Rocky Point Times February 2017 by Rocky Point Services

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

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

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

By Lannette Phipps

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 Owner / Managing Editor / Publisher Lannette Phipps Editorial / Contributing Writer 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, 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, preceeding publication MEXICO OFFICES: Pino Suarez No. 124, off of Calle 13 Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico 83550 C. P. U.S. MAILING ADDRESS Please send correspondence to address PO Box 887, Lukeville, Arizona 85341 TELEPHONE from the U.S. dial (011-52-638) 383-6325 Local dial 383-6325 from the U.S. dial (480) 463-6255 EMAIL 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.

February is here, summer is right around the corner, and hopefully there is not too much rain in our immediate future. Wow, a lot of rain and gray cloudy weather these past two months. So much it seems that now I am just waiting for snow to fall. Rain and cloudy days are lovely once every 4 or 5 months for a day or two. I guess we can now say we’ve enjoyed winter, so let’s fast forward into spring already. Just as bad as the rain is the Coastal Highway 003 from Peñasco to San Luis Rio Colorado. Well, actually to El Golfo de Santa Clara is really the only bad part. We spent the New Year in California with family and friends, and came down through Yuma and across the Coastal Highway because it saves us more than one hour in travel time. The highway is awesome to drive on…in the daytime! No potholes, wide lanes and good lane markings and reflectors for night driving. Getting through San Luis is very easy and even easier if you get pulled over for inspection, as we did coming home. (You just make less turns to get onto the main road through town is all.) And the Coastal Highway was great all the way to El Golfo de Santa Clara even considering all of the rains we’d recently had. The problem came as soon as we turned onto the Coastal Highway. I can use an OMG! Here. I would say a good 75% of the highway was horrendous as far as safety goes. I was driving at night, which I often do, because I know the roads and I never leave anywhere on time – so I am always running late. And, granted, my vision is not perfect, but I don’t (really) need glasses, which I am seriously reconsidering after this last trip. The 003 is a hazard much of the year because of the sand drifts that build up on the highway. There are quite a few places where they build up on blind curves: Either you are trying to avoid the sand dune and move to the oncoming traffic or you have the other driver trying to do the same. So there’s that, and at night you can multiply that x1000. Then there is the center divider line that needs to

be repainted because it is either barely there or faded so badly you just can’t see it in many places: I found it suspiciously missing on almost every curve. And that is not counting the last 20 miles or so (coming into Rocky Point) which is all new pavement with NO lines at all – center or otherwise! There are reflectors on maybe a sorry 10% of the Highway, which I was very thankful for. I think the worst for me was the “curve ahead” signs that are so faded you can’t read them. And not only can you NOT read them but they are placed right at the curve instead of a few feet ahead so that one can begin to slow down. And you might say, “Well, if you drive the speed limit then you should have no problem.” This is very true, but I would still venture to say it is still hazardous even at the speed limit. (And if I want to drive the speed limit I will stay on U.S. highways, so let me complain until someone fixes the problems!) I have not driven on the highway in the last couple weeks so they may have painted lines and placed reflectors on the stretches that have been rehabbed. I doubt it, but maybe. So just be warned that the reflectors are non-existent or few and far between and the center and side lines have been tarred over. If you do not have a death wish and/or are not terribly adventurous, then I recommend staying off of the Coastal Highway at night. Only at night – daytime the hazards are minimized except for a few curves with sand drifts. Needless to say, it was a road that I had to travel so I could warn you all to stay off of at night! (I know there are a lot of prepositions!) Some more construction that will affect travelers is the construction going on in Sonoyta. And thank goodness it is finally happening! Since December the main road (Highway 2) through Sonoyta is being dig up and repaved. If you’ve driven over it in the past 3 or 4 years then you know how rutted it has gotten. I always feel sorry for the men that sell the fruit in the middle of the street at the stop sign. He really takes his life in his hands every day just to make a few bucks! It will be awesome once it is all finished. Now if we can get

an alternate route through town (other than the wash) I think my complaining might be done for the year. NOT! I am not going to tell you what day I am writing this Editorial, but let’s just say that I am guessing you will not be watching the Packers at the many Superbowl parties around town. If you are planning on being in Rocky Point for the big game then reserve your seats or get to your favorite haunt early because everything fills up so fast! Also in February we can look forward to the 3rd Annual Boo Bar Poker Run, as well as the 9th Annual Taste of Peñasco being hosted at Hotel de Peñasco at the end of Calle 13 on February 18th. That is always a lot of fun. And, we will be having a Hot Air Balloon Festival on the 24th and 25th of the month out at Laguna del Mar, and you should be able to see them from all over the city. Lots of things going on in February so be sure to check the Events in this issue and get up-to-the-minute info on our Facebook Page. Oh, and speaking of FB, apparently there is some asshat that has used our name to start their own Facebook Page. So, if you are new to Facebook, just make sure you are on the correct page. And that goes for anyone on Facebook or pretty much the entire web – take a few extra minutes to make sure you’ve got to the right people or page. Many of you knew and went to Dr. Shelly Persad who had Puerto Peñasco Chiropractic here in town, and who has left us for greener jungles. I am happy to say that Dr. Richard has taken over the vacancy left by Dr. Persad, which makes us all who need a good chiropractor, very happy. We all say, Bienvenidos! On a final sad note, we said farewell to a Rocky Point Legend last month. Rodger Clifton can be called one of the pioneers of this city. If you’ve been around here as long as I have, then you will remember all that Rodger and his family have done for this community. His generosity was a first and truly life changing for many. Plus he was a lot of fun too! I believe he can be counted as one of the pioneers of the modern day Peñasco, and will be remembered by many.

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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

Duke’s Restaurant-Bar.................044-638-104-0338

Little Italy Pizza..................................(928) 683-2221

Rocky Point Services............................638-114-8132

or...................................................044-638-380-6650

Living Stones Ministry...........................480-243-8452

or..................................................520-303-3960

Lourdes Rivera..........................044-638-380-3366

Rocky Point Times Newspaper.....................383-6325

Eddie Wharez.....................383-8633/602-324-9328

Made in Puerto Peñasco................044-638-380-8233

Mar de Cortez Rentals....................................388-8747

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

Mare Blu Ristorante.......................................383-0605

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

Family of God................................................383-3480

Mayan Palace Golf Course........................383-GOLF

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

Farmacias De Descuento..............383-3131/388-8280

Max’s Cafe..................................................383-1011

Sandy Beach Massage....................044-638-384-4418

Fish.............................................044-638-110-7137

Max Jeweler...............................................388-5512

Santiago’s Body Shop.............................638-384-1962

Five Senses Spa...................................638-112-1652

Mermaid’s Market.................................388-5004

Santiagos Ocean Services...........................388-5318

Fit Vida Bistro.............................................383-1992

Mexican Beach Developers.......................383-6099

or.......................................................(602) 324-9558

Fortaleza del Sol........................044-638-110-9519 Francis, Jonni..............................044-638-112-1197 Frenchy’s.......................................044-638-690-1472 Friendly Dolphin.......................................383-2608

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

Galeria del Mar Bermejo...........................383-3488

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

Gila Bend Title and Registration Services..928-683-2577

U.S. AREA CODES & VOIP LINES

Galeria Luis y Gaby.......................................383-7174 German Brats..............................044-638-110-4970 Gift Shop & Gallery..............................520-387-6858 Giuseppi’s Espresso...................................383-5181

INDEX

Glorias Beauty Salon.................................383-5075

or................................................044-638-384-0458

A bit of Shangrila RV........................480-225-6546

Grout Doctor........................................638-380-9293

Ajo Chamber of Commerce.....................520-387-7742

Guardian Title and Escrow..............044-638-386-1445

Ajo Plaza..............................................520-387-5044

or.........................................................623-910-2930

Ajo Print Shop......................................520-387-6858

or..........................................................480-463-6255

Ecofun Rentals.........................................388-9699

Green Point................................................383-2938 Gretchen Ellinger...............383-1425/602-317-3881

Ajo Satellite Sales..............................520-387-4846

Aleman, Victor................................044-638-105-7839

Hacienda del Sol Furniture......388-0545/602-903-2112

Amazon Window Covering.....................623-925-8199

Head Out to Rocky Point Shuttle Ser vice

American Legion...........................................388-8841

U.S. Toll Free.............866-443-2368/602-971-0166

Aqua Grande Towing.............383-5770/(520) 232-2149

Hotel Viña del Mar................................383-0100

Arizona Realty........................................520-387-8787

or.....................................................602-606-7768

Art Stop & Plaza Gallery............................520-387-6858

U.S. Toll Free...........................01-800-560-2123

I-J-K

Baja Autoservices...................................638-383-4925

Imagen Oral..................................................388-7953

Balboas Rest..................................................383-5155

InnSuites Hotels and Suites

Biosfera Dry Cleaners.....................................383-1667

U.S. Toll Free......................................888-INNSUITES

Bonita RV Park...............................................383-1400

INTERCAM..............................................388-1191

Bórquez, Ricardo, Atty............388-6110/520-407-6756

International Insurance....................623-551-8501

Brooks, Dee...................................................383-3919

JJ’s Cantina...................................................383-2785

Bryan’s.....................................................388-5365

John Hibbert Realty Ex...........................638-380-5112

Burrito Express..............................................383-8460

John Witt Realty Ex.................................623-523-2180 Joyeria Max...........................................388-5512

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 Mirsa Tile........................................638-383-6770 Muebles Coloniales....................................383-6670 Muebles Imperiales......................................383-6480

Santo Tomas.....................................(480) 861-0355 Satellite Services................................638-103-5317 Satisfied Frog................................638-383-1743 Sea of Cortez Adventures...................(928) 380-8619 Seaside Window Coverings.........................383-5181 Sea Side Reservations.....383-7795/1-888-262-4508 Señorita Rita Sunset Cruise.............044-638-107-3727

or.......................................................714-395-4117

Servicios Medicos Veterinarios..................383-3344

N-O

Si Como No! Etc.....................................520-387-7080

Nails Center................................................388-0434 Napa Auto (Ajo).................................24 HOUR TOW ....................................(520) 387-4TOW (387-4869) 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 Petals & Perfums.....................................383-5758 Pink Cadillac........................................383-5880 Pizarrro, Rita..............388-8030/044-638-386-5203 Playa Bonita Resort....................383-2586/383-2199 Playa Bonita Resort RV Park.......................383-2596 U.S. Toll Free.......................................888-232-8142 Mexico Toll Free.............................01-800-426-6482 Pollo Papago.............................044-638-385-1301 Predador....................383-8787/044-638-110-1625 Premium Services...........383-5758/602-476-1187 Prestige Properties......................044-638-388-7777 ................................................(520) 505-7777 Pro Services...............383-6161/044-638-113-0446 Puerta Privada......................383-1020/480-445-9200

Shangrila RV Park................................480-225-6546 Silva, Yolanda Insurance...............................383-6280 Skullz............................................................388-9900 Sonoran Autoservice.......................602-909-4864 or.......................................................638-382-5423 Sonoran Grill...............................................382-8089 Sonoran Resorts.................................602-476-7511 Sonoran Resorts Sales Consultant Brenda Sabo..............................044-638-105-3157 Stegall Katz & Whitaker.........................602-241-9221 Su Casa...........................................638-690-1345 Sun Valley Services.....................................383-8891 Sushi Sun Restaurant...................................383-2772

T Tapia, Miguel......................................602-266-0225 Tekila Bar.....................................044-638-107-5863 Tequila Factory..............................................388-0606 The Print Shop....................................520-387-6858 Tommy Thomas Home Inspections..044-638-110-4728 or.........................................................602-748-4134 Towing Aqua Grande..(638) 383-5770 / (520) 232-2149 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

Kaffeehaus.............................................388-1065

Q&R

Candy Cake.........................................638-383-2673

Kilombo.................................................638-388-5339

Realty Executives...........................602-283-9800

Victor Aleman..............................044-638-105-7839

Canvas................................................638-383-1161

Kord’s Auto Care...............................520-387-6962

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

Viña del Mar Hotel............383-0100/602-606-7768

Chochoy Veterinary.......................................383-2338

Kyle Wood..............................................480-297-8079

Reincom..........................................638-102-0065

Viva Mexico Taqueria...........................638-104-7252

C.H.O.P.P.S............................................480-648-7689

or.............................................480-232-3518

Repeat Performance.........................520-387-4948

CIMA...........................................................383-1854

Rey del Mar................................................383-5490

Coldwell Banker by the Sea...388-8999/602-425-5133

La Casa del Capitan Restaurant....................383-5698

Richard Savino................................638-380-4272

Western Outdoor Times......................(480) 947-6219

Colins Cantina...............................................382-8020

Tony’s Cafe.........................................638-690-1589

or..................................................(480) 707-3822

La Siesta Motel................................520-387-6569

Rocky Point Calendar..................see Mexican Vistas

X-Y-Z

Laguna Shores Golf & Country Club..................383-4670

Rocky Point Chiropractic....................(638) 386-1306

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

D’Lucy Spa.................383-1471/044-638-105-8993

U.S. Toll Free.........................................800-513-1426

or.............................................U.S. Cell (480) 263-3242

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

Del Mar Charters........................................383-2802

Las Palmas.............................................800-671-2799

Rocky Point Home Builders................(638) 383-6524

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

Dr. Grijalva, D.D.S...........................................383-3434

or.................................................638-690-2933

or...............................................U.S. 815-553-2683

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

Don Julio Bar & Grill......................................388-0056

Latitude 31...............................................383-4311

Rocky Point Realty Group.....383-4699/602-334-4134

Zuq Deli & Salads.........................................388-5050

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

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 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 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

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

Fit Vida Bistro 383-1992

Cheiky’s Pizza 383-3627, Closed Wed.

La Fondita 383-8384 9am-9pm

Cocina Express 383-8358 Mon.-Sat. 10am-8pm Sun. 12pm-7pm

Sushi Sun 383-2772

Domino’s Pizza 383-3838 7 days 10am-8pm El Condor Pizza 388-5383 7 days, 12pm-10pm FEDE’S 383-3419 (044-638) 100-5834 12pm-5pm, Closed Sun.

