In 1994, Sally opened a coffee house and bagel shop in half of the restaurant. In 1995 Xochitl offered the restaurant to Sally who renamed it Xochitl’s Cholla Café. In 2009 Sally had a new building constructed near the original café and opened the business that we know today, serving the old favorites and some new items. Sally had a career as a family counselor in Yuma, Arizona. During those years, the staff ran the restaurant with Sally returning on weekends and holidays to manage the finances, staffing and inventory. In 2014 she retired from her counseling position and got more involved in the daily operation of the restaurant. She also used those years for travel, sailing and scuba diving. The restaurant has also been an ever-changing art gallery, giving local artists and artisans a place to display and sell their paintings, photographs and crafts. The west wall of the restaurant currently has a display of Shane’s paintings. He and his mother had been researching studio and gallery space for Shane in Silver City, New Mexico. With her passing, Shane plans to divide his time between Silver City and Cholla. He said, “I have an ideal place

Passwords

By Rob Baylor

A Dia de los Muertos altar commemorates the life of Sally Dalton, owner of Xochitl’s Cholla Café, who passed on Oct. 18.

to paint here in Cholla – on the upper deck of the house.” Shane, who is allergic to some of the chemicals in the paints he uses, said being in the open air with abundant light and being up-wind from the paint fumes, would be perfect. Just as his mother did when she had a career outside of Cholla, he will support the staff in the operation of Xochitl’s from New Mexico as needed, returning regularly to offer his assistance in person.

Friends and family walk into the waters of Cholla Bay on Nov. 3 to spread flower petals and the ashes of Sally Dalton in the waters of the Sea of Cortez.

Keep Xochitl’s/“Sally’s” on your list of favorite places to eat in Peñasco, because breakfast and lunch will still be served, with Sally in our hearts and memories always.

asswords are my evil demon. I am not a computer whiz in the first place. I write them all down and then at some point I have something important and I can’t get into the page because I thought I knew the password, but I didn’t and now it won’t take it. I click on forgot password and I change it. Being in a hurry I don’t write it down and the next time I have to do it again. It snowballs on me. I have a lot of games and different sites that I use and soon I am all confused. I tell myself that I need to write them down next time. Yeah right!!! This is November 5th and Bike Week is this weekend. It is quite a show with thousands of motorcycles all over the place. Have you noticed in the past that most all of the restaurants have bikes all around their place from street carts to indoor places? Great for local businesses. From custom to classic with ladies on the back, some pulling their shirts up and giving a show. Now I pretend not to look though my wife said I could look but no touchy touchy. I was going to say I’m too old, but I’m not dead. You all will read this in December, and it will be all over, but there is next year. Hurry up next year. Thanks for reading my articles and don’t forget to write the new passwords down.

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

January Jam 2020 For Immediate Release

(Tempe, AZ) Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers will kick off their 2020 Tour in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico at January Jam over the MLK Weekend January 17-19, 2020. This will mark the 12th year of the event which began with an impromptu invite on the band message board to a jam session on the patio of JJ’s Cantina in 2007 featuring new songs from the Turbo Ocho album. The marathon recording session took place in Cholla Bay during the proceeding eight days. A variety of discounted advance purchase tickets are on sale now at www.januaryjam.net. Joining RCPM will be nationally touring artist Cruz Contreras with his band who will play both Friday and Saturday nights. Cruz also fronts The Black Lillies who had a successful debut in Puerto Peñasco at Banditos in 2018 in between touring the western United States. Additionally, Phoenix’s The Hourglass Cats will bring their high energy reggae sounds along with the full band version of Peñasco favorites The Jons from Tucson. Drew Cooper and his band will bring red dirt Country music providing something for everybody. All event details are at www.januaryjam.net. Jim Dalton will be adding more to his plate than lead guitar duties for The Peacemakers. On Friday night, he will follow up his DJJD debut with another DJ dance party set at Banditos.

Ask anybody who was there and they’ll tell you it’s a must see. Admission will be limited to those with any January Jam wristband. Jim will also bring his Jim Dalton Borracho Domingo solo show back to Banditos Sunday evening at 7pm. Venues this year include Las Palomas Resort (at the golf club), Banditos, Wrecked at The Reef and JJ’s Cantina. A full listing event schedule as well as Will Call times are outlined at www.janauryjam.net. Golfers! The Mexican Moonshine Tequila Golf Classic will be played Saturday morning January 18 at The Links at Las Palomas. Reservations can be purchased at www.januaryjam. net and include golf, lunch with RCPM and an embroidered cap with all proceeds staying in Puerto Peñasco supporting local charities. Players are encouraged to bring their most obnoxious golf wear and show it off at the post-tournament patio concert being held at JJ’s Cantina at 1pm for all January Jam wristband holders. Fans are encouraged to save money and purchase discounted tickets in advance including VIP, Combo GA, Single Day and Student (15-24 years old) options at www.januaryjam.net. Condo reservations can be made at www.casago.com as well as www.laspalomasresort.net. Three days of rock n roll on the beach on a long weekend with the NFL Conference Championships on TV in Puerto Peñasco – a guaranteed great time for all. Hasta pronto! -RCPM

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

BARB’S DOG RESCUE NEWSLETTER Make A Gift Of Love

By Bo & Linda Bernard

Tis The Season…Again ast month, we talked about how blessed this year has been for Barb’s. But, even with the new additions to the facility, we are out of space…again. And, even with the generosity of last month’s matching donation program provided by our friends, Jim and Mary Schwebel, we are running out of food and medicine…again. Most of what Barb needs (food, medicine, new or used blankets, towels, puppy pads, bleach, cleaning supplies, money to pay vet and electric bills) can be quickly and easily satisfied by donations. Space…not so much. In November, alone, over 100 dogs arrived at our doors. We have exceeded our capacity, and there is now a waiting list. There are a number of contributing factors:

Puppies. We currently have 28 mama dogs who have a total of 116 puppies and an additional 107 abandoned puppies without moms. And December will bring more. We are transferring as many dogs as we can to adoption shelters across the border, but puppies must stay in our care for at least four months to be weaned, have their shots, and be spaded or neutered. Border Restrictions. Yes, it seems even Mexican dogs are now subject to a U.S. Customs quota. Barb’s has been limited on the number of dogs we can transport across the border weekly.