AIR AMBULANCE (dial within Mexico)

ELECTRIC

RESTAURANTS

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

Figaros Pizza 383-8181

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

Pet Friendly

HOTELS

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

VETERINARY CARE

Chochoy 383-2338 Guillermo Prieto & Melchor Ocampo Gallo de Oro (044) 638-112-3343 Samuel Ocaña La Posta 383-2574 Simon Morua & Guillermo Prieto

Servicios Medicos Veterinarios 383-3344 Blvd. Sonora & Galeana (west of Josefa)

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

EVENTS CALENDAR FEBRUARY 2017 EVERYDAY Al Anon Family Groups. Email to schedule a meeting; Marcia at marsupis@gmail.com. American Legion Post MX-15 open from 8am-8pm in El Mirador in the old Los Juanes Restaurant. MONDAYS 10AM Alcoholics Anonymous meets (English) (See Pg. 42). 12PM Horseshoe tournament at South Side Jillz, open to anyone who cares to play, and with happy hour prices! 1PM Horseshoe Tournament at South Side Jillz. Every Monday. 6PM Alcoholics Anonymous meets (Spanish) (See Pg. 42). TUESDAYS 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 382-0113 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. Powerball Bingo at the American Legion Post MX 15. 2pm. Cost $7 dlls for 6 games. 2PM - POWERBAL BINGO at the American Legion Post MX15 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. After each game, a shooter number is called, if you have this number you get a “shooter” of tequila or ?? 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. 7-8PM Salsa Lessons! At South Side Jillz. Come and learn how to dance like a pro! THURSDAYS PINK CADILLAC - swim up bar, open Wed. thru Sun. 2PM till close. Burgers, pizza and more during the summer months. 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. 4PM Bingo (Loteria) at Casa Hogar, Home for the Elderly. Everyone welcome to participate. 5PM-7PM Ladies Day at South Side Jillz, music, games and a “surprise” for all, happy hour prices and a good selection of wine. Powerball Bingo at the American Legion Post MX 15. 2pm. Cost $7 dlls for 6 games. 2PM - POWERBAL BINGO at the American Legion Post MX15 FRIDAYS 8AM Alcoholics Anonymous “Freebirds” newcomers/book study meeting. Call 382-5001 for more info (See Pg. 42). PINK CADILLAC - swim up bar, open Wed. thru Sun. 2PM till close. Burgers, pizza and more during the summer months. 7PM Eight Ball Tournament at South Side Jillz for the Pool players, double elimination, blind draw. 8PM - Pool Tournament at South Side Jillz. Every Friday. 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. Powerball Bingo at the American Legion Post MX 15. 2pm. Cost $7 dlls for 6 games. 2PM - POWERBAL BINGO at the American Legion Post MX15 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. Experience worship with both American & Mexican Christians! Phone: (011-52-638) 3834513. San Jose Mission Church- in Cholla Bay. Bilingual Catholic Mass. At noon every Sunday. All our welcome.

CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST EVENTS! Wednesday 1st • Dia de la Constitucion Saturday 4th • Mermaids Market at Shrimp Plaza 10am - 3pm Sunday 5th • Super Bowl Sunday • Super Bowl Party Sunday at the American Legion Post MX 15. Bring an appetizer to share. Thursday 9th • Mariposa Love Luncheon

• St. Patrick’s Day. Saturday 18th • AZOP Rocky Point Race. Come join us for this awesome race for bikes, utvs and atvs. NON POINT - NON MEMBERSHIP RACE at Sandy Beach area. Starting at 8am. • 10am - 3pm Mermaid’s Market at Shrimp Park (Blvd. Benito Juarez & Fremont). Sunday 19th • AZOP Rocky Point Race. Come join us for this awesome race for bikes, utvs and atvs. NON POINT - NON MEMBERSHIP RACE at Sandy Beach area. Starting at 8am.

Friday 10th • American Legion MX Post 15 Yard Sale. 8am - 2pm. Second Weekend of every month. Bring your own items to sell or make a donation to the Legion.

Monday 21st • Natalicio de Benito Juarez

Saturday 11th • American Legion MX Post 15 Yard Sale. 8am - 2pm. Second Weekend of every month. Bring your own items to sell or make a donation to the Legion. • CBSC Golf Tournament.

Thursday 30th • S.O.B. Festival

Sunday 12th • American Legion MX Post 15 Yard Sale. 8am - 2pm. Second Weekend of every month. Bring your own items to sell or make a donation to the Legion. Tuesday 14th • Happy Valentines Day. • Valentine’s Dinner at American Legion Post MX 15. Surf n’ Turn. 2pm-4pm. $7dlls in advance. $9dlls at the door. Saturday 18th • Mermaids Market at Peñasco del Sol. 10am-3pm Sunday 19th • Las Conchas Yard Sale. All proceeds go to local charities. To volunteer or donate call 382-0029 or email honlewis@hotmail. com. • 11am Las Conchas Yard Sale. To volunteer or donate call 382-0029 or email honlewis@hotmail.com Monday 19th • Presidents Day. Friday 24th • Festival del Globo/Ballon Festival at Laguna del Mar • SADR Sandstorm 300 Race Saturday 25th • Festival del Globo/Ballon Festival at Laguna del Mar • SADR Sandstorm 300 Race Sunday 26th • Festival del Globo/Ballon Festival at Laguna del Mar MARCH 2017 Wednesday 1st • Ash Wednesday. Saturday 4th • CBSC Game Night. • Sock Hop at Latitude 31. Malt Shop menu available and great 50’s music and costume contest. • Mermaids Market at Shrimp Plaza 10am - 3pm Thursday 10th • American Legion MX Post 15 Yard Sale. 8am - 2pm. Second Weekend of every month. Bring your own items to sell or make a donation to the Legion. Friday 11th • American Legion MX Post 15 Yard Sale. 8am - 2pm. Second Weekend of every month. Bring your own items to sell or make a donation to the Legion. Friday 12th • American Legion MX Post 15 Yard Sale. 8am - 2pm. Second Weekend of every month. Bring your own items to sell or make a donation to the Legion. Friday 17th • AZOP Rocky Point Race. Come join us for this awesome race for bikes, utvs and atvs. NON POINT - NON MEMBERSHIP RACE at Sandy Beach area. Starting at 8am.

Tuesday 22nd • Happy Birthday Mario!

Friday 31st • S.O.B. Festival APRIL 2017 Saturday 1st • CBSC Horseshoe Tournament. • S.O.B. Festival • Pirate and Mermaid Extravanganza at Shrimp Park. Dress like a Pirate or Mermaid! Custome contests with cash prizes. Sunday 2nd • S.O.B. Festival Monday 3rd • Mariposa PJ party Sunday 9th • Palm Sunday.

NOTE: Cap’n Greg claims he is being held hostage by a Larry the Lucky Lobster slot machine in Laughlin, Nevada. He says he has tried to escape several times, but Lady Luck has other plans, and will not allow him to write this month’s column. Cap’n Greg’s brother, Mel, has offered to fill in. Without further adieu, Mel says... I was sitting on the deck at The Pit, looking out over the sand and sea. I noticed several boats were heading toward the big water southwest of Bird Island. I also noticed my cerveza was almost empty when a comely lass sat at my table with a full beer, and one for herself. SALLYANNE: Do you mind if I buy you one, Cap’n Greg? I’m Sallyanne.

Friday 14th • American Legion MX Post 15 Yard Sale. 8am - 2pm. Second Weekend of every month. Bring your own items to sell or make a donation to the Legion. • Good Friday.

MEL: Of course you can, Sallyanne. Yet, while I admit I am movie star handsome and am often confused with George Clooney, I think you’ve mistaken me for my far less charming younger brother.

Saturday 15th • American Legion MX Post 15 Yard Sale. 8am - 2pm. Second Weekend of every month. Bring your own items to sell or make a donation to the Legion.

SALLYANNE: I swear I’ve seen your eye-catching picture in the Rocky Point Times.

Tuesday 11 • Passover. th

Sunday 16th • American Legion MX Post 15 Yard Sale. 8am - 2pm. Second Weekend of every month. Bring your own items to sell or make a donation to the Legion. • Easter Sunday. Friday 28th • Santa Claus Club Cornhole Tournament at the Baja Cantina Hotel. Saturday 29 • Santa Claus Club Cornhole Tournament at JJ’s Cantina in Cholla Bay. th

Sunday 30 • Santa Claus Club Cornhole Tournament at Duke’s Restaurant & Sports Bar. th

MAY 2017 Friday 5th • Cinco de Mayo. • 2nd Annual BBQ Contest at South Side Jillz.

MEL: If you don’t mind, I’d rather talk about something more pleasant, like the bird poop on those islands out there. SALLYANNE: Looks like pyramids to me. MEL: From 24 miles away, what you’re seeing is a mirage. It’s actually the peaks of Isla San Jorge to the locals and Bird Island to gringos like me. SALLYANNE: Strange color. MEL: Thanks to the aforementioned bird poop. SALLYANNE: Kinda stinky, too, I bet. MEL: A little worse than whale breath. SALLYANNE: Excuse me? MEL: The fin whales are back. SALLYANNE: But whale breath? MEL: You get close enough when one is clearing his blow hole and the ripe essence of its diet is unmistakable. It’s like my brother after an All-U-Can-Eat sushi experience. SALLYANNE: That is so totally yucky. But at the same time enormously interesting.

MEL: It’s the captain’s hat. All of us high seas swashbucklers pretty much look alike.

MEL: You wanna run down to the marina and check out the next whale watching charter?

SALLYANNE: So you aren’t Cap’n Greg?

SALLYANNE: Count me in. But too bad Cap’n Greg isn’t here to join us.

MEL: Not even close. You can call me Vice Admiral Mel. SALLYANNE: Vice Admiral? MEL: Two parts vice, one part admiral. SALLYANNE: Sounds like a campaign slogan.

MEL: A real heart breaker, Sallyanne. But I think we will somehow manage without him. SALLYANNE: This should be fun, Vice Admiral Mel. May I wear your hat? MEL: No.

Saturday 6th • Kentucky Derby party at Boo Bar with a raffle, stick horse races and a hat contest Wednesday 10th • Dia de las Madres. Sunday 14th • Mother’s Day. Sunday 28th • CBSC Fish Fry. • Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction at Latitude 31 Monday 29th • Happy Birthday Sandy! • Memorial Day.

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

Puerta Privada...A Must See Property!!!

t all began in 1994 with the first hi-rise development in town, Plaza Las Glorias Hotel & Condos (now Peñasco del Sol & Condominiums Pinacate). After that, it was Princesa de Peñasco in 1998, Sonoran Spa in 2000, and Sonoran Sea in 2002. Miguel Guevara was the Project Director and Mary Snyder the Sales Director, for these 4 resorts. They were all completed, sold out, turned over to the homeowners, and are currently managed and rented as some of Peñasco’s favorites.

With 7 additional rental properties popping up on Sandy Beach, the Guevara/Snyder development team decided the town was ready for a unique project that did not allow rentals. So in 2004, Guevara joint ventured with Carlos Saenz, who owned and operated Palmar RV Park for many years. In 2005, the RV park came down, with constuction and sales beginning for Puerta Privada. The project was sold out, completed and delivered by 2007. Combining past experience, reputation, and proven track record, Puerta Privada continues to be the leader in setting the standard for quality construction, design, and finishes. The project consists of two towers that run directly parallel to the water, providing 180 degree views of the ocean to the south, and golf course views to the north, from every single condo. They are quite spacious with the 2 bedroom units just under 2000 sq ft and the 3 bedroom units at 2750 sq ft. Marble floors, beveled cut glass, granite countertops, reverse osmosis water/ice, stainless appliances and dual pane windows are just some of the features that come standard in all of the units. The common areas include 2 negative edge pools, one heated and the other Olympic lap length, 2 hot tubs, underground parking, pet park, basketball, and lighted tennis court. The 3 story amenity building, fabulously detailed with carved cantera stone, features a state of the art fitness center (with resident personal trainer), a game room loaded with air hockey, pool table, shuffleboard, foos ball, darts, and touch screen video game computers.

The top floor clubhouse is beautifully furnished with full kitchen and bar areas, plasma TV’s, BBQ’s poker tables and fireplace. This is where the true heart of Puerta Privada begins. It’s not just a project but a home away from home, with a family feel. Most of the owners have condos in other developments, or businesses in town. Why do they prefer Privada? Due to the non rental policy, (long term leases ARE allowed), there is such a community atmosphere, since everyone knows their neighbor, and they are all there for the same reason. Every month there are events, golf or tennis tournaments, art shows, holiday parties with bands, etc. Or the last minute, everyonebring-somethingto-share, get togethers at the pool or clubhouse. Many of the owners have said that they have made some of the best friendships here, which will last a lifetime. Almost all of the current HOA board members, including the president and resort administrator, have served on other boards in Peñasco. This experience, coupled with the lack of rental, which causes wear and tear, allows Puerta Privada to maintain some the lowest HOA monthly fees on the beach.

This unique project has it all…quality, reputation, privacy and, in today’s market, the opportunity to take advantage of some terrific, resale opportunities. Visit the “Privada Lifestyle” and experience it for yourself. You’ll be glad you did!! For pressure free information, the furnished model on Sandy Beach is open 7 days a week, 9AM-5PM or checkout the website at www.PuertaPrivada.com.

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Consider this when building your Rocky Point Dream Home

By Joseph Sanchez President, Rocky Point Home Builders

Each year, many tourists decide to make Puerto Peñasco a permanent vacation by purchasing property and building a home. However, many people can be deterred by the process not knowing that building a home in Puerto Peñasco is a fairly easy process. This article will discuss steps to consider to successfully build a home in Puerto Peñasco.

Purchasing a Lot

An important step in the process of building a home is purchasing a nice lot in a good location. Make sure your lot has access to water and electricity if possible. If it does not have access to water you can always truck in water and dump it into your cistern. If the lot does not have electricity, I would look for a lot that does. Solar panel technology is not advanced enough to power the entire load of your home and generators can be noisy. Another important thing to consider is the grade or slope of your lot. You want to purchase a lot that is relatively flat and does not require a lot of fill to bring it up to street level. Grading your lot can be an expensive process and can add up to $10,000 or more to the construction price of a home. Try to purchase a lot that does not require truckloads of fill and you will save money. The community’s association that will oversee your community is important so make sure you review all the bylaws to make sure you agree with them. Some communities have fees for permission to build a home and they can be significant so make sure you know those costs upfront and that you can afford them.

An important step in the process of building a home in Puerto Peñasco is purchasing a nice lot in a good location.

Designing a Home

Once you have your lot purchased, it’s time for designing your home. You will want to work with a local architect or a design/build construction company to complete this task. Whomever you choose, you need to ensure that they understand any rules governed by the city and your local association. Some of the most important rules revolve around height and size, so you don’t block anybody’s view, and also side variances so you are not encroaching too close to your neighbor, as an example. Before you can get city permits, most homeowner’s associations must approve your home design first, and that is done by the association’s engineer. If you work with an architect that makes any mistakes violating association design rules, it will only delay your project because the engineer will not approve the plans. The goal should be to get your plans approved the first time so be sure to choose a company with enough experience to do so. Once your association approves your plans it is now time to get city permits. City permits consist of two parts that include the construction permission and the Engineer’s signature or DRO. Together the costs range

depending on where you live, the more desirable your lot location the more expensive they can be. On average, permits will cost anywhere from $4-$6,000 on average.

Building Your Home

You will want to ensure that the company you choose to build your home follows all Federal Labor Laws which means that they pay into the worker’s social security and Infonavit systems. Mexico is highly protective of worker’s rights and medical wellness and it’s the hiring company’s responsibility to ensure those rights are respected. A company that follows labor laws will pay into the Federal medical insurance system for their workers, it’s Mexico’s version of social security and, if a worker gets injured on the job, the medical bills are paid. Think of it as workers compensation insurance in the States. If you hire a company that does not follow the Federal Labor Laws you could be fined, potentially have your project shut down, and will be responsible to pay any medical bills for any injuries incurred by a worker on your job-site. An easy way to ensure the company follows labor law is to ask for the company’s Cédula de Determinación, which is proof that they make payments into the social security system on behalf of their workers. A Cédula de Determinación is issued each month so make sure you are looking at the current month’s copy and hold the company accountable. 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.