Visitors to the Rescue. The number of tourists go down in the winter, which means fewer on-site adoptions. Older Dogs. Most families want puppies. We get it. They are cute and playful. So, the puppies get adopted by visitors or moved to adoptive facilities in the States pretty quickly, while older dogs wait (and wait) for the perfect owners to find them. Special Needs Dogs. The three legged. The one-eyed. The deaf or blind. Those scarred and mistreated. These dogs frequently become permanent residents. And so we are asking you to make a gift of love. Spend an hour a week socializing our puppies. Foster a motherless pup. Help us transport pups across the border. Open your hearts and your homes to one of the older or special needs dogs. You will surely gain as much as you give from this experience.

We are thankful for all who have opened their hearts and their homes to adoption. All who have contributed food, supplies, money, or who have made purchases through Amazon Smile. All who have purchased BDR t-shirts and calendars. All who have made Barb’s the recipient of their annual philanthropies. All who have volunteered. Our devoted staff. And the continued generosity of our sponsors. We could not continue the good work we do without your support. And for that, we are grateful and thankful 365 days a year. Happy holidays from our families to yours!

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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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

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Welcome Open AA Meetings at South of the Border Passport Club Location: Directly across from Granada del Mar Hotel South of Sinaloa st., where the road ends and the sea begins at the office of Oc3an View Ministry. Schedule: M-W-F 10AM Women's Recovery AA/Al-Anon Open Meeting Thursday at 11AM Contact Conrado at 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: Joseph Toland Vice President: Rommel Bustamante Secretary VP Communications: Robin Miller Treasurer: Rebecca Palomino Legal: Ricardo Borquez VP Education: Gretchen Ellinger VP Events: Jorge (George) Bravo VP Ethics: Kyle Woods For Inquiries, please contact: Luisa Federico, AMPI Administrator email: luisa.ampi51@gmail.com AMPI Phone: 638-388-0006

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. 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, Nancy Schmidly, 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: 638-102-0514 Cellphone: (044-638) 091-65 Call for directions Shelter providing housing, food and care for those addicted to drugs and alcohol. Donations needed all year long.

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

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

NUEVA CREACION 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

www.oc3anviewministry.com

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.

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.

RED CROSS (CRUZ ROJA)

SANTA CLAUS CLUB

Business Phone: 383-2266 www.cruzrojapenasco.org.mx

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.

EMERGENCY DIAL 911 OR 060 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

PINACATE BIOSPHERE RESERVE Fundación para Conservación del Pinacate, A.C. Office Hours: 9AM - 5PM U.S. Mail: PO Box 745, Ajo, AZ 85321 El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve is considered one of the most unique volcanic zones in the world. The conservation of these gigantic craters and the surrounding areas are an important part of our ancient history and culture. Self guided hikes, overnight camping and exploring are allowed in the area provided you do not harm, disrupt or take plants, wildlife or artifacts from the area. Visitors must register at the office as they enter the reserve. The reserve is located at the halfway town (Nayarit) between Rocky Point and Sonoyta. Also located near this area is Gran Desierto de Altar, home to the largest area of natural sand dunes.

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.

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS WOMEN

clubrotariopuertopenasco@gmail.com www.clubrotariopuertopenasco.com FB: @clubrotariopuertopenasco

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: Deb Turner (638) 386-8645 (520) 906-3096 trnrrck@yahoo.com Barbara Olszewski rpbarbo@gmail.com (602) 324-9529 / (638) 114-2406

ROTARY CLUB PUERTO PEÑASCO MAR DE CORTÉS

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) 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

President: Shandra Keesecker Secretary: Oscar Palacio Soto

Meetings: Wednesdays 8 am @ Don Julio in the Old Port

SAN JOSE CHURCH MISSION OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

Cholla Bay Road on the right before you enter La Cholla. Mass time as 8 a.m.

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

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 Eats By Marco Zepeda

e are closing off the year visiting a great place that is becoming more and more popular. Last month we visited La Loteria Cantina & Grill, this is our second time there in the last month, and we could not be any happier.

La Loteria is a place where you can either go to lunch or dinner and it is for sure a very different place. The owners of the restaurant brought to Peñasco what we can the Brazilian style Picanha with a very Mexican touch and flavor. The Picanha is top sirloin and the first time we decided to try it we were impressed. It is served from the sword along with lots of vegetables like bell peppers and onions. All that gives it an exquisite flavor. What I love about the meat is that it has very little fat and the fat actually melts into the meat and gives it a really good flavor. It is one of my favorites and I sure recommend you try it. I love meat and I usually order it about 3/4 or well-done, that way you can savor all the flavors as it is very juice. Before we actually ordered the Picanha, we ordered the grilled chorizo fondue in a beer reduction, more of a gourmet style and we had to try it with some corn tortillas, it was delicious. Before, let me tell you more about how they got their food and ideas.

The owners and cooks went to a grilling event in Monterrey in the state of Nuevo Leon, from there they gathered information, tips, ideas and new recipes that they incorporated into their menu. They love to use their smokers and they sure know how to use them. Every Saturday they have a special on their Smoked Brisket that comes served with smoked yellow corn, coleslaw, and fresh baked bread. You have to give them a visit to know what I am talking about. Now about the drinks: Besides having cold beer, they have a Tuesday after 4pm special and the beer mugs are only $20 pesos, around $1.25 dlls. There is a variety of beer, wine, whiskey, cognac, tequila, and almost anything alcohol lol. And another thing, if you are into singing, they have Thursday Karaoke Night or you can watch sports in the bar room they have the best MLB, NFL, NBA and boxing.