Ensure that the company that builds your home follows all Federal Labor Laws which means that they pay into the worker’s social security and Infonavit or you risk consequences such as fines, medical bills for any workers and more. Once you have your lot purchased, it’s time for designing your home. You will want to work with a local architect or a design/build construction company to complete this task.

Rodger Joseph CLIFTON (1935 - 2017) - Obituary

CLIFTON, Rodger Joseph 81, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 5th, 2017. Rodger was born in Pontiac, MI on December 9th, 1935. Rodger is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Louise Clifton; his brother, Tommy Clifton; his sister, Mary Ann Clifton and his Gentle Giant son, Brian Christopher Clifton. Rodger is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Jeanette E. Clifton, whom he called his “precious yum yum”, sister-in-law, Donna Clifton (widow of Tommy); sister, Nancy (Frank) Lozzi; brother, Art (Karen) Clifton; sons, Patrick (Chris) Clifton, Michael (Jeanne) Clifton, Lisa Clifton (widow of Brian), Matthew (Kim) Clifton and the sparkle of his eyes his ten grandchildren, Brittany (Robby) Marycz, Sean Clifton, Ian (Hailey) Clifton, Caitlin Clifton, Kelly Clifton, Melisa Clifton, Mikey Clifton, Jadon Clifton, Matthew Yates and Adam Clifton and many nieces and nephews. Before Rodger’s passing he received the joyous news that a “great grandbaby” was on the way. Rodger filled his 81 years of life well. “Everything in excess! To enjoy the flavor of life, take big bites. Moderation is for Monks”. This quote from Robert Heinlein was Rodger’s mantra. He worked hard and played hard, accomplishing great success in all aspects of his life. He touched many lives with his friendship, mentoring, generosity of spirit and his incredible philanthropy. Rodger was an entrepreneur who had a “gift of gab” and an ability to sell anything. During a trip to Tucson in the winter of 1974, Rodger saw the wisdom in leaving Michigan for warm desert and moved the family here. His first real estate company was Century 21 Frontier Realty which quickly became the #1 franchise for C-21 in North America. His next business venture was Clifton Investment Company which acquired, developed and managed over 5000 apartment units and commercial properties in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. In the early 90’s Rodger and Jeanette “retired” to Rocky Point, Puerto Peñasco, MX. Almost immediately they opened First Mexican Investments with their partner, Compadre and 5th son, Enrique (Carmen) Rodriguez. So much for retirement. Rodger and Jeanette were instrumental with many projects including an orphanage in Altar, Mexico, “Casa Hogar” a home for the elderly in Puerto Peñasco and assisting Amore Ministries in the community which brought many groups together to build over 2000 homes for those in need. One of their most unique projects was instructing students from the Peñasco middle schools to build “Earthship” houses out of tires, cans and sand and showing them the benefits of recycling. Mexico was not the only place that benefited from Rodger and Jeanette’s huge hearts. Their latest projects in Tucson have been the Santa Maria Soup Kitchen and Sister Jose Women’s Center which they have been raising funds to construct a new building. There are no words to summarize the life of Rodger Joseph Clifton. His life’s accomplishments were not his business successes, but rather the way he was able to connect with people. Rodger made people believe in themselves and truly loved life. Always the leader, Rodger inspired innumerable individuals during his 81 years on earth. His kindness, love, humor and zest for life will live on through those who were fortunate enough to have known him. A Celebration of Rodger’s life was held on January 14, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona.

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(a 501©3 non-profit Corporation)

by Nancy Phelan AKA “The Pack Leader” ‘Animals come into our lives as gifts from God, for companionship, to teach us, and to heal us. They deserve our very best efforts in caring for them’ Dr. Ihor Basko, DVM

New Regulations for Animal Protection We also have 2 little sisters that are only about 2 months old. They are very sweet and attached to each other.

Happy Valentine’s Day We want to thank everyone who donated and helped the animals in 2016. We saved and treated hundreds of animals, thanks to our friends. Other needs at the center are cleaning supplies and soft dog beds. Costco has great ones this time of year for about 25 dollars.

Cats in the cathouse...having lunch. Kitten season is just around the corner and we will be needing Purina dry kitten food.

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

Our dog of the month is Valentino, Valentino has three sisters who bully him, so he is a little shy, very sweet and loves to cuddle. He us about 4 months old and on his vaccines schedule.

Puerto Peñasco has a new regulation for animal protection, which has been approved by chapter and is intended to be implemented as soon as possible, said the veterinarian, Erick Francisco Gastelum Pacheco, in charge of the Center for Animal Control of the Municipal Coordination of Health of this municipality. The new regulation will give protection to pets and animals that inhabit the city, imposing sanctions on any person who mistreats, whether physically, having them tethered, without food or water, or other type of maltreatment which can cause damage to health and life of the animal. When implemented, the new law will impose fines on people, owners of pets or not, who cause abuse an animal - even if it is inside a private property, something that previously could not be done within the legal framework of animal protection laws. Gastelum Pacheco invites all citizens to report any abuse they observe, whether on the public highway or within a

property because the new law considers abuse as any neglect of the pet that leads to their physical wellbeing. Just knowing that this law exists will help prevent people from committing offenses against animals and make them think twice before hurting them, under threat of fine or even arrest for up to 36 hours if the offense is serious enough, said the head of the Center Of Animal Control. The law will also address sanctioning of pet owners who let their pets run free in the street without supervision. At this time, a written warning will be given to offenders who do not control their pets. In case of a second offense, a fine could be levied in addition to the capture of the animal by the kennel. Anyone witness to animal abuse who wishes to report the occurrence can report it directly to the Municipal Health Coordination, at 638-388-5152. In more extreme cases, a call to the police department may be warranted in order to spur a faster response time.

This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.

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Rockin’ On Into An Awesome New Year’s in Rocky Point…

By Mark Paliscak

Wow, what a fun packed holiday week it was in Rocky Point. There were so many parties going on in town between the house and condo parties, the restaurant parties and the bar, lounge and night club parties…it was truly the place to be anywhere! I was lucky enough to share New Year’s with so many good friends and family and I just was not sure where to go so this year I went mixy mulato style and did a sprinkling of several parties. OH WHAT FUN!!!

My friends and I started the weekly festivities out at Capone’s, Boo Bar and of course Tekila Bar. Each place was a hoot and a half and all of us thoroughly enjoyed the events. To start out the evening on New Year’s Eve, my good friends over at Bella Sirena and I shared a progressive pot luck of food, drinks and of course, good down home Rocky Point laughter! From there we headed over to Bandito’s with my good friend’s Jake and Alli who were visiting from Scottsdale. Both of the newlyweds-to-be, Jake and Alli, were

newcomers to Rocky Point and loved it and cannot wait to come back! Bandito’s had a $40 special of all you can drink and eat accompanied with two excellent bands and dancing. Bandito’s really did an excellent job hosting the party and all of the revelers seemed to be having a great time. Hats off to the taco cart dude…they were outstanding! All of the parties were way fun and I was able to meet a host of new friends but I must give a TWO MARGARITAS HIGH award to Wrecked at the Reef for their party they threw on January 1st. If you did not go, put it down for next year…this was a BLAST! Congrats to Randy and Jeannie for their top-notch additions to Wrecked! They added about 12 or so palapas on the beach with tables and seating as well as a huge outside stage for the band. The first day of 2017 was magnifico with Wrecked’s band La Merca playing outside on the

new stage and the “dance floor” ahem… the beach…was rocking and rolling with loads of fun peeps. There was even a “golf contest” with some side bets going on which was extra fun for yours truly. Leave it to Randy and Scotty P to create a game everywhere you go. This game consisted of burying a bucket in the sand and tossing a golf ball off of the Wrecked balcony and trying to make it into the bucket. After about 12 or so guys had tossed some dude stepped up and KERPLUNK’ed it. He proceeded to run down the steps, off came his jersey, off came his shirt and dove on

his back onto a massage table and started doing snow angels! WHAT A HAM! (Well, in this case I like my ham with some tequila…. It was me running around with all the shenanigans thinking I won)… But, there was one more person to go and SHAZAM…he sunk it in. So, double the bets and double the fun...everyone had their chance again and…all misses. But wait last, but not least, was…me…and VAVOOM…Winner Winner…MARCO! So, I had to do another victory lap around the beach. Sorry folks, but I think I am missing the shame chip. Thank you again Wrecked at the Reef for an awesome event and, if you have not seen the new stage and outside bar and palapas, put it on your Rocky Point list. Lastly, a special shout out to my new friends Michelle and Crystal for the super fun time!

My holiday week would not have been complete without a round of golf and fun with my buddies and of course my golf cart chuckle a minute amigo, Tomas. Muchas gracias, Tomas for one HYSTERICAL day! The weather sure has been grand and as the months roll on…Woah…it’s almost SPRING BREAK! Can’t wait to see you at the beach in our beautiful seaside town of ROCKY POINT! ADIOS AMIGOS!!! GOD BLESS!!!

Zipping Along

By Mike Bibb

Eric Brown’s Dec. 2016, Rocky Point Times article detailing the anticipated construction of a zip-line course stretched along the mountain near Bahia la Cholla (Cholla Bay), is beginning to take shape. According to Brown’s column the company installing the facility has erected several of them in various parts of the world and boasts of having a 100 percent safety record. Sounds good. Recently wife, Eilene, and I were cruising the Cholla Bay area when we noticed a pickup truck and a few workers assembled on the side of the mountain near what is commonly know as “Comp Hill.” Not certain what they were doing, we rambled closer to get a better view. Bouncing over a few desert ATV trails and scrub bushes, we eventually managed to get within camera range. Zooming-in on three guys gathered around a steel post anchored and guyed to the hill, we noticed another worker several hundred meters distant. Apparently, his job was to align the zip-line with another terminal. When completed, five separate lines will traverse the mountain, with one section being about a half-mile long. Which seems like an unimaginable distance to travel while slipping along beneath a suspended wire. Then again, maybe views of the nearby cruise ship pier will make the experience even more eventful. Actually, the experience will probably be more eventful when the pier is finally finished! A trio of workers erect a zip-line apparatus on the mountain close to La Cholla.

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17 Secrets for a Hidden Gem:

Hot new waterfront eatery in Cholla Bay Happy and Lucky 2017

By Anita Kaltenbaugh

With all the oysters, clams and crabs in Cholla Bay, I found a pearl: The Cholla Bay Oyster House. The name even sounds good rolling off your tongue. Fashioned after classical east coast chowder seafood houses, The Cholla Bay Oyster House will delight even the most snobby east coaster.

Walk in the front door, and a large granite and stone bar invites you to sit down and have a drink. Nautical-themed decor and a glass front open up directly to the Bay. Looking for that perfect outside seating with a view, a place you can visit with friends and relax? Cholla Bay Oyster House is the spot. Stroll out to the brick paved patio complete with the hulls of the old Parrothead Express Catamaran that sat on the lot for years and witness a great recycling project. The hulls of the boat, now turned into a charming bar, has a perfect thatch palapa roof covering the inviting outside area. The owner, long time Cholla Bay Barracho Flats resident, John Makarchuk and his wife Margaret partnered in an Oyster Farm in Mexico, and the idea of an Oyster House in Cholla Bay was always on his mind. It’s been open a few

months and the hours right now are primarily Thursday through Saturday, opening at 11 a.m. The staff offers great customer service with the manager Nick Corrales, Laura, Lori and Arturo, Lupe and Alejandro cooking. John who is originally from New Hampshire loved the traditional oyster’s houses in Boston and Northeastern United States and his menu with New England clam chowder, oysters on the half shell, baked oysters, oyster Rockefeller, clams casino, fish cakes, and crab cakes touch his roots. I understand this being from back east. After living in Ocean City, Maryland for several years, I have become addicted to blue crabs. On the eastern shore of the United States, we serve them up in buckets, thrown on a table covered with newspaper and the pickin’ begins with a frenzy. Add a few pitchers of ice cold beer and good conversation, and I’m in heaven. I haven’t found a Mexican crab house to serve my blue crabs the way I crave, but Cholla Bay Oyster House has the best Blue Crab cakes I’ve tasted anywhere in the West or Mexico. Who knows maybe John will get the hint and try a Blue Crab fest in the future and if he does, I’m in. The peel and eat shrimp also remind me of my days on the eastern shore. And, just to let you know how serious I am about my seafood, If I’m going to the electric chair and I get to choose my last meal, this is it: Blue crabs, rocky point shrimp, and pizza...I know pizza sounds odd ...but carbs won’t matter if I’m going to the electric chair. What would you choose? A friend of mine originally from the Chicago area, but now residing in Arizona visited the Cholla Bay Oyster House, and she instantly envisioned a Cholla Bay boutique restaurant row along the bay. Who knows, a restaurant row done correctly, could only highlight the magic of Cholla. However, until that vision appears,

A literary column By Marcia Diane

take a ride out to Cholla Bay and dine, drink and savor the delectable shrimp, crab, oysters and clams of The Cholla Bay Oyster House. Sit back and relax and become mesmerized by the azure waters of Cholla. They also have a good selection of soups, salads, and tacos. Remember, in Cholla there’s no sniveling-- just relaxing. And, while you’re visiting Cholla, don’t’ miss a stop at the infamous JJ’s Cantina for a cold one and a view, and breakfast or lunch stop at Sally’s Café (Xochitls)’ for some of the best burritos, chili rellenos, and machaca. On the right day (when they’re open), try a fish taco at Mr. Fish Taco and a quesadilla at Chungos and you will have sampled all that Cholla Bay restaurants have to offer. Good food is all the sweeter when shared with good friends. And, If you’ve read my new suspense novel on Amazon, A Deep Thing by A.K. Smith, drop me an email at anitainmexico@aol.com, love to hear your thoughts!

Anita Kaltenbaugh is the Mexico travel examiner at examiner.com and author of the book “Travel Secrets- Insider guide to planning, affording and taking more vacations” available on Amazon.com. Watch for her debut fiction novel, “A Deep Thing” being released in Summer 2016 by The Wild Rose Press.

Just finished reading the January issue of our very own Rocky Point Times, which is a fun way to get ready to write this column. Here we are already launched into the second month of the New Year… seriously folks, time does fly especially when we are having fun down here in paradise. Today I’d like to introduce you all to a new young poet I discovered in my in-box. That’s right, you’ll remember I keep encouraging everybody to sign up for Poets.org…well that’s where I found her…a poet a day…comes my way, how cool is that. Her name is Julie Carr. Ms. Carr is the author of Objects from a Borrowed Confession (Ahsahta Press, forthcoming in 2017). She teaches at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and lives in Denver. She has another book of poems: Sarah — of Fragments and Lines(Coffee House Press, 2010) I hope she publishes more, I think you will too after reading this one. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Foreclosing on That Peril I’ll keep explaining—because maybe you still don’t get it Those children in California (substitute any state), dead from gunfire— Let me begin again in a little roof garden with my friend A perverse reader, he listens to my stories as if they were TV I mean he mocks me lovingly on the roof and at the library book sale My friend is not a banker but a prison activist He used to be a philosopher, but like many philosophers, he’s taken a turn that should be easy to understand The trajectory from philosopher to activist is like the curve of a single brushstroke across a large canvas Artists in the fifties paid attention to that I hate flat language like this, but I’m pretty flat sometimes. You have to be your own dictator and the law is, hate yourself if you have to, but don’t stop doing the thing you said you were going to do As I tell my daughters often Emotion is a site of unraveling (JB) I admit, gripping my T-shirt I wish I were writing in prose an unfolding intensity that shocks history professors and prison activists equally Later, in the grass, we’ll practice gymnastics and that way contribute our sweat to Our Ephemeral City >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I love what she has to say about this piece: “I write from experience. ‘Emotion is a site of unraveling’ is a line from the writer and theorist Judith Butler, who helps me to understand my experiences as I have them. Poetry is a form of philosophy, of activism, and of history, but it is also only movement in the grass.” If you want a real treat go to Poets.org and listen to her read this poem out loud. And of course please join us for our on-line writing group at: m.diane.writeon@gmail.com

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

You can’t win if you don’t play… Rocky Point Tourism Up at the 2017 Taste of Peñasco! Again in 2016! By Kit Anderson

Thanks to the generous donations from our local business community, the number of raffle prizes, which is still growing, has far exceeded anything we’ve seen in the past. As of early January, when this article was written, we have more than 60 prizes to raffle off. And we expect this number to nearly double by the date of the event, February 18th. Here’s just a “taste” of what you can win…we have golf, hotel stays, adventures of all sorts, restaurant discounts and freebies, automotive, salon & spa, art, curios and so much more! Raffle tickets can be purchased during the event for $5 each or 5 for $20. But if you don’t want to waste a moment standing in line, you can also purchase your raffle tickets now at Peñasco Beauty Center (just off Ave. Constitución next to Super Ley) or by emailing santaclausclub@hotmail. com. 100% of the proceeds from raffle sales and guest judge ticket sales directly benefit our charities, Red Cross and Santa Claus Club.

Who wants to be the 2017 Guest Culinary Judge? As always, the highlight of this event is the Culinary Competition. But this year our guest judge can expect a fun little twist. Rather than merely sampling a handful of our local chef ’s specialties, our winner can expect to delight his or her palate with more than 15 delicacies, as all of our restaurants will be competing for the Culinary Favorite Award. There is only one prerequisite for the coveted guest judge seat, you must have a big appetite and love food! Don’t concern yourself about portion sizes however, as all of the entries will be served on a small 4” plate, so that not only the judges, but also the attendees, can fully enjoy all of the culinary flavors the 2017 Taste of Peñasco

has to offer. Guest judge raffle tickets are on sale now at Peñasco Beauty Center or by emailing santaclausclub@hotmail.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the event until 1:00 PM. Drawing will be held at 1:30 PM. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.

Salsa! Who doesn’t love it? Ten competitors, 10 unique recipes. Which will be your favorite? Tickets to judge the Salsa Competition are only $1 and everyone is invited to participate! New for 2017 is the People’s Choice Award for Best Salsa. It’s sure to be hit with the public. The 9th Annual Taste of Peñasco will be held at Peñasco del Sol Hotel on February 18th beginning at 12:00 PM. There will be plenty of parking so be sure to bring all your friends and family and a non-perishable item for the 2 Fish Ministry Food Drive. Entertainment will be provided by Joshua Ellis, Vania & Heber, Los Hijos de Mauricio and Los Ponchos. Emcees Russ Black and Gilberto Castillo. The 2017 event committee consisting of Jonni Francis, John Fowler, Sarina Brown with tremendous assistance from Cinthya Aguirado, Beverly Arrowood and Russ Black, would like to thank our generous sponsors, Tecate; JJ’s Cantina, AMPI, Seaside Reservations, Rocky Point Realty Group, Real Consulting and our advertising sponsors Rocky Point Times, Join Us and Rocky Point 360, for without their support this event would not be possible. See you at the Taste!

The 2 million visitors mark was exceeded in November

pesos) in economic gain for our city. This is another annual gain, even

Tourism in Puerto Peñasco had a

without adding the last month of the

very successful 2016, with numbers

year into the calculations. Typically,

at the end of November showing

December is one of the slower months

another increase over the past several

due to the cooler weather and the

years. The increase can be attributed

Christmas holiday so the numbers

to many factors, some of which are the

will not increase greatly, but after

growing number of people who have

recalculating with December included,

learned about Rocky Point, the lack

the numbers will be even better.

of US State Department warnings, an

OCV

director

Vázquez

del

advantageous dollar/peso exchange

Mercado commented that it is a goal of

rate, and much hard work by our

the city to promote the winter months,

Mayor, Kiko Munro, the current

which traditionally see fewer visitors,

administration, and Héctor Vázquez

with more special events and activities,

del Mercado, President of the local

giving more people a reason to visit

Convention and Visitors Bureau.

between November and February.

The

calculations,

until

November is a good example, as

November 20 of this year, show an

the Rocky Point Rally is held every

average occupation rate of 50%, a

November and it always brings a large

figure that in previous years had

number of visitors to Rocky Point. This

hovered around the 40% mark. These

year, the popular event brought in 21%

figures are actually very close to those

more visitors than in the previous year

forecast by the OCV at the beginning

of 2015.

of the year based on the tourism

As Rocky Point is discovered

growth trend of at least 10% each year

by more and more people, it is very

since 2012.

encouraging to see all of the growth

The November 20th mark of 2

and new businesses around town. Now

million visitors who have chosen to

that it looks like the Home Port will be

visit Peñasco roughly translates into

back on track soon, the future looks

103 million dollars (just over 2 billion

very bright for our little city on the sea.

This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.

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

Potpourri - Short Shorts of All Sorts! Whale Hill Road Paving is Underway

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.

Most frequent visitors are familiar with Whale Hill. That’s the steep, bumpy, dirt, unlit, road that will take you to the Casa del Capitan, Pane y Vino Seafood Restaurant, and Pan y Vino restaurants, along with some of the best views in town. While the restaurants and the views will remain unchanged, the drive up to them will be much more pleasant very soon. Pavement using hydraulic concrete is already underway, and is expected to be completed by the time our next “high season” hits in March. This is was very welcome news to both the restaurant owners and their clientele who have been asking for the improvement for several years. The City will invest over 7 million pesos in the project and construction is already in process, having begun a few weeks ago. Access to the top is still open to traffic, but you can expect a minor detour and to drive around the ongoing construction.

this important celebration is to institutionalize it by developing the Pro Carnaval Committee,” stated the mayor. “The only way to achieve this is by involving individuals from tourism, education, hotels, restaurants, service providers, civil society, and private initiatives, among others, as has been seen in cities such as Guaymas, Mazatlan, and Veracruz.” During this first meeting, the mayor and representatives from different sectors of the community agreed the 2017 Carnaval would take place during the first week of March, which also coincides with tourism flow from Spring Break, allowing visitors from the area and abroad, to take part in the celebration.

City to Invest More than 6 Million Pesos in Sidewalks and Curbs

Mayor provides judicial certainty to 40 families in San Rafael

Sandy Beach to Receive National Clean Beach Certification

According to preliminary results issued by the Mexican Institute of Normalization and Certification, IMNC, it has been concluded that Sandy Beach Beach is accredited for Certification of Clean Beach. This is a great honor and accomplishment, and it makes our very own Sandy Beach the only certified clean beach in all of Sonora. Many Thanks and Congratulations to all involved!

Cholla Bay Road Blind Curve Eliminated

This may be inside information for most, but for those who have driven the dirt road to Cholla Bay, it is very welcome news. For several years, there has been a 90 degree turn in the road just as you enter the home stretch to get into Cholla Bay. This curve was obscured in both directions by the large sand hill just south of the road, and the blind curve has been the site of several accidents and even more near-accidents. Recently, the homeowners of Cholla Bay, along with Gus Brown of SBR Investments, took the matter into hand and eliminated the obstruction, allowing for an easy line of site in both directions. Hats off to Gus and the Cholla Bay community in making the road safer for all.

Roof Construction Begins Under Temporary Work Program

Together with State Social Development (SEDESOL) Delegate Rosario Rodríguez Quiñones, Mayor Kiko Munro marked the official launch of roof construction projects under the Temporary Work Program, which seeks to improve the quality of life for families in need. The program, which represents an investment of 2,119,770 pesos, includes just over 407,000 pesos from the Municipal Social Infrastructure Fund. Approximately 200 Peñasco families will benefit from the construction of roofs, measuring approximately 30 square meters. The State Social Development Delegate noted Puerto Peñasco was the only border municipality that responsibly contributed municipal resources to the Temporary Work Program, noting a commitment to extend the number of beneficiaries under the federal program.

In providing judicial certainty to 40 families residing in region 8L of the San Rafael neighborhood, Mayor Kiko Munro formally presented each of them with land designation contracts. Together with City Trustee Elizabeth Borboa Jiménez, and Councilmember Perla Alcantara García, the mayor stressed fulfillment of another of his campaign promises in assisting those in need who did not have any family land. The mayor noted the land designation to 40 families in San Rafael complements work his administration has done to benefit the area, from “Clean Slate” water bill assistance to public transport, drying out of the oxidation pond, historic fumigation campaigns, as well as completed paving of Blvd. Godoy, and installation of street signs along streets and avenues. He added another age-old challenge they have confronted is that of ensuring water supply, which has improved significantly.

Urgent Message from Barbara Mumaugh of Barb’s Dog Rescue

Road Paving and Pothole Patching Continue

Mayor invites sectors to form Pro Carnaval Committee

With the goal of ensuring the annual celebration of Puerto Peñasco’s Carnaval, while helping to make the event independent from the local administration, Mayor Kiko Munro invited different sectors of the community to help form a “Pro Carnaval” Committee. The mayor explained the intent of the committee is to help make sure Carnaval celebrations are not lost from one administration to another, but rather become an annual event promoted and organized by committee members. “We are convinced the only way to preserve

In improving the urban aspect of the city, the local government via the Office of Public Projects is implementing a program to build sidewalks and curbs, along with ramps for individuals with disabilities. The project represents an investment of over 6 million pesos, reported Public Projects Director, Terencio Gutiérrez Valenzuela. Gutiérrez Valenzuela detailed the program encompasses Ave. Juan de la Barrera, Ave. Francisco I. Madero, Ave. Constitución, and Ave. Luis Encinas, along with other central parts of the city, and should benefit more than 20,000 people. Within the work, he stressed, there will be specific attention to ensuring a better quality of life for those with disabilities, including installation of access ramps along sidewalks. Current infrastructure work on curbs, sidewalks, and ramps should last approximately 3 months.

After the hard rain on Christmas Eve and the subsequent showers, more potholes have popped up, prompting the City to ramp up their patching efforts. Crews are out and about filling them but it’s a good idea to keep a watchful eye out so as not to lose a tire or damage the suspension of your vehicle. It seems to be an ongoing process that always gets worse after it rains (which doesn’t happen very often here). The final stage of paving on Fremont Blvd. is nearing completion and the asphalt is down on the final stretch at the east end of the road as you head out towards Las Conchas. That section of road that was left unpaved after the last round of paving has been particularly rough as the volume of traffic caused the “washboards” to get rougher and rougher in between gradings. Now that the wait is nearly over, travel to and from that part of town and Las Conchas will be much smoother.

We are putting out a desperate plea for food for the Rescue. The influx of animals has been unprecedentedly high and we are completely out of adult food and dangerously low on puppy food. Welton’s in Rocky Point, across from Sam’s Club, carries the Kirkland food that we feed, but at this time, they are completely out of stock. Please help us feed our animals. We thank you always! We use 3 - 50 pound bags a day, just to feed our large breed doggies. Then we have small breed doggies and around 100 puppies, at this time. It doesn’t look like the incoming of puppies and hurting animals, will diminish any time soon. But with your help, we will get the job done! Location: West of Highway 8 - 8 miles north of Puerto Peñasco (follow yellow signs.) Contact Info: Mailing address: P.O. Box 116 Lukeville, AZ 85431 Phone: Direct dial from the U.S. 480-264-1162 or 011-521-638-114-1659 Mexico cell: 638-114-1659 E-mail: barbsdogrescue@gmail.com Websites: www.barbsdogrescuerp.com, www. barbsdogrescuerp.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/BarbsDogRescue

This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.

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

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

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.

All fines are to be paid at the main police station

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

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

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

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

COMING FROM CALIFORNIA 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.

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. COMING FROM PHOENIX Take either I-10 (west side) or the Maricopa Hwy. (east side). Take the Gila Bend/Mexico exit off of I-10 and head toward Gila Bend. Once you pass through Gila Bend you will exit onto Hwy. 85 (south) toward Ajo/Mexico. Hwy. 85 will

ACCIDENTS If you are involved in a (nondeath) accident in Mexico, you are considered at fault until proven otherwise. All parties are taken to the police station where you

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

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

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

Phoenix, Tucson & Nogales, AZ

BUS STATIONS (MEXICO) ABC - Phone: 383-1999 (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 TAP - Phone: 383-6761 (Transportes y Autobuses del Pacifico) W side of Blvd. Benito Juarez, N of the signal at Constitucion

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: 553 S. Stone Ave., 85701 (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 (602) 971-0166, Toll Free 866-443-2368 www.headouttorockypoint.com Lloyds Rocky Point Shuttle and Tours (623) 551-1616, Toll Free 866-568-9001 info@lloydsrockypointshuttle.com www.lloydsrockypointshuttle.com www.lloydsgrandtours.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

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

TRAVEL BEYOND THE FREE ZONE Puerto Peñasco is located in the Free Zone, where you do not need vehicle/tourist visas to visit. If you plan to travel beyond the Free Zone you will need the following: FMT (personal tourist visa) and your vehicle permit if you plan to drive. Personal Visa (FMT) Available at the I m m i g rat i o n Office in Sonoyta, on your right as you cross the border. They are open from 8:00 AM until Midnight. You will need to bring your birth certificate and/or valid driver’s license. You can either park on the U.S. side and walk across or you can go through the border and park. You will need to show your ID and fill out the necessary paperwork (it is in English and Spanish). Once you have filled out the paperwork you will take it over to Banca Serfin, pay approx. $195 pesos (per person) and return to the office to give them a copy.