Now let me tell you more about the name of the restaurant and a little history of the name La Loteria. La Loteria is a very popular table game that is played in many, if not most, of the Mexican households. We say it is a very Mexican game, but it was actually invented in Italy in the 15th Century and was brought to Mexico in 1769 (this is Google’s info). The game is very similar to bingo, but instead of numbers we use cards with different characters, they can be animals or people or things. It is very fun, family friendly and very easy to understand. The game is actually played every Friday at the restaurant and everyone is welcome to come in and play. La Loteria is located on Blvd. Freemont, next to where the Black Dog

Cholla Bay Sportsmen’s Club Donates

used to be. It is open from 1pm to 2am and they have happy hour from 4pm to 6pm. They also take reservations and you can call 688-2691. This second time we were there, Alicia ordered the ribeye steak, its 420gr of meat served with mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables, she was very happy. If you have a big appetite, they also have the Cowboy Steak which is 2.2 lbs, flamed with bacanora and a trio of house sauces, can you imagine? That is twice as much of what Alicia’s steak was. Something important you should know is that they only use quality meat and their sauces and seasoning are all homemade in house. I would like to thank our servers, and cooks for a delicious dinner, we could not be any happier. This concludes The Eats for 2019. We wish you a very Feliz Navidad and Happy New Year, see you next year!

he CBSC donated $500

USD

the Red Cross, $500 USD to the

Rehab Center for Women and Children and $500 USD to the Schools Special Projects. These funds were from their charity Horseshoe and Corn Hole events. We are grateful to the sponsors and players that made these donations possible!

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Jellyfish Fishery in Mexico: a Success Story of Mexican Science

hen it comes to seafood, you can imagine a dish made grilled fish filet, or battered and fried and covered with your favorite salsa, or maybe a delicious shrimp cocktail. You would never think of eating a slimy jellyfish. But, not so fast. The cannonball jellyfish (Stomolophus spp) is a marine animal from the family of cnidarians, a relative of corals and anemones. It is like a small ball of jelly-like consistency that swims actively near the surface of the sea and feeds on the eggs and offspring of other organisms. It is an important fishing resource for Mexico that only emerged at the beginning of this century, mainly because it has a high demand in Asian countries for the elaboration of expensive dishes to which aphrodisiac and medicinal properties are attributed, partly because it is rich in collagen. The actual fishing is done with a very economical bucket-type net and aboard the smaller fiberglass boats (pangas) of seven to ten meters in length, usually with an outboard motor and a crew of three to four fishermen. The exercise that best represents the effort of jellyfish fishing is weightlifting without stop hours under the sun's rays. In 2019 alone around 50,000 tons were captured with more than 800 boats participating, making Mexico one of the leading producers of jellyfish worldwide. In addition, the use of this resource has resulted directly in 6,000 jobs and almost 613 million pesos of economic gain for fishermen, workers, merchants, transporters and, of course, for the government via taxes. But how did jellyfish go from being almost unknown species to becoming major fishing resources in such a short time? The answer lies in the science. Although this species has been known in Mexico for decades, there had not been a consumer market for it, and therefore, they were ignored by fishermen and barely mentioned in scientific publications. It was at the beginning of this century that the demand began to rise in Asian countries, opening an opportunity for commercialization

and a new fishing category began. The permits which allow the gathering of these jellyfish have the enormous advantage in that they allow the sale of the organisms collected for scientific research, which promotes collaboration between fishery producers and scientific researchers. This collaboration proved beneficial and let to yield very positive results in a short time. Life cycle, population dynamics, reproductive biology, physiology, diet, functional and genetic role, among other lines of research, were developed as a product of the coordination and collaboration of Mexican scientific research institutions, led by the Northwest Biological Research Center , SC, CONACYT Center of Excellence, through its many high-specialty laboratories such as Fisheries, Histology, Physiology, Ichthyology and Coastal Management, in collaboration with the fisheries productive sector of the State of Sonora and institutions such as the University of Sonora, UNAM , and INAPESCA. As a result of this effort, information was generated that helped raise sustainable management procedures and develop the technical data sheets of the cannonball jellyfish resource in the National Fisheries Charter and the National Aquaculture Charter that allowed commercial fishing to begin in 2011. In addition, all this effort allowed the publication of scientific articles in prestigious international journals in collaboration with institutions such as the University of British Columbia, the National Institute of Fisheries Research and Development of Argentina, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, among others. It contributed to the training of human resources for bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, placing Mexico at the forefront in the investigation of this species. This is a clear case of success of the application of science for the benefit of society.

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

Scientists begin project studying ocean floor off Guaymas, Sonora

esearch will information area's tectonic and geothermal

reveal about plates energy

potential Three Mexicans are part of a team of 33 scientists from nine countries currently studying the seabed of the Gulf of California off the coast of Guaymas, Sonora. For the next two months, scientists onboard the JOIDES Resolution, a research vessel that drills into the ocean floor to collect samples of sediments, will study the tectonics, magmatism, carbon cycling and microbial activity of the Guaymas Basin. The expedition, which set sail on Saturday, is part of the International Ocean Discovery Program, a marine research initiative. Ligia Pérez Cruz, a researcher at the Institute of Geophysics of the National Autonomous University (UNAM), told the newspaper El Universal that research in the Guaymas Basin is important because the Pacific and North American tectonic plates meet there. Manet Estefania Peña of the Autonomous University of Baja California said the ocean floor in the basin is breaking up and that the rupturing process is causing magma to shoot into the ocean from within the earth's crust. The Cuenca de Guaymas, or Guaymas Basin, where the drilling is taking place. As soon as the magma reaches the

water, it cools and hardens to form a new ocean floor, she said. "Drilling the subsoil will allows us to obtain geological records, rocks and sediment, that speak to us about the evolution of our planet," Peña added. "...It's like getting books from billions of years ago...that tell us what happened on Earth." The JOIDES Resolution, a 143-meter-long vessel with the capacity to dig 8,235 meters below the seabed, will carry out drilling at six different points in the Guaymas Basin. Peña said the research will enable greater understanding of the tectonic plates beneath Mexico and that will allow "better planning of our cities in the future," while Pérez said that the sediments of the Gulf of California are likely to contain a "large quantity of geothermal energy that at some point could be used." The UNAM researcher said that data collected by scientists could form the base of knowledge to "solve some of the problems we're going to face on matters of energy." Florian Neumann, a scientist at the Center of Scientific Research in Ensenada, Baja California, and the third Mexican on board the vessel, said the research will benefit the energy industry. "We're going to make maps of the heat flows and in that way we'll be able to estimate the geothermal potential of the area. In addition, we will try to identify the quantity of carbon in the basin..." he said.