At this time you cannot obtain your FMT in Peñasco, but the Immigration office can stamp your FM3 or FM2 for travel beyond the free zone. If you are flying into the airport you can obtain your FMT when you arrive at the Peñasco airport. By law, anyone who stays in Mexico for more than 72 hours, is required to have an FMT, whether you stay within the Free Zone or not. Automobile Visa The Free Zone covers most of Sonora, but if you plan to drive past Guaymas, Sonora, you will need to obtain a permit for your vehicle. This can be done in San Emeterio, about 20 miles south of Sonoyta on Hwy 2 or at the check point outside of Guaymas. The cost for this permit is approx. $44 dlls. You cannot get a permit in Rocky Point. You will need the original and 3 copies of: • Registration, Title and the valid driver’s license of the vehicle owner • Credit card in the vehicle owner’s name • FMT, FM3, FM2, Passport or birth certificate • Leasing contract (if the vehicle is rented or leased), which must be in the name of the person importing the vehicle. If the vehicle belongs to a company, the papers certifying the employee works for the company. If you do not have a credit card you can post a bond payable to the Federal Treasury issued by an authorized bonding company in Mexico. As an alternative to posting bond you may make a cash deposit at Banco del Ejercito in an amount equal to the value according to the “Table of Vehicle Values for Bonding Companies.” At Banco del Ejercito your credit card will be charged approx. $30 USD. A cash deposit will also be accepted if you do not have a credit card. Your deposit plus any interest will be returned to you when you leave Mexico. You may choose to obtain a bond through an authorized Mexican bonding company located at all border crossings. The bonding company also assess taxes and processing costs for this service. The vehicle permit is good for 6 months and for any type of vehicle weighing under 3 tons. When departing Mexico, and if you are not planning to drive the vehicle back into Mexico, the permit must be canceled with Customs. If your car is found in Mexico, beyond the Free Zone, and beyond the authorized time, or without the appropriate papers, it will be confiscated. Always carry the importation permit with you when driving your vehicle into Mexico. Take it with you when you exit the vehicle - do not leave this document in your car. Make a copy and leave a copy in the car - same with your insurance. The sale, abandonment or use of the vehicle for financial gain, a criminal act, etc. will result in its confiscation. The vehicle may be driven by the spouse or adult children as long as they have the same immigration status. It is a good idea to get a notarized document, if you are driving a vehicle beyond the free zone that is not registered in your name, nor the owner is in the vehicle. It should simply state that the owner has given you permission to drive the vehicle, you may want to include the make, model, year, color and VIN number. The Rocky Point Times Newspaper strives to keep the information up-to-date. Laws, rules and info. change constantly, so if you notice an error, or have additional info., please let us know so that we may change the info. Contact us with questions or corrections at rptimes@ prodigy.net.mx or phone (480) 463-6255 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

Alamos Sonora

By Contributing Writer John Hibbert Photos by The RPTimes

Looking for a diversion? Like exploring new places? Try driving south from Puerto Peñasco for a few days. You can be in Caborca within a couple hours. Another hour or so later, you’ll come to Santa Ana, where Highway 2 merges into Highway 15 from Nogales. Then, it’s about an hour and a half to Hermosillo, and another hour and a quarter to San Carlos and Guaymas. That coastline is beautiful to visit, but if you drive another few hours through Obregon and inland from Navojoa, you’ll come to a totally different world…the unique little colonial town of Alamos. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, Alamos was once Northern Mexico’s center of government, commerce and culture. Back in the 1600’s, the Spaniards discovered silver, with the mines flourishing up through the early 20th century. Then, it nearly became a ghost town, until the 1950’s, when Americans and Canadians began to resurrect a number of the adobe haciendas. It now has a population of close to 10,000, and has become a popular destination for travelers seeking a peaceful hideaway in a true “Old Mexico” setting. We were there at the end of January, when the town hosts its annual ten day music and art festival. During the event, one can hear anything from opera and classical to jazz and rock, in a number

of different venues scattered around two different plazas. There were also a variety of crafts, photography and fold art exhibits from different regions of Mexico. And, of course, plenty of food and beverages. But what really made this trip a special treat, was the accommodations we had at the Hacienda de Los Santos Resort and Spa. If you really want to experience the feel of Old Mexico, in an elegant Spanish hacienda setting, with the sounds of Los Panchos music floating through the courtyard, this is unlike any other place we’ve stayed.

In 1989, Jim & Nancy Swickard acquired a historic Alamos mansion, and started renovating it to create their “dream home”. Then came the idea of expanding into a bed and breakfast, which evolved into an ongoing restoration of multiple structures and gardens. In 1998, Hacienda de Los Santos opened to the public, and in 1999, became a member of “Small Luxury Hotels of the World”. Now, with 25 guest rooms, it is one of the top rated resorts in Mexico.

Jim and Nancy, along with the managerial skills of their daughter, Jamie, and a devoted staff, have created an incredible cultural experience, complete with all the modern comforts. And you couldn’t ask for more gracious hosts. From the fine dining to the “hot rock” massage at the Spa, this is what “pampering” is all about! As stated on the home page of their website: “Guests come to the Hacienda to rejuvenate and relax in an atmosphere of casual elegance, were new friendships are easily made. A sophisticated getaway that gives on the feeling of owning their own personal Hacienda.

Housed in the Hacienda is a collection of religious art spanning four centuries, including santos, retablos and ex-votos. Adorning the rooms are antique Spanish Colonial furnishings. Each room is uniquely appointed. All rooms have wood burning fireplaces adding to the romantic experience of the Hacienda. Nightlife is pleasant at the Hacienda and may include relaxing on one of the many portals, where most evenings a group of young Mexican men sing romantic ballads. Once may also enjoy movies in the theater/conference room, or lectures on the architecture, history and ecosystem of the area. Another favorite is browsing the Haciendas extensive library. Check out their website at www.haciendadelossantos.com, click on “resort” then scroll through the “photo gallery”. You can view every guest room and suite, plus all the gardens, decorations, and the charming Cantina with old sombreros, spurs, and horseshoes adorning the walls. Plus, they have one for the most extensive selections of

This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.

tequilas I’ve ever seen. Reservations and travel arrangements can be made on the website as well.

If driving from Nogales, one can reach Alamos within 7 hours. Transportation is available by bus (air conditioned coaches from Tucson or Nogales – direct), by commercial flights at Ciudad Obregon (just over an hour from Alamos), or by private aircraft which can land in Alamos. With Jim being a seasoned pilot, he was instrumental in renovating the airport, and building a large hangar for his guests. This is truly a destination that we will visit over and over again. One of the guests I met had been there often enough over the years that he had stayed in every room!

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

The Braggart By Dan McWhitis

Brags, bragging, bragged to speak of (one’s own achievements, possessions, etc.) arrogantly and boastfully We’ve lived with them throughout our lives and it’s curious, why people brag. Do we ourselves have culpability with embellishing the truth? Yes, I’ve been guilty. My favorite goes back years. One afternoon, I was leaving our offices when Mark, a friend came by explaining he was meeting two ladies and would I like to join him. Such a hard sell. My attractive redhead was blessed with a fantastic smile and a casualness guys are easily drawn to, but she was no rocket scientist. She was seated at the wraparound bar next to her girlfriend, Mark and I each took one of the end-seats. After being introduced I became quiet & somber. She grinned at me and said, “Honey, lose your best friend?” I nodded at her and began my tale. I told her I was always troubled by this date from several years back when I was in Africa fighting in the Rhodesian Wars. I was a mercenary officer leading a platoon of black African soldiers. Our assignment was to secure an outlying village and save a group nuns. The rebels had already savagely attacked the nuns and those who’d survived were rumored to have become crazed. When we arrived the nuns began attacking my black troopers with machetes. They had gone completely rabid & totally insane, I was forced to give an order, “Open-fire on the nuns.” I went on explaining that every year on this date my thoughts returned to this Rhodesian tragedy and the savagery of war. Did this Bull work? Yes, within an hour I squired the lady to dinner. After that every time I ran into Mark he would start the conversation with, “Rabid nuns?” So yes, bragging & prevarications can get the job done. Braggarts generally fall into one of the following categories: The Academic - After completing one semester of school at Four Corners Community College this remarkable student received a law degree from Yale. (Mighty proud of you boy) Sexual Conquests – My 17-year old son, a football defensive back and coCaptain at Four Corners High School

Grocery Shopping in Rocky Point

had a tryst with high school art teacher Ms. Maryjane Stratton. This story will be regaled by both father and son during their entire lives (Yes sir, that’s my boy). Religious Zealot – This individual supposedly converts strongly to a faith, probably at the urging of a spouse, advises all of this epiphany then proceeds to crash thru life with outrageous behavior. When caught breaking the rules he or she begins bombarding everyone with massive amounts of scripture to cover misdeeds (The Devil made me do it). Sports – This bragging covers athletic achievements. As a former amateur athlete I know most everyone has a day in the sun, but one success shouldn’t be retold for the rest of your life. (Wow, I missed a hole-in-one last year by 3 strokes). Business Success – Those born into wealth consider themselves bluebloods and if you come from the unwashed masses and if you strike it rich with a timely idea, you’re probably regarded as a financial genius. Many enjoy oneupping their friends & neighbors when financial stories begin rolling (Excuse me a moment I’m trying to buy the Australia Continent, I’ll be right back.) Military Achievements & Awards – In the United States falsely claiming military achievement is referred to as “stolen valor” and is a felony. If you knowingly and undeservingly profit from special status as a veteran, it’s a crime. When interviewing veterans it’s amazing how many served in elite units. If my count is correct about 85% I’ve spoken with claim to have been a member of the Navy Seals, Army Special Forces “Green Berets”, Marine Recon or Air Force Commandos (Now where did I drop that “Medal of Honor?) As I was wrapping-up this piece, I stopped, smiled, picked-up the phone and dialed. The voice on the other end said, “Hello.” I replied, “Hey ole buddy, Happy Holidays.” The voice replied, “Rabid nuns?” Dan McWhitis

This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.

By Stephanie Wood

right on the main road into town. Your US membership works and they take debit & credit cards at the checkout. Tip: you may want to have a Spanish dictionary handy and a way to convert metric system to the US Customary measurements. We had a fun time converting lbs. to kg when buying diapers!

Always a big question when planning a trip by car to Rocky Point...what to eat? Do you want to eat out in the many excellent restaurants? Or do you prefer to save money and/or calories (lol) and prepare your own meals? In the past, I’ve always enjoyed eating out and not cooking, mainly because, let’s face it, when you cook, you have to clean, and on vacation, bleh! However, life with a young child has changed my perspective. Eating out just isn’t an option for the sake of everyone’s sanity...so with a few exceptions for our very favorite places, we mostly cook in now. If you’ve decided to cook your own meals, you can either grocery shop before your trip and bring food, or shop when you get to town. We’ve done both depending on our mood – do we really want to pack everything in the car and then mess with unloading when we get here; or do we want to waste precious beach time grocery shopping. However, grocery shopping in Mexico can be a fun and adventurous part of your vacation, especially with kids, because there’s so much new to see and try. For buying in bulk, for bigger groups, or longer stays, there is of course, Sam’s Club,

Super Ley is a large grocery store chain and has an excellent variety of everything you might need in one place. Super Ley is on Constitution Ave. They have an extensive beer, wine, and liquor selection. There is a great variety of fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, milk, eggs, yogurt, and all kinds of snacks. We love Mexican snacks! I love Queso Ruffles and my kids (and Kyle) are crazy for Pineapple Choco Rolls. They have tons of baby food, formula, and diapers, if you’re traveling with a little one. It also has a take-out deli and bakery – muy delicioso! Also, the way products are displayed in the store is very colorful and almost artistic.

If you prefer to shop locally instead of at chain stores, we recommend trying a local fruit and vegetable market. Ask for directions to the Fruteria Sinaloa. You can find the most incredible fresh produce at crazy good prices. And of course there is the fish market for shrimp and seafood, and small tortillerias around town. Just keep in mind when you’re shopping for fresh food, unfortunately you cannot bring it back with you to the U.S. So plan accordingly, or find a family to donate your leftovers to on your way out of town. You can also give your leftover fresh foods to the kids at the border.

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

GENERALINFORMATION ATV’s ATV’S ARE NOT PERMITTED ON CITY BEACHES Please follow these rules when riding ATV’s in Rocky Point. • Helmets recommended • 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 in Cholla Bay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MAIL SERVICES Puerto Peñasco Post Office (011-52-638) 383-2350 Monday - Friday 8:00 am-6:00 pm Money Wires, Telegrams & Mail Located just off Blvd. Fremont next to Twin Dolphins. The post office does not offer U.S. postal services. To send a letter in Mexico, you need a Mexican stamp, which can be purchased at the post office. They do not sell U.S. stamps. You may receive mail at your residence, however it takes approx. 2-4 weeks to arrive and the system is not terribly reliable.

U.S. MAIL DELIVERY TO ROCKY POINT Burrito Express U.S. mail dropoff and pick-up service from Peñasco to Lukeville. U.S. POST OFFICE Phone/Fax: (520) 387-6364 Located at the Lukeville border in AZ, approx. 66 miles from Rocky Point. PO boxes and General Delivery available. Window Service: 8AM-12:30PM, 1-4PM M-F General Delivery Available free for a max. of 30 days. You must show ID at the post office and fill out a form. You are the ONLY one who can pick up your GD mail. PO boxes are available, approx. $22/6-mo. Post office will need 2 forms of ID and you will be required to fill out an application. Boxes are located in the post office and in the General Store.

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

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

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

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

You can take a day trip and explore the Pinacate area and volcanic craters by vehicle, camp overnight (in designated) areas, walk or hike. You must register at the entrace to the Reserve (located in Nayarit, approx. 20 miles N of Rocky Point). This will allow Biosphere personnel to make sure you are safe at all times.

• Speed Limit: 25 MPH • Terrain/Roads: Dirt, desert • Watch out for flora and fauna • Do not leave the road in your vehicle • Take enough drinking water with you • Respect all signs on roads and trails • Do not remove or damage plants, rocks, wood, animals or artifacts • Take all trash and waste with you • Do not enter the region from any unauthorized access road CAMPING & CAMPSITES Red Cone, El Tecolote, Backcountry areas INTERPRETATIVE TRAILS El Elegante Crater Trail 1.2 mile linear trail Walk 0.6 miles on the border of El Elegante crater. Terrain is mostly flat. Mayo Cone Trail 1.2 mile linear trail Located in El Tecolote camping area Walk 0.6 miles to the top of Mayo Cone. You will climb 344 ft. to the top. This hike is rated as a medium difficulty trail.

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

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

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

WEDDINGS Rocky Point offers a variety of perfect wedding settings - from a barefoot sunset wedding to a lavish wedding at a 5-star resort. Many of the hotels, resorts and restaurants offer wedding planning services and catering as do these wedding specilaists:

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

Wedding Music by Pablo 602) 288-8687 LEGAL CEREMONY IN MEXICO To get married in a legal ceremony in Puerto Peñasco you need: Birth certificates, translated into Spanish, notarized in Mexico; Divorce Decree; Blood test (in Rocky Point); Visas (FMT’s); 4 Witnesses (w/Visas). Your wedding planner will help you plan your reinactment ceremony as well.

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

U.S. CALLING CARDS If you use your calling card and dial an 800#, that is not toll free within Mexico, you will be charged twice for this call - 1 charge for calling the 800 #, and then a 2nd charge on your phone card. You may also use one of the long distance services to call the U.S. and Canada. CELLULAR PHONES to dial a cell phone from a land line dial 044 + 638 + 7-digit number to dial from local cell to local cell dial 638 + 7-digit number to dial out of city cell from local cell dial 045 + city code + 7-digit number Any number that does not start with a 383, 388, 382, 102 or 108 is most likely a cellular phone You cannot dial a U.S. 800# from your Mexican cellular phone. The only U.S. cell carrier, we have found to work in Rocky Point 96% of the time, is AT&T’s International Plan. All services work - SMS, MMS, Blackberry, etc. Follow the instructions (left) for dialing the U.S. or Canada, and to dial a land line. To dial a cell phone, you may have to dial 044 + 638 + 7-digit number, or you may just need to drop the 044. Sometimes, when calling a local cell, I had to dial as if I were dialing a cell from the U.S. Check plans and where you spend the most time. TelCel’s Blackberry plan is much cheaper than AT&T’s, plus they have a reasonable International Plan for when I travel to the U.S. You can also get an unlocked phone, buy a SIM card, and switch chips as you cross the border. Mexico cell carriers are supposed to start fingerprinting everyone who purchases a cell phone or SIM card. AREA CODES FOR NEARBY CITIES Caborca.............................................637 El Golfo de Santa Clara.................................653 Guaymas...........................................622 Hermosillo........................................662 Mexicali, B.C.................................................686 Nogales.................................................631 Santa Ana.....................................................641 San Luis Rio Colorado..................................653 San Carlos.....................................................622 San Felipe, B.C...............................................686 Sonoyta...................................................651 Check phonebook for more area codes

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

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

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

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

Corn Hole Tournament coming back April 28-30

The three-day tournament includes the main event on Saturday at JJ’s Cantina with 10 courts and an anticipated 44 or more players.

By Cholla Charli

Players in the Main Event at JJ’s Cantina at Cholla Bay on Saturday, April Grab your corn kernel bags and loosen 29 should be on site to check in by 8:30 up your pitching arm, the three-day Santa a.m. Competition begins at 9 a.m. sharp. Claus Club Corn Hole Tournament is Entry fee will be $25 per person on coming back April 28-30. Saturday ($20 if registered by April 22). The October tournament was a huge The Saturday event will pay prize money success. More than 150 people matched to the top six teams. In addition there skills and determination for prize money will be a prize for the best team costume/ and bragging rights. The event raised uniform and a prize for the first losers. $7,500 to buy food and school supplies, The final contest will be on Sunday at repair bicycles, and provide Christmas Dukes Restaurant & Sports Bar starting for the people in poorest parts of Puerto at 10 a.m. Again the entry will be $10 per Peñasco. person, with a 50 percent payback in prize money. The Baja Hotel is offering a special rate for tournament participants, with king-bed rooms at $45 per night and two queen-bed rooms at $50 per night. The junior suite with two queen-beds and a small kitchen will be available for $59 per night and the full suite for $69 a night. To assure a place in the tournament, players can register early by Santa Claus Club founder John Fowler presents the first signing up at JJ’s Cantina, place award for the October tournament to Larry and or by sending the team Lawrence Del Sol. The two brothers were in Peñasco to visit family, saw a poster and decided to participate, names, e-mail addresses, returning to Arizona with more than $300 in prize money. phone numbers and $20 per person by April 22 to: “It was such a success that participants Santa Claus Club, P.O. Box 5, Lukeville, didn’t want to wait another year – and they AZ 85341. A receipt will be sent by e-mail won’t have to,” said John Fowler, founder with the team number. Bring that receipt of the Santa Claus Club. to the registration area on tournament The Spring Corn Hole Tournament day. kicks off on Friday, April 28 at the Baja For information about the Corn Hole Hotel near the Mirador at 6 p.m. Entry fee Tournament or the Santa Claus Club, send will be $10 per person and the contest will an e-mail to: santaclausclub@hotmail.com pay back 50 percent of entry fees in prize or visit the website www.santaclausclub. money. org. This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.

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.

AMPI The Asociación Mexcana 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 owrks closely iwth 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 orther organizations to sponsor community activities. AMPI operates the local Multiple Listing SErvice (MLS) on behalf of our real estate clients. Board members: President: Rommel Bustamante Vice President: Sarina Brown Treasurer: Rebecca Palomino Legal: Ricardo Borquez Secretary/V.P. Communications: Robin Miller V.P. Ethics: Kyle Wood V.P. Education: Kenneth Wallace Flex MLS AC Advisor: John Walz For Inquiries, please contact: Luisa Federico, AMPI Administrator email: luisa.ampi51@gmail.com AMPI Phone: 638-382-0439

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 AA Passport Club We’ve moved to: Offices of Ocean View Ministry 18 Ave. S. Sinaloa M.W.F. 10:00 am Open AA meeting Contacts: Conrado @ MX cell: 638-109-8017 OVM office @: 480-264-1172 Marcia @ marsupis@gmail.com

AL ANON Al Anon Family Groups. Email to schedule a meeting; Marcia at marsupis@gmail.com

AMERICAN LEGION POST MX 15 141 Chihuahua & Matamoros (Calle #1) Across from Pink Cadillac Open daily and the Public Always Welcome 2016 OFFICERS: Commander: Mike LaBarge Vice Commander: Dan McWhitis 2nd Vice Commander: Robert Rowe Adjutant: Mike Dugas General Meetings 1st Tuesday of month at 10:00 a.m. (from October thru June) Contact Food & Beverage Manager Danny Anderson for information regarding special events, celebrations & dinners throughout the year. Bingo: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 2:00 p.m. NFL Football: Sundays 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Telephone Numbers: U.S. (602) 539-2047 Mexico 011-52 (638) 388-8841 Magic Jack (602) 539-2047 ALL VISITORS WELCOME!

BOOK & EXCHANGE

CEDO CON’T

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.

Tidepool Explorations Explore the tidepools with CEDO experts.

BUNCO BABES Sandy Spain 388-0857/(044-638) 109-4109 Ladies play Bunco at 3:30pm on the 3rd Wednesday of the month October-June at Giuseppi’s on Blvd. Fremont.

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: Guillermo Muñoz Fierro

(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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the Sand Dunes Spectacular Gran Desierto de Altar. This sea of natural dunes is the world’s largest. An experience you won’t forget! Pinacate Adventure Explore the geologic wonders of the Pincate Biosphere Reserve on a tour with CEDO experts. Isla San Jorge Snorkel with the sea lions in their natural habitat at Bird Island or just enjoy the scenery from the boat and take photos. A must do trip!

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 PO Box 1320, Lukeville, AZ 85341 The Cholla Bay Sportsmens Club is responsible for maintaining, monitoring, and staffing the VHF Marine Channel 28 for the northern Sea of Cortez as well as CB Radio Channel 3. The CBSC pays the salary of the operator, aides in search and rescue operations and can aid in the transportation of critical victims. They also publish the Cholla Chatter and put on numerous events during the year such as the CBSC Fishing Derby, Horseshoe Tournament and other fun stuff held in Cholla Bay. OFFICERS President: Mike Dugan Vice-President: Pat Goodin: 382-5056 Secretary: Billie Crumbley: 382-5133 Treasurer: Enedina Otañez: 382-5142 Membership: Laura McIntyre BOARD MEMBERS Sal Otañez, Rhea Dugan, Don Schinidli, Paul Schoonover, Shirley McDonald, Tammy Hicks, Larry McIntyre, Kelly and Dave Adams The CBSC provides an invaluable service for those at sea and promotes good relations between American visitors and our Mexican neighbors.

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

C.I.D.A Director: Joaquin Celaya Rendon Phone: 044-638-102-0514 Call for directions Shelter providing housing, food and care for those addicted to drugs and alcohol.

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

COORDINACION DE SALUD MUN. 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

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

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

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CLUBSANDORGANIZATIONS ESPERANZA PARA LOS NIÑOS

LAS CONCHAS HOMEOWNERS ASSOC.

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).

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

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.

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.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Hábitat para la Humanidad, Mexico A.C. Pedro Martínez, English Spoken: 383-4323 Habitat for Humanity builds homes for families in need all over the world.

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.

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

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

RED CROSS (CRUZ ROJA) CON’T

SANTIAGO RUIZ SALCIDO ASSOCIATION

Overeaters Anonymous Tuesdays 9:30AM Manuel Arista (some as AA) Phone: 044-638-103-3405 48 Campeche Ave.

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.

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.

OC3AN VIEW MINISTRY (A brand new ministry in good hands) Hosted on the spacious and breath taking property of Granada Del Mar Hotel in Mirador, OC3AN VIEW MINISTRY has opened its doors; a non-profit designed to serve ministries from all across the US and Mexico, to bring aide and comfort to folks in need in Puerto Peñasco. We are currently creating an onsite store for distribution of donations of furniture, clothing, appliances, tool and bedding. For Ministry information contact: Director Conrado Rodriquez conrado4evryng44@gmail.com

U.S 480-264-1172 MX. 638-383-2148 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: Emma 383-3273 (local number) or 702-359-1095 (magic jack), Marti 812-319-1463 (U.S. cell works locally), or Dick 638-105-0615 (local cell) or 602-321-8106 (U.S. cell works locally) or just show up at the Tuesday happy hour and introduce yourself.

PINACATE BIOSPHERE RESERVE Founder: Steve Schwab Established 2003 520-232-2241 7655 E Redfield Rd. Suite 3 Scottsdale, AZ, 85260 www.mexicochildrensfoundation.org Email: info@mexicochildrensfoundation.org A non-profit organization in Puerto Peñasco dedicated to enriching the lives of the children and their families. The organization provides medical assistance, assists families, offers education and assists in the general enrichment of children’s lives. The group holds many events during the year including golf tournaments, a children’s walk, triathlon, concerts and a New Year’s Eve Bash.

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

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

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

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

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

Monetary donations can be made in person, to the Red Cross people with their cans out when you see them in the street or you may deposit directly into their account: Banamex Acct# 7661161 SUC. 472 Located on Blvd. Fremont, across from the Fire Department (Bomberos) SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE The Red Cross offers its services free of charge to the general public. They handle a number of minor injuries such as stings, bites, cuts, sprains, broken bones, etc.

RED HAT LADIES LUNCHEON Brenda Barden: (638) 382-8611 The Puerto Peñasco Chapter gets together on the last Monday of the month at 1PM (Oct.-June) to have lunch and show off their “red hats and purple dresses”. All ladies welcome. Call for reservations or info.

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

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

ROTARY CLUB PUERTO PEÑASCO MAR DE CORTÉS Meet on Wednesdays at 8:00AM in Don Julio’s restaurant at the Old Port (Malecón). Email julio_cesarvalenzuela@hotmail.com.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Ginger Phillips: (972) 742-3740 Thrift Store open Monday - Saturday 9am-4pm Run solely on donations Turn W on Samuel Ocaña, go to the first 4-way stop and turn left, go 1 block and turn right, then go 2 blocks and turn left. Thrift store is the light green building located at the end of the street on the right hand side. St. Vincent de Paul helps needy citizens by furnishing clothing, food baskets, medical assistance and basic needs.

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

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.

SOUTH OF THE BORDER SINGLES South of the Border Singles (SOB’s) meets every Wednesday at 4:00PM at Playa Bonita Restaurant for cocktails/dinner. Monthly business meetings first Wednesday at 5:30PM at Playa Bonita. Sunday 9AM gather for weekly 9:30AM breakfast at various RP restaurants. Other fun events, short trips, parties throughout the year. All singles welcome! Local contact: Robert Adams at Playa Bonita RV Park adibob@prodigy.net.mx, local 382-5034 or Magic Jack (602) 449-1030 or Jean McCauley at Las Conchas; jeanmcc61@gmail. com Mexican cell phone is (044-638) 386-9774 or Magic Jack is (520) 303-4332.

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

WEEKEND MISSIONS 323 Leon de La Barra and Madero (in the old Hotel Villa Granada) 383-1394/(480) 626-5440/(480) 503-8832 Founders: Mark, Jerry and Rusty Renovation Coordinator: Conrad Provides for the physical and spiritual needs of the very poor, widowed and orphaned. Donations of building supplies and other everyday supplies always welcome.

WOMEN’S SHELTER Centro de Rehabilitación para Mujeres La Esperanza A.C. Directora: Hna. Ana Krause: 044-638-102-0869 anaycruz@live.com From Blvd. Samuel Ocaña, turn north at sign on Pto. Ensenada. Go 10 blocks and the women’s center will be on your left, just before the last cross street.

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

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

City to invest 30 Million Pesos in

Francisco León García Baseball Stadium

The Taste of Peñasco is Back!

Mayor Kiko Munro announced a

project

remodel

the

entire

The Mayor detailed the Francisco León

García

Stadium

host

infrastructure at the Francisco León

numerous important tournaments and

García Baseball Stadium, through an

competitions, and is home to local

investment of more than 30 million

fan favorite Los Tiburones de Puerto

pesos.

Peñasco baseball team. Undoubtedly,

During a brief ceremony at the Jesús

he added, in coming years the city will

Cota Miranda Athletic Field, marking

continue to be part of the Liga Norte de

the start of remodeling work, in

México.

speaking to athletes and members from

An additional 6.2 million peso

different baseball leagues, the Mayor

investment, announced the mayor, will

expressed he was proud to support and

be going toward infrastructure work at

promote sports in all areas.

the Brisas del Golfo Park and the Jesús

“The community and fans deserve

Cota Miranda Athletic Field. These will

dignified facilities at a professional

benefit approximately 4000 people and

baseball stadium,” he stated, “We

include construction of an artificial turf

will

soccer field, open air gym, protective

announce

the

remodeling

specifications in time, and will continue

fences,

lighting,

and

children’s

with important infrastructure projects

playground at the park. The Jesús Cota

through tremendous effort and with

Miranda Field will receive work on the

a commitment to change the face of

baseball field, through installation of

Puerto Peñasco.”

artificial turf, as well as fencing.

This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.

Music, Food, Fun & Spirits, all for a great cause, is what you can expect from the 9th Annual Taste of Peñasco Culinary & Cultural Festival. So get your taste buds ready and join us on the patio, at the Peñasco del Sol Hotel & Conference Center, Saturday, February 18, 2017 from 12:00PM to 7:00PM. Come experience all of the wonderful flavors of Peñasco, while you peruse local artisan booths, enjoy the sea air, or relax in the wine garden, new for 2017. Another exciting new twist is the inclusion of all restaurant booths in the “Culinary Choice Competition.” Chefs are invited to present a “Taste” of their own specialty dish to our panel of judges, which will include one lucky winner of the guest judge raffle (held prior to the event). Want more food and fun? How about YOU be the judge? You decide who receives the new “People’s Choice Award” for best salsa! Since its inception, the Taste of Peñasco has not only been a popular culinary event but also, more noteworthy, a fundraising event. This year is no exception. Proceeds from raffle tickets and booth sales will benefit Santa Claus Club and the Red Cross. A food drive, which starts NOW, will help support 2 Fish Ministry’s efforts to feed the hungry. This will be the 34th year the Santa Claus Club has been providing for the less fortunate of the Puerto Peñasco area. In 2015 alone, the club distributed 1,506 food bags, 615 bicycles, and 4,800 pounds of clothing, toys, school supplies and other

necessities to nearly 13,000 children. They also supply free clinics, Casa Hogar, Red Cross, the Fire Department, Esperanza’s Community Center and DIF orphanage with blankets, clothing, and personal care items. Anyone that’s ever had the unfortunate experience of requiring Red Cross services knows just how important they are to our community. The local office does not receive any governmental funding and is sustained solely through donations, so that emergency services can remain free. They are always there for us so let’s support them by purchasing raffle tickets and winning some great prizes! Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. To purchase pre-event tickets for the prize raffle or guest judge raffle email: santaclausclub@hotmail.com. For more than seven years the 2 Fish Ministry has been serving the needy 5 days a week, several meals a day. They are completely funded and operated by donations to the ministry. So, while out shopping for your holiday staples, set aside a can or two, or a bag of rice or beans for the food drive. Bring your donation to the event or you can drop off a non-perishable food item at one of these locations. JJ’s Cantina, Peñasco Beauty Center, Latitude 31° Restaurant, Rocky Point Realty Group or Rocky Point Best. For more information email contact@ Peñascobeautycenter.com. Become a sponsor, sign up for a booth, donate an item for the raffle, but most important... See you at the TASTE!