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Our Lady of Guadalupe Empress of The Americas

By Rosarie Salerno

n 1531 of the current era, ten years after the conquest of the Aztecs by the Conquistador Hernan Cortez, the indigenous people of Mexico were still in revolt due to the cruel dictatorial treatment of the Spaniards. By then, some natives had converted to Christianity, but the oppression continued with pending doom, of perhaps millions of Nahuatl-Aztec Indians, being massacred in a revolt. The Bishop of New Spain, Zummaraga of Tlatelolco, Mexico, prayed to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, to intercede and prevent the impending slaughter. He prayed for a sign to let him know that she would help, by sending him Castilian Roses, native to his home in Spain. On December 9th 1531, a recent convert, Juan Diego, was walking around the Hill of Tepeyac, in present day Mexico City, when there appeared to him an apparition of the Virgin Mary. She appeared to him as a young pregnant woman. She told Juan Diego to go to the Bishop and tell him she wanted a church built in her honor at that site. Diego quickly went to Bishop Zummaraga and told him what she had requested. The Bishop being skeptical, told him to go back and ask her for a sign to prove her request was real. Upon his return he told her what the Bishop said. The Virgin instructed Juan Diego to go to the top of the hill and gather the flowers that were in bloom into his cape, made of agave fibers, traditionally worn by Aztec men, called a tilma. Even though it was the middle of winter with snow all around, he did as she told him to. He promptly returned to the Bishop with the flowers. When he opened his tilma for the Bishop, Castilian Roses fell to the ground. At that moment, an image of the Virgin miraculously appeared on the fabric. The Bishop then built a church at Tepeyac Hill, over an existing Aztec temple. At the time Juan Diego had the vision, an Aztec temple occupied the hill. It was dedicated to a goddess, one of the mother deities known as Tonacacihuatl. The name of the goddess may have been Cihuacoati, patroness of motherhood, midwives, woman in labor and childbirth. She was usually represented in a green skirt, sometimes with babies in a stream of water flowing from underneath her skirt, representing pregnancy and fertility. The image imprinted on the tilma contains symbols from the Aztec religion. The Lady of Guadalupe wears a blue-green garment, the color reserved for Aztec deities, similar to the color of the skirt of the goddess Cihuacoati. The rays of sun surrounding the Lady represent the spines of the agave plant, the source of the scared Aztec drink pulque and there is a cross below her belt that represents pregnancy.

In 1979 Dr. Philip Callahan took 40 frames of infrared photographs. He concluded that there were 3 layers of images on the tilma. The original image included the face, joined hands in prayer, the blue-green cloak and the rose-colored gown. The two other images were painted over the original for enhancements. According to his findings, the original image had no artist’s sketch marks or sizing on Juan Diego’s cape. Other studies have shown conflicting results. It was always assumed that the tilma was made from the fibers of the Agave plant. Analysis has shown the cloth is made of hemp, a durable fiber that lasts for a long time as opposed to the agave fibers that only last for ten to forty years; thereby questioning the miracle of the fabric’s durability. However, there was a bomb placed under the tilma that exploded, but did no harm to the cape, while a heavy metal cross was bent out of shape. Another anomaly of note worthy interest, is the images imprinted on the corneas and pupils of the eyes of the Virgin of Guadalupe. In 1929 it was noted by photographer Alfanso Marcue that a man’s head was reflected in her right eye. Other studies were done in 1958 by ophthalmologists and in 1962 Dr. Charles Wahlig, O.D. enlarged a photograph 25 times, discovered 2 images in the eyes. Then again in 1979, Dr. Jose AsteTonsmann, a graduate of Cornell University, used a specialized digitizing visual imaging instrument used by NASA, magnifying the eyes 2,500 times. He perceived the scene of the instant that the tilma was opened by Juan Diego. The scene includes the Bishop, a seated Indian, a woman of dark skin, a man with European features and an interpreter along with Juan Diego himself opening the tilma. In the pupil, appears a family of native people, a man, a woman and children. Both of the eyes have the images. The images are in proportion to the angle of the position of the Virgin’s eyes. If these are images of people, they could not possibly have been painted by human hands. Juan Diego’s tilma is more than a religious relic; it is an icon for the Mexican people, as it has influenced their history and culture. Flags with her image were carried into battle by Miguel Hidalgo in the Mexican War of Independence from Spain and by Emiliano Zapata during the Mexican Revolution. It helped convert millions of Indians to Christianity; ending the human sacrificial religion of the Aztecs and spearing countless lives from annihilation by the Spaniards; it has been a symbol that has united the people, empowering them to fight against oppression with the belief in the Virgin’s intercession on their behalf. Regardless, if the image is a true miracle by the hand of God or not, its effects have proven themselves as something miraculous. Juan Diego was canonized by the Catholic Church as a saint on July 31, 2002.