This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.

American Legion

Commander MikeLaBarge and Adjuntant Mike Dugas of American Legion MX Post 15 in Puerto Peñasco, were glad to be able to present a van to Pastor Conrad Quiros, pastor of Compañerismo Cristiano/Christian Fellowship of Puerto Peñasco, for use at 2 Fish Ministries. The Post received the van as a gift. MX Post 15 has a long relationship with 2 Fish Ministries. This ministry has been feeding the homeless and the poorest communities in Puerto Peñasco for 10 years. The American Legion Post is located in the Mirador Beach area, behind the Pink Cadillac Diner.

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

The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 By Rosarie Salerno

In 1650 the governor of New Mexico, hoping to sooth the hostility of the Acoma Pueblo Indians, forbade the Franciscan Missionaries from punishing and forcing the Acoma to work without compensation and to allow the Indians to practice their traditional dances and religious ceremonies. The Franciscan Missionaries retaliated by turning the Governor over to the Spanish Inquisition; thus, the Franciscans had free reign over the province. Between 1656 and 1665 the Missionaries forbade the traditional Pueblo Kachina dances and seized every mask, prayer stick and Kachina doll and burned them. To the Acoma, giving up their religion would have been tantamount to giving up their life. This attempt to destroy their religion became the most important cause of the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. A drought swept through the region; famine among the Pueblos and the increased attacks by the Apache propelled the unrest of the Acoma to come to a head in 1675. Trying to suppress the discord, the Governor ordered the arrest of 47 Pueblo Shaman for practicing sorcery and idolatry. Four of them were sentenced to death; the remaining were publicly whipped and put into prison. The Pueblo leaders upon hearing of this atrocity descended upon Santa Fe, while most of the Spanish soldiers were absent off fighting the Apache. The Governor was forced to release the prisoners. Popé, also pronounced Po’pay, was from the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, aka San Juan, New Mexico; he was one of the released spiritual leaders. He retreated to the Taos Pueblo and began plotting the rebellion over a 5 year period against the Spanish settlers. He became known for being the leader of the Pueblo Rebellion. Popé began organizing 46 Pueblo villages that spoke 6 different languages, to kill or expel the Spaniards by attacking settlers in the proximity of their villages. The goal was to kill the missionaries, destroy the churches and kill the settlers who did not willingly leave the area. He prophesied that once the Spanish were gone, the gods would reward them with prosperity and health. Popé gave each Pueblo who joined his movement a cord with knots tied in it. One knot was to be untied each

morning. When the last knot on the cord was unfastened, every Pueblos would carry out the attacks on each Spanish community on the same day. The rebellion was intended to occur on August 11, 1680. Unfortunately, the Spanish discovered the plot and were preparing for the confrontations. Upon hearing the news, Popé quickly gave the order to attack, one day earlier than planned, on August 10th. The Spaniards’ horses were stolen, the roads leading to Santa Fe were blocked and the settlements were destroyed. 400 people were killed including 21 Franciscan missionaries. The Pueblo warriors surrounded Santa Fe cutting off their water supply. By August 13, 1680, the Governor of Santa Fe was ready to abandon the town. He gathered the remaining able men, forced a retreat of the Pueblo warriors and headed south toward the Rio Grande to El Paso del Norte. The Indians did not attack them as they left, but only followed them to ensure that they would not turn back. Popé tried to return his people to their culture as it was before the Spanish came. He wanted all the churches destroyed along with the Christian images, for the people to use their Pueblo names, destroy all the fruit trees and Spanish cattle. He also forbade them from planting wheat and barley. He wanted any native who married in the Church to dismiss their spouse and marry in the old tradition. He wasn’t as successful as he expected; the fruitful paradise he had envisioned did not materialize; the drought did not end; the Christian and Spanish culture was too engrained into the Pueblos’ way of life. Popé is a truly significant symbol, a hero to the Acoma Pueblo Indians. He spoke the 6 different languages of the various Pueblo towns that spanned almost 400 miles. Popé was eventually deposed as their leader. It is believed he died before the re-conquest by the Spanish in 1692. On March 21, 2005 at the rotunda of the U.S. Congress building in Washington, DC, a 7 foot statue of Popé was unveiled. It was sculpted by Cliff Fragua, the first Native American to have a tribute placed in the National Statuary Hall. It is carved from Tennessee pink marble. The statue depicts Popé holding a knotted cord in his left hand, his right hand holds a bear fetish and on his back are the scars from the whipping he was given by the Spanish while incarcerated.

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

1 (520) 226-4267, 011 52 (638) 383-8417, Local Cell 044 (638) 384-7145 or email rosariesalerno@hotmail.com Take a look around.

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Fun around Food in Ajo

The “Farm to Table” food movement is heating up in Ajo, Arizona where fun around food and locally grown and organic are becoming familiar to most everyone in town! On Saturday, March 11, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., this food excitement will explode into the 4th Annual Ajo Food Festival in the historic Ajo town plaza. This

multi-cultural celebration of foods, heirloom crops and community fun will feature food vendors, chef demos, food tastings, food “chats,” arts/crafts, kids activities, live music and family entertainment. Organized by the Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture, this celebration will also feature their Authentically Ajo Farmers Market vendors who sell weekly in the town Plaza. Tours of the local Ajo CSA urban farm, food forest and hen house will follow the festival. Don’t miss this food focused day in Ajo! And, consider spending the night at the Sonoran Desert Inn and Conference Center adjacent to the farm! What better way to experience the highlights in and surrounding Ajo! The Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture has been regionally instrumental

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in growing and providing popular organic produce for the Ajo community. It has revived the growth of highly nutritious, desert adapted crops that have provided

local sustenance for generations. Educating children and adults alike through mentoring, workshops and regional convening’s, with their focus on food justice, nutrition and organic farming, is creating a buzz in Arizona and beyond. Their local experimental

dry land field is one of only two in the state. While Ajo is one of the hottest communities in the nation and has perhaps the worst soil in Arizona, the Ajo CSA has proven that the sustainable crop/ food potential is strong in Ajo! This community now has many home gardens/community gardens, and the local school has an active garden and gardening program required for all grade school youth. Follow Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Authentically Ajo Farmers Market on facebook for up to the minute festival details! Sonoran Desert Inn & Conference Center 520-775-2565 www.sonorancc. com.

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Tourist Assistance Unit has Very Successful First Year

Back on February 26th 2016, the Mayor officially announced activation of the Tourist Assistance Unit (in Spanish: Unidad Auxiliar Turistico) consisting of 16 men and four women, all bilingual and well trained in local history, culture, city layout, landmarks and points of interest, first aid, handling emergencies, as well as in self-defense, and whose multiple objectives are to serve, guide, inform and protect visitors, both national and foreign as well as the residents of Puerto Peñasco.

At the same ceremony wherein Mayor Kiko Munro swore in and activated the agents of the Tourist Assistance Unit (TAU), he also announced and introduced the five members of the newly appointed Tourist Assistance Advisory Committee headed up by Jim Ringquist, with members: Donna Whitman, Mark Olszewski, Enrique Gaxiola and Steve Schwab. The committee serves as an intermediary between the public and government providing oversight and support for the TAU through Luis Molina, director of the TAU, and the mayor, as well as being involved in a broad range of other tourist support and tourism promotion duties. Now that 2016 has given way to 2017, it has become very clear that this vision by Mayor Kiko Munro was exactly what Puerto Peñasco needed. Their service to the community, both tourists and locals alike, has exceeded the

hopes and expectations of most everyone who was involved in the creation and inception of the group. Successes tallied by the well selected and trained group of mostly young professionals that make up the TAU, continue to mount daily in diverse areas from first responders at accident sites to roadside assistance and much more. No matter where they help, their presence is a much appreciated addition to the city’s service corps. In the photo above, you can see just a few of the Agents responding to one of the most common issues that they faced throughout the year. Of course, there were many more individual circumstances that were diffused, handled, and helped by these dedicated men and women as well.

Manufacturing Plant in Rocky Point?

You can find TAU agents on duty wherever there are tourists in our little slice of paradise by the sea, and we had no shortage of visitors throughout 2016. According to the Puerto Peñasco Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2016 ended with yet another record number of tourists to our city with well over 2 million visitors. The TAU, without doubt, played a large role in providing fun, safety, and emergency medical response for a number of those tourists. When you have that many revelers you can count on emergencies, major and minor, throughout our dreamtown. That’s where the TAU shined as first responders, to the vast majority of incidents involving accidents and other medical emergencies on the beach, according to Luis Molina. The incidents vary, including quad, rhino and automobile accidents, almost all from reckless, negligent and/or alcohol related causes, sting ray and jellyfish stings, and lost children. This is in addition to the plethora of other routine services the attentive TAU agents happily provide, whether it’s jump starting a Rhino out in the sand dunes, offering to translate for a non-Spanish speaker, or providing helpful information in the Malecon, these men and women were there to help. In coordination with the TAU, the Tourist Assistance Advisory Committee has had a busy year as well, taking reports and suggestions from the public and passing them to the appropriate City officials, fundraising, and working with the TAU agents themselves to help keep the tourists and the unit on the same page and working together for everyone’s safety and fun. We were able to give each of the Agents a well-deserved Christmas “bonus” this year due to the generosity of folks who have donated or attended one of our fundraising events. We will put the word out whenever we have a fundraising event, so please try to attend or help out with a donation when you can. The committee is very close to becoming an official Civil Association in Mexico, which will allow legal recognition and, very soon, will allow for tax deductible donations. More info forthcoming on that front. Finally, when you see one of our TAU Agents, take a moment to say Hello and thank them for what they do for our tourists and for our community. They have certainly earned it. The Tourist Assistance Unit is here to stay and will only grow in size and effectiveness, much to the glee of visitors and residents alike.

This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.

Maquilas Tetakawi Analyzes Investment of Manufacturing Plant in Puerto Peñasco In promoting economic development, while continuing to make the city attractive for new investment, Mayor Kiko Munro met with businessmen of Maquilas Tetakawi to analyze the possibility of establishing a manufacturing plant here in the upcoming year. The mayor, accompanied by Luis Felipe Seldner of Maquilas Tetakawi S.A. de C.V., and David L. Thomas and Charlie Thomason of St. Clair Technologies, Inc., went over the geographic advantages and strengths of the area, from connectivity by air, rail, and sea, to improvement of services and infrastructure, plus proximity to the U.S. border with Arizona. “Puerto Peñasco has become not only the most important tourism destination in northwestern Mexico, but also an attractive city for new investment,” stated the mayor. “Installation of a manufacturing plant would create new sources of jobs, which would benefit families in the city.” The mayor expressed his satisfaction that work his administration has done to promote Puerto Peñasco as a safe destination for investment is bearing fruit, affirming once again that Puerto Peñasco is part of a mega region for business. Luis Felipe Seldner of Maquilas Tetakawi stated if they were to establish manufacturing in Puerto Peñasco, this would be for wire harness assembly, noting there are tremendous advantages and possibilities for setting up the world class manufacturing plant here in Puerto Peñasco. This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.

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Are you one of the Lucky Whale Watchers?

By Steve Franklin

If not, you are missing a muy bonito treat!

Did you know the Sea of Cortez is one of the top 10 places in the world to view Humpback Whales? And…Rocky Point has one of the easiest access points for Americans to whale watch in the Sea of Cortez. A few hours drive and a few minutes in a boat and Wallah!, you will be in the midst of Humpback Whales.

As far as whales go; The Humpbacks are the most interesting to view as they tend to breach and show themselves more than any other whale in the ocean. They are also the most vocal whale in the world. Singing by male humpbacks can be heard dozens of miles away across a flat sea.

Common Questions About Humpback Whales

How Big is a Humpback Whale? Humpback whales have a variable body length between 48 and 60 feet. Females are longer than a male. How Much Do Humpback Whales Weigh? They can reach a maximum weight of 40 tons. The females are usually heavier than the males.

Carniceria, the Mexican Butcher Shop

How Long is the Gestation Period of Humpback Whales? It lasts between 10 and 12 months. Females breed every 2 to 3 years. How Much Does a Baby Humpback Whale Weigh at Birth? At birth, calves are between 10 and 15 feet long and weigh about 1.5 tons. This is one third of the length of the mother’s body or the same length as one of her flippers. How Long do Baby Humpbacks Nurse? A baby humpback whale will nurse for 6 months. The mother’s milk is 50% fat and pink in color. ________________________________ How Long Do Humpback Whales Live? Their lifespan is around 50 to 80 years. What Do Humpback Whales Eat? These whales can eat up to 2 tons of plankton and small fish (like herring) per day. How Often Do Humpback Whales Need to Eat? Normally whales feed in abundance in the cold waters near the poles. Their feeding method is very impressive, called “net bubbling.” Using this technique, different whales create a bubble net to entrap fish inside and then come up with their mouths wide open. During winter, when they reach warm tropical waters for the mating period, humpback whales generally do not feed. They survive thanks to the fat accumulated during their stay in cold waters.

How Many Humpback Whales Are Left in the World Today? Actually, there are more than 80,000 humpback whales currently living in our oceans. Are Humpback Whales an Endangered Species? No, their status is “LC” (Least Concern), and their population is increasing. How Fast Can Humpback Whales Swim? Usually humpback whales swim 3 to 9 miles per hour, but if danger is present, they can swim up to 16.5 miles per hour. What Sounds Do Humpback Whales Produce? Only males sing; however females can also communicate by sound. For example, communication between a mother and her calf is very strong. They can recognize each other by sound. ________________________________ Are Humpback Whales Distinguishable by Scientists? Yes. Every humpback whale’s tail (fluke) has a different shape and color pattern. ________________________________ Do Humpback Whales Interact With Other Sea Mammals? Yes. Humpbacks have been viewed playing with several dolphin species and interacting with Blue, Minke, Right, Sperm, Fin and Gray whales. *** Some whale facts were obtained from Wikipedia and from Mario Passoni a Marine Biologist *** So fresh and so clean.

The mayor, accompanied by Luis Felipe Seldner of Maquilas Tetakawi S.A. de C.V., and David L. Thomas and Charlie Thomason of St. Clair Technologies, Inc., went over the geographic advantages and strengths of the area, from connectivity by air, rail, and sea, to improvement of services and infrastructure, plus proximity to the U.S. border with Arizona. “Puerto Peñasco has become not only the most important tourism destination in northwestern Mexico, but also an attractive city for new investment,” stated the mayor. “Installation of a manufacturing plant would create new sources of jobs, which would benefit families in the city.” The mayor expressed his satisfaction that work his administration has done to promote Puerto Peñasco as a safe destination for investment is bearing fruit, affirming once again that Puerto Peñasco is part of a mega region for business. Luis Felipe Seldner of Maquilas Tetakawi stated if they were to establish manufacturing in Puerto Peñasco, this would be for wire harness assembly, noting there are tremendous advantages and possibilities for setting up the world class manufacturing plant here in Puerto Peñasco. This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.