For all your Bank Trust and Real Estate needs please contact me

Rosarie Salerno Consulting

rosariesalerno@hotmail.com (520)777-0018 (520)822-7507

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Christmas Music Program at St. Joseph’s in La Cholla

By Cholla Charli

hese days, shopping, Santa and holiday parties seem to dominate the Christmas season. If you would like to spend an evening celebrating the real “reason for the season,” even if you are not particularly religious, you are invited to the second annual Christmas Music Program at St. Joseph’s/San José Catholic Church

in La Cholla on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 6 p.m. The program will be strictly vocal and instrumental Christmas hymns – no prayers or worship that night – followed by cookies and cocoa. The St. Joseph’s Christmas choir will sing several carols/hymns this year and some of Maestro German Esquer’s students from the Academia de Musica Rafael Sotelo will present Christmas songs in Spanish. Choral groups from other churches have also been invited to participate and the program will conclude with a duet of the Ave Maria. The church is located on the road to Cholla Bay. Take the paved road past the condos and the dirt road past Wrecked at the Reef. As you wind into La Cholla, the church will be on your right. There is parking on both sides of the church and on adjacent streets. Christmas Mass will be available at Our Lady of Guadalupe on Morua Street off Benito Juarez but not at San José/St. Joseph’s. The mission church has Mass on Sundays at 8 a.m. It is the only bilingual Mass in Puerto Peñasco. For more information about St. Joseph’s, contact Sexton Bob Keller by e-mail at: bob@keller.net or by phone at 928-706-6928.

Recycling Continues to Take Off but There's Room for Growth

ow recycling rate due to lack of 'recycling culture' More than 100,000 tons of trash are generated in Mexico every day but less than 10% is recycled, leaving ample room for the recycling industry to grow. According to 2015 data from the Secretariat of the Environment, 102,895 tons of solid waste are generated across the country on a daily basis. Just seven states - Mexico City, México state, Jalisco, Veracruz, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas and Nuevo León - produce more than half that amount. Just under 84% of the garbage is collected but only 9.63% of that amount is recycled, meaning that the vast majority of Mexico's trash ends up in landfills. Alejandro Anaya, vice president of Industrias VQ, a company that uses recyclables to make a range of products including polyaluminum roofing, shoe soles and paper, believes that Mexico's low recycling rate can be attributed to a lack of "recycling culture" among the population. Mexico lags well behind the world's best recyclers such as Germany, Austria, South Korea and Wales, where more than 50% of all waste is recycled. The United States recycles 35% of its waste, according to a recent report in the newspaper The Guardian. Anaya told the newspaper Milenio that the recycling industry would like to see recycling rates double in the short term but he explained that achieving that depends on people making the effort to separate their trash. "What we want...is for people to become more aware of the situation we're experiencing so that the collection of material is easier," he said. Anaya said that one way people can ensure that their recyclables are repurposed is by giving them directly to "small collectors." If

more people do that, more people will start working as collectors and the recycling chain will be strengthened, he said. Among Mexico's 32 federal entities, Querétaro currently sets the standard in recycling practices. Of 241 recycling centers across the country, 51 - just over one in five - are in the small Bajío region state. Querétaro also leads the country for waste sorting, separating 57% of all trash generated. Jalisco ranks second both for the number of recycling centers - 45 and waste sorting, separating 40% of its trash. México state, the country's most populous, ranks fifth for sorting yet only 15% of trash is separated, underscoring the potential for recycling growth across the country. Anaya said that recyclables such as plastic and glass bottles and paper and cardboard packaging can be used in "several industries." "Construction, for example, or in making paper and cardboard," he said, explaining that Industrias VQ also makes toilet paper, napkins and hand towels out of recyclables. Anaya added that it is a common misconception that products made out of recyclables should be cheaper than those made out of non-recycled materials. "People believe that a recycled product has to be cheaper because [its content] was already used in something else. But they don't see the supply chain that's behind [the manufacturing process]. It's not at all easy [to collect recyclables] mainly because of the [lack of recycling] culture..." he said.

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Season’s Greetings

By the Old Gringo

t seems that, at this time of year, we all pause and take a long, deep breath in anticipation of the festivities to come. Some dwell on the secular aspects of gifts, parties and the like. Some on the spiritual side, remembering the ‘reason for the season’, while many do both with varying degrees of enthusiasm. In the news cycle today, there is a lot of hype and noise about cartels, murders, mass graves and such. The reporting is so loud and strident that it drowns out the everyday people of Mexico. We are all shocked by the brutality. That it is displayed constantly by the news media, and the breathless reporting, does nothing to calm fears and concerns of the average person who, in almost every case, is merely living their life as best they can amid all the chaos. The reality of things is much different than the salacious stories splashed across the headlines and video feeds. We all need to remember that 99.999% of the people we meet and interact with are people just like us...trying to get along in a difficult, chaotic and ever-changing world. People are people, after all and the Mexican people that I know and have met bear no resemblance to the caricatures presented by the mass media. Having flown the bush throughout Baja and mainland Mexico for many years, I’ve had the opportunity to experience Mexican culture at its very best and it’s not so very best. Regardless, it has always been enlightening and educational to meet people of a different culture and to recognize that the differences in culture do not change basic human nature. In September of 2006, Hurricane John hit Baja Sur really hard. Mexico was washed out in many places, as were local roads. Rivers, like the Rio Mulege, surged some 25 feet above their banks and washed out entire communities. Many small villages and towns were completely cut off. Baja Bush Pilots International, an organization to which I and many other pilots belong, formed a relief

flight task force of private pilots, using their own aircraft, to help Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross) deliver food, potable water and other vital necessities to the stranded people. Flying with full loads (in some case over loaded) into unimproved dirt strips and even down a main street of one small village, we delivered the supplies to the grateful residents over the course of a week. We are pretty sure we averted a humanitarian disaster in the process and made lots of friends. Having flown some 35 hours in six days, me and my co-pilot were getting ready to take off for home (Deer Valley Airport in North Phoenix) on a Sunday morning. Right motor started with no problem. Left motor... left motor?? No left motor! You can’t take a twin-engine aircraft off with only one motor! We were on the ground in Loreto, on a Sunday with a dead left motor and no one in sight. The stress of the previous six days caused me to look at this problem as insurmountable. That’s when Mexico and its people stepped in. We ascertained that the reason the left motor would not start was that the starter motor had sheared a pin. We field stripped the starter and removed the broken shear pin. In the states, it was a simple enough thing to fix, if you could find the part or if your A&P mechanic could. In Loreto, BCS, on a September Sunday...not so much. Thinking I would have to go to an auto parts store Monday morning to try and find something that might work to get us home, I put the two halves of the sheared key in my pocket and we went out of the airport to get a taxi to take us back to a hotel. Thinking ahead, we took out the battery to get it charged, just to be sure we’d have no further problems if we got the starter fixed. During the trip to the hotel, we told the driver of our problem. He asked to see the offending part. He said he knew a guy who might be able to help us! He drove us out into the desert to a small tar paper shack with the hand painted sign that read “soldadura, mecanico”. The place looked like a scene from “Deliverance, Mexico” but the proprietor was a genial guy named Salmon (pronounced SAL moan). He looked at the broken part and pronounced that he could make

one for us...today! He told us to come back at 3 o’clock that afternoon and it would be done. He could also charge our battery with his generator! Estaban, our cab driver, brought us back to the zocalo next to our hotel in central Loreto and promised to pick us up at 3 to take us back to Salmon’s place for the part and our battery. Since it was about 10 a.m. we had a lot of time to kill, so we visited the old church (consecrated in 1526) got coffee, and watched the world go by at a slow, Sunday pace in this most beautiful city. At the appointed hour, we were waiting at the zocalo, playing with a stray dog, when a cab pulled up. It was not Esteban so we assumed that the driver was looking for a fare, but he wasn’t. He got out, opened the van’s panel door and showed us my airplane battery! Esteban had gone off shift, but had commissioned Roberto, our new cab driver, to complete his mission. Roberto produced a new key for the starter, identical to the broken one, but in one piece. Salmon had reproduced it exactly!! We asked what we owed and how we could pay Salmon? Roberto told us the bill was 20 Pesos, and he, Roberto, had already paid Salmon! At about 4:30 p.m., on a September Sunday in Loreto, B.C.S. Me and my co-pilot took rolled down the runway and into the blue, heading back to Phoenix after having experienced Mexican hospitality at it’s very best. By any measure, the efforts of our Mexican friends, Esteban, Salmon and Roberto, and their eagerness to help a couple of stranded gringo strangers on a Sunday morning illustrates how they, the Mexican people, and their willingness to help not only each other but to extend that help to strangers in need, should be held up as an example to all of us. In the interests of full disclosure, I love Mexico and its people. This story is true, and I have many, many more. In our hustle bustle world north of the border, it is well to remember a different pace of life and a different yardstick by which to measure our friends. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Wishing you all a blessed and tranquil Christmas and New Year.

American Legion Post MX 15 Puerto Peñasco, Mexico

By Rob Baylor

his article is about the American Legion Post MX15 here in Rocky Point: A home away from home for the veterans, their families, male or female of all races, all are welcome. Really, no one is turned away. I believe there are 24 Legion Posts in the southern hemisphere. I want to tell you a short version of our Post here in Rocky Point. Well maybe not too short. When I moved here April 2011 I needed a safe place to meet other veterans and, in reality, other people that could guide my wife and I. For example, where to get the basic things to make our stay here pleasant, and we didn’t realize how involved we would become. The Legion is open from 8am8pm daily. Here you will find a canteen and a kitchen that serves breakfast and lunch from 8-2 at the present. The hours maybe expanded as we are getting into the busy season. There are activities going on all the time. They have the least expensive drinks and the food is excellent also at a decent price. They have card games you can sit with family and friends and Bingo where you maybe will make a few dollars. Bingo is held from 2pm to around 5pm Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. They have special dinners on the holidays, BBQ’s also occasionally. They have garage sales monthly October-May where you can buy or sell. The best thing about the Legion is that, YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A MEMBER to enjoy what they have to offer. Come and see for yourself. The American Legion Post is located in the Mirador across from the Pink Cadillac. See you there. As always thanks for reading my articles.

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CLASSIFIEDADS 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 WITNESSES KINGDOM HALL Thursday Ministry School & Service Meeting 7pm. Sunday Public Discourse 9:30am. Located on the (baseball) stadium road, on the left, just before the big blvd. Call 983-173-8537 or 638-1020073. (#a-1a) 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) PUERTO PEÑASCO ‘ROCKIES’ WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL – Needs team boosters and 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)

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)

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) 476-1187 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

Fri. 8:30-4:30, Sat. 8:30-1:30.

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

Cel (044-638) 113-0446. astrid. avila@live.com.mx (PS-1) 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) 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) FOR SALE BY OWNER – townhouse, 3bdrm, 2 1/2 bath, 1 1/2 story. NO HAO FEES! Furnished, ocean views, much more! 1750 sq. ft. Great rental. $130K firm. (638) 109-0070 (602) 539-1000. (#JA-1)

SATELLITE TV – Sales, service & installation. Residential & Commercial (638) 103-5317 Mex Cel. (602) 635-2246 Vonage. (#157-2) BRENDA

LEE

DESIGN

–

Customized Interiors, window 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) LOTS FOR SALE

(638) 383-6161. English/Spanish

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)

Point.

Fremont Plaza #15. Mon. thru

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)

Rocky

SERVICES

INSURANCE SERVICES

LOT FOR SALE – Affordable block fenced property. Close to the beach. Owner selling willing to negociate. Asking. 20Mts x 50Mts. Call Nachito at (011-521638) 112-3158) (#NN-1) 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)

treatments. Cel (602) 909-9146. www.brendaleedesign.com. (#157-5) FAST, RELIABLE HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS! – We sell, install and service High Speed Internet access via Satellite in Penasco. Download speeds up to 30 Mbps and you get a U.S. IP address. For more information please email us at service@ penascohandyman.com call

858-480-1495

or or

www.

penascohandyman.com. (#JG-1) CUSTOM PLANTATION SHUTTERS – Get a USA IP address with myusaip.com! A myusaip.com VPN wifi router for your home, condo or rental unit allows all computers and phones to get a USA IP address. You and your guests will have access to your Netflix, Pandora, etc. where a USA IP address is preferred to access to your own content. A USA IP is also preferred if

you

work

remotely/online

shopping/banking, etc. Email us info@myusaip.com. Local support and installation in Peñasco! (#JG2) 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.

waiting in border lines when you ride with us! (#158-3)

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

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The Transformation of the Malecon in Two Decades

he iconic point of fun and entertainment for tourists and residents known as "the Malecon", "the fish market", or "old port" continues to grow and transform since the beginning of development of the area about 100 years ago. This point of attraction has had three main transformations. The first was in the 70's when it was built as a not-so-attractive square, with cement planters with palms in the middle, a narrow and unmaintained street with very little traffic and very little tourism. At that time, most locals and tourists preferred to frequent and area known as The Esplanade, which was located in the area which now has Hotel Peñasco del Sol (formerly Plaza Las Glorias). The area was preferred because there was more parking and access was more open and easy. During the reign of Puerto Peñasco Mayor Rodrigo "Coco" Vélez in September 2000, the mayor obtained federal funds which were used to improve the boardwalk and building the seawall that still exists today. At the time, he proposed and promoted the building of three nautical arms, kind of pedestrian docks, that reached into the sea starting from the seawall. That part of the project was never

completed, perhaps because of the lack of funds, however the seawall construction was a significant improvement. Only 5 years later, by direction of State Governor, Eduardo Bours Castelo, local Mayor Heriberto Rentería took up the task of improving the Malecon again. At the time, the area was to be used as a meeting point for governors of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, as well as governors of Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Tamapulipas, Nuevo León and Sonora. The remodel at that time was the most extensive and created the outline of the Malecon that we still enjoy today. The meeting of governors, complete with a concert by popular Mexican singer, Vicente Fernandez, was a success and helped to fuel the growth fire that was already raging in Puerto Peñasco during those years. Since that time, the Malecon has continued to grow and develop, to the dismay of many, at times causing traffic jams, lack of parking, a multitude of vendors, and difficulty of access. Love it or not, the Malecon is an icon of Puerto Peñasco and it will undoubtedly continue to evolve and change as we move forward into the certain continued growth of our beautiful seaside home.

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Christmas Shopping in Paradise By Gretchen Ellinger

ikes! “The Holidays” are nearly upon us! Again! Since I like to receive interesting, offbeat, hand-made or all-three-plus-useful gifts, I haunt the small shops and out-of-the-way places. I have been thinking about my nearly-annual article on Christmas shopping in Paradise, and was led to a series of random considerations about gifts. What about a gift that is quite expensive to someone REALLY special, and fewer “lesser” gifts to people who may not want or need them, especially family members, who clearly do not understand the time and thought you invested in their gifts, and who often (usually) do not say “thank you” - especially if they live far away. I love my grandchildren from a distance, three are married, “the baby” is now in college, and all are on their own journeys. I nearly never hear from them. Their writing genes handwriting, I mean - have withered. But their thumbs are strong! I have received the text message, “TY 4 present, Abuela! Luv ya!” There must be a template for that particular message. Last year I decided that anyone who did not send a thank you note (but I would have accepted a phone call) would not be on this year’s gift list. There are 5 grandchildren and 3 step-grandchildren once removed - those are the children of the son of my dad’s second wife, who are the ages of my grandchildren, so I love and include them. Two thank you notes arrived toward the end of March, and I treasure them! You can tell that Tiffany and Valorie wrote the notes together - they used the same stationery and wrote nearly the same words, mailed them in 2 separate envelopes, and I joyously received them on the same day. I was so jazzed by the notes that when the Oaxaqueños were at the Parque de los Camaroneros in Puerto Peñasco for their annual sale, I decided to support

them by treating all the girls. I bought blouses for each girl, and one for their mom, darling little appliquéd sweaters for the babies of 2 of the girls, and I tucked in something for my dad’s wife as well. I was so excited to hear if the blouses fit, were loved as much as I loved buying them, you get it! You have probably guessed - no thank you notes! Still. It is November. Dad’s wife called to say the box arrived, but...no notes. One of my random thoughts is, “Am I being selfish and unreasonable to expect a thank you note when I buy and send a gift?” I think not. I give, in addition to each interesting, off-beat, hand-made, even useful gift, $25 for each person in each household. $25 is not a lot these days, but those married with babies add up to 6, those married without children add up to 6 more, then there are 3 singles. 15 total. Times $25. $375. Plus more for the parents of those grandchildren - another $200. I know that MANY people spend LOTS more money than do I for Christmas gifts, but still…$575 is nothing to sneeze at! Is it? Maybe I live in a time warp - does a pound of ground beef still cost 89 cents on sale? I recently traveled to Mexico City, or just “México” to the Mexicans, for an incredible 4-day Frida and Diego art history tour. It was everything I wanted it to be and more - the tour organizer, Norma Schafer, is an American who lives much of the year in Oaxaca. While some with the travel bug enjoy a look, a few snapshots, and move on to see as much as possible, Norma loves a deep dive. There is so much fine and folk art to see in México, but this tour was (almost entirely) restricted to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. There are large well-known museums that house some of their works, but much of Diego’s work is on walls in public places - you have to know where to find them, and Norma does. A great portion of Frida’s work is at Casa Azul, her home-turnedmuseum, and at the Delores Olmedo Museum, an estate-turned-museum, that many visitors miss. Norma’s tour includes the expertise of an excellent art-history scholar, who brought the murals of Diego, and the paintings of Diego and Frida, alive, helped us understand the amazing paintings

that relate the history and politics of Mexico, from pre-Columbian to the mid-20th Century, and the very complicated relationship of the artists. In addition to lots of art, we witnessed the Parade of the Alebrijes, in celebration of the proclamation recognizing alebrijes as part of México’s cultural heritage. https:// mexiconewsdaily.com/news/mexicocity-declares-alebrijes-culturalheritage/ has some super photos of the alebrijes, which are hand-made of papier maché. Norma knows all the best places to shop, including a whole block of pawn shops with amazing jewelry, much of it vintage; stores with gorgeous hand-woven indigenous clothing; and restaurants? Oh my! All were very good or excellent; my favorite was Café Tacuba, the lovely old traditional restaurant with excellent food, entertainment, and service where Frida and Diego celebrated their marriage to each other. The hotel selected to host our group, Hotel del Catedral, was truly a home away from home, very reasonably priced and located just a block from the National Plaza. Norma Schafer’s website is OaxacaCulturalNavigator.com - I encourage you to spend some time on her website, and, if you are like me, you will want to know Norma better. The entire previous paragraph was another random thought, but what, you ask, has it to do with Christmas shopping? Here is what...you might want to buy a present for yourself this Christmas! Take a trip, meet fascinating people in wonderful places all over Mexico! The best part of your trip will be the memories, which will be with you forever. I have taken 3 tours with Oaxaca Cultural Navigator, and plan to take more. I always send a thank you note, even tho’ it is not expected! Wishing a wonderful holiday season to all! Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and a wonderful Kwanzaa!

Inaugural Rocky Point Cruises Canceled for December, Rescheduled for January

he wait for the longanticipated cruise departing from Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, just got a little longer. The cruise line operating the new route that will explore the Gulf of California has had to delay the launch date. Cruise and Maritime Voyages has canceled the sailings scheduled for December and said the first cruise will depart Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, on Jan. 2nd. The company said it encountered "an unforeseen and extended dry docking requirement." Between sailing seasons, cruise lines sometimes dry dock their ships for maintenance, refurbishing and upgrades before repositioning them to other routes. Cruise and Maritime Voyage's Astoria ship was scheduled to sail from Puerto Peñasco on Dec. 7. But it will not be finished with its dry docking in time to make the transatlantic trip and meet that departure date. "We would like to sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment this decision will cause to those passengers booked," spokesperson Marlene Oliver said. Oliver said the cruise line offered passengers the option of choosing another departure date or getting a refund. 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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Christmas in Mexico

By Stephanie Wood

hristmas in Mexico is a religious holiday celebrating the nativity and the birth of Jesus - and it doesn’t end on New Year’s Day, there are ongoing celebrations in January and February. These traditions are rich with history, interweaving indigenous Mexican practices with Catholicism, and remain strong today. The beginning of Christmas holiday is from December 16 to December 24, with Las Posadas; a religious observation of nine days. The Novena represents the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy. Las Posadas reenacts Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem in search of an Inn. During each night of the Posada, a candle lit procession of families walks, often dressed as nativity characters, praying and signing carols, until they reach a designated family’s home (the Inn) who agrees to house the travelers. Once at the Inn, the party continues with traditional food (tamales) and drink (Ponche Navideño) to warm guests on the cold night. At the end of the evening guests break a Christmas piñata in the shape of a seven-point star. The piñata represents the temptation of evil and the seven points represent the seven deadly sins. The blindfolded “sinner” represents blind faith and conquering sin. Breaking of the piñata bestows blessings or rewards in the form of sweet treats; traditionally oranges, peanuts, and sugar cane. The last night of the posada is Christmas Eve, or Noche Buena (Holy Night) the procession typically ends at midnight mass. Poinsettias are native to Mexico and are traditional Christmas flowers because their star shape symbolizes Star of Bethlehem. Mexican legend tells of a poor girl who was embarrassed because she had no gift for baby Jesus. She picked a handful of weeds and made them into a small bouquet. As she knelt down to give the gift to the baby, the weeds burst into bright red flowers, and everyone who saw them witnessed a miracle. From then on, poinsettias were known as Flores de Noche Buena (Flowers of the Holy night). January 6 is El Dia de Los Reyes, (Three Kings Day) which is the traditional day gifts are exchanged in Mexico. It represents the day the Three Wise Men (The Magi) gave gifts to the baby Jesus. Children leave their shoes out and they leave grass/hay and water for the 3 Kings’ camels. In the

morning the shoes are filled with gifts from the Magi. This day is celebrated by eating Rosca de Reyes (Kings Cake) which is an oval shaped sweet bread, decorated with dried and candied fruit, symbolizing a jeweled crown, and it has a baby Jesus hidden inside. Whoever gets the baby Jesus is responsible for hosting the party on February 2nd. February 2 is Dia de la Candelaria (Candlemas Day). Candlemas is 40 days after Jesus was born, and when he would have been presented at the temple. Traditionally a Niño Dios (a finely dressed baby Jesus doll) and candles are brought to mass to be blessed. February second is also the midway point between winter solstice and vernal equinox; and has been historically celebrated as a weather indicator for crops (it’s also Groundhog Day). Candlemas is celebrated with a meal of Atole (warm cornmeal drink), Champurado (chocolate atole), and tamales. The meal of corn (Maize) has historically been critical to survival, and today remains a cultural symbol of daily life. Feliz Navidad! Tis the Season... With the arrival of the Christmas season, and the season of giving, please consider taking some time to go through your closets, your drawers, your garage to find clothes that no longer fit, toys, tools, and other items you don’t use, and pack it up to bring down to Rocky Point on your next trip. There’s a great need here for items you don’t use anymore. Whatever isn’t needed can be sold or traded for something else. If you have unused school supplies, furniture, old electronics and TV’s, remember that someone else probably needs it. Although donations are gladly accepted year round, blankets, sweaters, socks and shoes to keep warm are especially needed in the winter months. If you haven’t been to RP in November thru February, it’s cold! There are children’s organizations, homes for the elderly, and animal shelters that rely solely on donations. Even if you don’t have extra cash to give during this time of year, you can still make a difference with food, clothes, cleaning supplies, soap, toiletries, diapers, non-perishable food (rice, beans, bread, etc). If you’re buying canned food, toilet paper, paper towels, bleach, etc. in bulk, bring some of it down to donate. The dollar store has lots of name brand soap, deodorant, toothpaste and tooth brushes. It’s best to bring down donations in suitcases, rather than trash bags or boxes, which can raise issues at the border. You can pack items in suitcases (pack a few heavy-duty trash bags inside too) or bring deconstructed boxes for once you get here. You can bring donations to the Rocky Point Times office to be distributed to charitable organizations.

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

Our Contributing writers...

Allen Schwartz

Linda and Bo Bernard

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

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

Gretchen Ellinger

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.

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 paranoidschizophrenic 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.

Stephanie Wood

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 30 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