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2016 Donations Presented to Local Charity Groups

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BARB’S DOG RESCUE Quack Ups NEWSLETTER “Help Us Help Them”

By Barb Mumaugh

Promoters, organizers, and volunteers from the annual Rocky Point Rally gathered with Mayor Kiko Munro and First Lady Linda Pivac de Munro along with other city officials at the Municipal DIF offices on Thursday, Dec. 8th, for presentation of this year’s fundraising efforts, which in all totaled 383,066 pesos (approximately $20,000 USD). It is worth noting this is over $2,000 US more than that raised in 2015, which had already topped previous year fundraising. Fundraising efforts of the Rocky Point Rally stem principally from the voluntary registration donation made by many of the bikers. The organizing committee presented individual amounts of nearly 50,000 pesos to each of the charitable organizations: Fire Department, La Montaña CAM School for children with Special Needs, the Red Cross, José Dávalos Home for the Elderly, the George Papanicolaou Cancer Awareness and Screening Group, and the Municipal DIF offices in both Puerto Peñasco and Sonoyta. An additional amount of over $300 US, raised during the Bike Show with support from American Legion MX Post 15, was presented specifically to educational needs for Peñasco students studying outside the city. Oscar Palacio Soto, President of the Rocky Point Rally Organizing Committee, noted the 2016 Rocky Point Rally was a success, bringing together more than 8,000 bikers and, along with it, an important economic boost to the city. He noted for the first time since the Rocky Point Rally began in 2001, area hotels were reporting full occupancy at least two months out from the event. Plans are already underway for the 2017 Rocky Point Rally, with dates set for Nov. 9 - 12, 2017. www.rockypointrally.com Be sure to register and help our donations grow! This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.

February is an exciting month in Rocky Point and all over North America for that matter! It’s getting closer to Spring and the warm weather that accompanies the upcoming summer. Here at Barb’s Dog Rescue, we thank you for the love and support you have given towards our animal rescue mission which has allowed us to love and care for hundreds of animals each year!

By Bob Snyder

linguistics

professor

was

lecturing his class one day. ‘In English’, he said, ‘A double negative forms a positive. In some languages, though, such as Russian, a double negative is still a negative. However, there is no language wherein a double positive can form a negative.’ Blue Eyes If anyone is ever interested in getting involved and volunteering, we would love to have you reach out to us. If you are down in Rocky Point on vacation and want to come by to help out at the shelter for a day, we always need people to help socialize the animals and give them extra hugs and pets or to help with shelter maintenance. If you have extra time back at home and want to help spread the word to others about the animal overpopulation problem in Peñasco, contact us and we can give you the tools to bring about effective education and change. You can do a dog food drive, share Barb’s Dog Rescue with your friends on Facebook or tell people how many wonderful dogs there are to adopt in Rocky Point. There are hundreds of ways to help!

Duke We are very grateful to all of you that already do support Barbs Dog Rescue. We would also like to thank the other rescue efforts in Rocky Point and the City of Peñasco for their support. Every penny goes to helping the stray and homeless dogs - come visit and see for yourself! We would not be able to help any of these dogs without your support and all donations are greatly appreciated. Donations can either be dropped off at the rescue, mailed to P.O. Box 116, Lukeville 85341 or sent online at www. barbsdogrescuerp.com. We can also coordinate donations to be transported from Phoenix to Rocky Point. Please visit us on our Barb’s Dog Rescue Facebook page as well for updates, pictures and news.

A loud voice from the back of the room piped up, ‘Yeah, right.’ -------------------------------------------Brenda and Terry are going out for the evening. The last thing they do is put their cat out. The taxi arrives, and as the couple walk out of the house, the cat scoots back in. Terry returns inside to chase it out. Brenda, not wanting it known that the house would be empty, explains to the taxi driver, ‘My husband is just going upstairs to say goodbye to my mother.’ Several minutes later, an exhausted Terry arrives and climbs back into the taxi saying, ‘Sorry I took so long, the stupid idiot was hiding under the bed and I had to poke her with a coat hanger several times before I could get her to come out!’

Mexico Dog Please visit us online http://www.facebook.com/BarbsDogRescue or our website www.BarbsDogRescueRP.com Barb’s Mexico cell # (638) 114-1659 or her US # (602) 774-1578. Email barbsdogrescue@gmail.com. We can pick up donations in the US and Puerto Peñasco.

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Rocky Point gas prices are higher today than they were yesterday

The Energy Regulatory Commission announced that the liberalization of gas and diesel prices would be rolled out in five phases beginning March 30. Fuel prices will be set by the market, rather than by government decree, a change ushered in by the federal government’s sweeping energy reforms. But several factors will likely mean that prices at the pump will rise about 15% in 2017, predicts Onexpo, a gas station trade organization, while the Citibanamex financial group expects they’ll go higher, forecasting an increase of 22.5% on average. Higher prices will result from the elimination of government subsidies, without which gasoline would have cost 11% more in December, along with higher oil prices and the weak peso. Meanwhile, there are concerns over the possibility of price gouging in regions where there are fewer gas stations, meaning less competition. Nationwide there are nine gas stations per 100,000 people, whereas in the United States there are 36. The competition factor is key in the expectation by authorities that consumers will benefit due to greater competition between gas stations. But it won’t come by decree, warned Alejandra Palacios, who heads the antitrust commission. “The country still has to work on several fronts to have more chance of success in the shift from a monopolistic, integrated energy sector to one based on competition,” she

said in a report by The Wall Street Journal. The newspaper also reported today that higher fuel prices could bring a backlash against the government’s efforts to liberalize the energy market. And a public policy expert warned that authorities “need to treat lightly.” Adán García of the Center of Economic and Budget Research said “the price of gasoline is a very sensitive one, and we cannot rule out social outbreaks in some poor regions.” Price controls will first be eliminated in Baja California and Sonora at the end of March, followed by Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas and the municipality of Gómez Palacio in Durango on June 15. November 30 will be the date for the remainder of the states, with the exception of Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatán, which will follow December 30. The regulatory commission said the process will begin in the north due to the region’s better connectivity to sources of supply. Scrapping price controls was originally scheduled to take place in 2018, but the government has been hastening the process. However, as Citibanamex has pointed out the decision to move sooner on freeing prices was made when economic conditions were different from what they are today. The peso was stronger and oil prices were not expected to rise as much as they have.

This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.

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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 382-0049 or 383-3885. (#a1a) GRUPO UNIDAD CRISTIANOS DE PEÑASCO Pastor Ernesto Portugal. Headphones available for English translation. Sunday service 10:30AM, Thursday Service 7:30PM, Children’s school same hours. Church office open Monday through Friday 9:30AM to 2PM. Located on Simon Morua. Call for info. (01152-638) 383-2240. (#1-ch) ADOPT-A-CLASSROOM – Charity organization operated for 9 years now by Barb and Mark Olszewski, helping 9 schools and over 2,500 students. If anyone would like to help us with donations of spiral notebooks, pencils, crayons, erasers, rulers, etc...it will really be appreciated. You may use the offices of the Rocky Point Times Newspaper for a drop-off-point (off Calle 13map in paper), or get information at www.rockypointclassroom.com (#1-AAC) 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 – in Cholla Bay. Bilingual Catholic Mass. At noon every Sunday. Follow the road past Wrecked at The Reef toward la Cholla. All our welcome. Help us build our church. (#1-SJ) 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) MERMAID’S MARKET ARTS AND CRAFT MARKET – First and third Saturday of each month (Oct 15 to April 1) Contact: Russ at 113-4591 for information. (MM1)

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)

GIUSEPPIS ESPRESSO RESTAURANT - PASTRY – inside or outside seating. Located on Blvd. Fremont, left side past Cruz Roja (Red Cross) Open at 8AM until 4PM on Mon, Tue & Thur. Friday & Saturday breakfast and lunch. Sunday 8AM - 2PM (Closed Wednesdays) (011-52638) 383-5181 www.giuseppis. info. Leashed, well behaved dogs always welcome. (#56-6) 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 Mario for an appointment (011-52-638) 3833434. (#64-3) FM3 SERVICES SERVICES FOR AMERICANS – Permanent and Temporary Residence, Tax ID Numbers (Hacienda Registration), accounting services, bill paying and more. Office location: Sun Valley Business and Immigration Service, Blvd. Benito Juarez No. 191 Between Nicolas Bravo & Simon Morua. Call local at 3838891, from the U.S. dial (520) 829-4340 or email Bianeysvisa@ aol.com or Dynorasvisa@aol. com. English spoken. (#79-9) FM2/FM3/RFC/HACIENDA/ IMSS – If you don’t speak Spanish, or just want someone to help guide you through the process, call Silvia Villa at Premium Services at 383-5758, or from the U.S. dial (602) 4761187 or sivife@hotmail.com. Translations from English to Spanish or Spanish to English also available – any document you need translated. Call Silvia whenever you need help with anything from bill paying to ordering flowers! (#79-1) BILL PAYING – Maintenance and cleaning. FM3 Services. Proservices Rocky Point. Fremont Plaza #15. Mon. thru Fri. 8:30-4:30, Sat. 8:30-1:30. (638) 383-6161. English/Spanish Cel (044-638) 113-0446. astrid. avila@live.com.mx (PS-1) FOR SALE 4 SALE SUNFISH SAILBOAT 14’ – Boat and sail good cond. Sailed many times in Mar de Cortez. $200 dlls or trade for aluminum boat. U.S. (602) 7741242. Mex. cell (638) 113-4109. (#86-1) FURNITURE DELIVERY MOVING FROM THE STATES to Rocky Point/San Carlos since 1987. Our price includes no surprise fees from pickups to setups. 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) PUERTA PRIVADA LONG TERM LEASE 2 OR 3 bdrm condos for long term lease only. Furnished or unfurnished available. Visit model on site 9am to 5pm daily for more info. (#100-42) BEAUTIFUL OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT RANGING FROM 50-75 M2 Perfect for business professionals. Located Luis Encinas and Calle 24. English Call 815-553-2683 or Spanish call 638-105-7936. (#1241) FURNISHED CASITA AVAILABLE – for rent. Small gated park. One block from Mirador beach. $300 dlls a month. Minimum 6 months lease. (480) 748-8065 or (638) 383-1915. (#100-2) 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) PLAYA DORADA – $229K Close to International Airpot. Beachfront, large 2bd, 2ba. Private parking, security. HOA and electric. Call PABLO REALTY (602) 288-8687. Local 383-8657. Email pablorealty@ hotmail.com (#102-PR) OWNER WILL CARRY FOR 3 YEARS. – Own a beach front condo with 1bd 1ba. Lowest price. Great investment: Playa Bonita area. 92K. This is the time to buy. I want your listings. If you want to sell, call me. I have the buyers. Licensed broker in USA and Mexico, Oceano Realty. (602) 315- 6371 johnsoldit@yahoo. com Hablo Español.(#102-18) SALE – East Cape Cabo Pulmo Reef National Park Duplex Villa $244,000 U.S. www.cabocasasirena.com Turnkey ready. Excellent rental profits. 500 meters to the Sea. cheriaspen@gmail.com 858 568 1257. (#102-20) INSURANCE SERVICES INSURANCE AND BONDING AGENCY – REAL ESTATE Mexican & American Insurance: Auto, boat, life, house, commercial. Yolanda Silva, Agent. Ave Nayarit #62. Call 383-6280. (#107-1) JEWELERS JOYERIA MAX – MAX’S JEWELRY - Custom design, repairs, diamonds and gemstones. Special orders are our specialty. Open 11AM – 9PM Monday through Saturdays. Shop located on the north side of No Reeleccion (Calle 26), just east of RR tracks. Lamek_ fu@hotmail.com. Call Max (011-52638) 388-5512 and 383-2698. (#110-2)

LOTS FOR SALE TWO ADJOINING LOTS – for sale. Two blocks from beach, each lot is 875m2, one isa corner lot. In Playa Bonita area. Good business location. $200K, price is negotiable. Contact F. Cordero at garcnan@ gmail.com. (#115-31) MASSAGE U.S.A. CERTIFIED MASSAGE THERAPIST. Several bodywork modalities available. Out calls or in clinic. $55 per hour. Best massage in town. Rita Pizarro, from U.S. dial (602) 748-4134, clinic (011-52-638) 383-8030, local dial 383-8030 or (044-638) 386-5203 or email ritapizarro@ gmail.com. (#120-6) SPA BLUE SKY – Wonderful anti-stress massage, facials, pedicures. Outcalls. $35 dlls per hour. Call Sixto Jimenez. On Blvd. Samuel Ocaña. 383-2105 and cell (044-638) 107-7720. Email qatejmez@hotmail.com. (#120-1) PEST CONTROL PREDADOR – COCKROACHES, Termites, mosquitoes, flies, bees, fire ants, fleas, scorpions, spiders, rats, ants, mice. We have our Federal License. English spoken. Call Antonio Mendivil, owner at 383-8787. 24 hour emergency phone dial (044-638) 380-5136. (#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) HOME INSPECTIONS. Be an intelligent investor: Get a home inspection before you buy your next home or investment property in Mexico. Puerto Peñasco’s only full time Home Inspector. Call (602) 748-4134, local dial (044-638) 3807212 or email tomthomas360@ gmail.com. (#140-4) RV PARKS & SPACES 6 RV SPACES for rent in town (1 1/2 blks East of Josefa on Callejon Juarez). Walled, private, and with all the services, Call (480) 225-6546. (#152-22) FOR RENT – RV SPACE, in small secured gated RV Park. One block from Mirador beach. $2000 dlls a year. One space available. Interested, please call (480) 748-8065 or (638) 3831915. (#152-4)

SERVICES PET SITTING SERVICE – DON’T WORRY about your animals for a day, week or month! Vacation with peace of mind. I will look after your cats or dogs. Lots of experience with animals! Phone Nancy at (011-52-638) 383-1012. (#157-21) SATELLITE TV – Sales, service & installation. Residential & Commercial (638) 103-5317 Mex Cel. (602) 635-2246 Vonage. (#157-2) ROCKY POINT HOME INSPECTIONS – Inspections by US inspector 25+years in Real Estate, Homes and Condos. Be a smart investor 602-538-0027 tomthomas360@gmail.com. (#157-1) AQUA GRANDE TOWING – Tows to U.S.A. No Problem. All operators fluent in English and Spanish. Dennis Bleeker (01152-638) 383-5770. From the U.S. (520) 232-2149. (#157-3) SPANISH CLASSES – Are now enrolling at LADAIAon Fremont Blvd., in Plaza Melanie #201. Learn Spanish quickly and effectively (638) 383-7665 whatsapp. facebook.com/ladaia. ingles. (#157-4) 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! Email headout@cox.net, phone in the U.S. (602) 971-0166 or U.S. Toll Free (866) 443-2368. www. headouttorockypoint.com. No waiting in border lines when you ride with us! (#158-3) WANTED MISSION VILLA GRANADA – is now interviewing candidates for the Administrator position. Management skills and office skills are required. Must be willing to physically work, and to also perform office tasks. Verbal and written communication skills must be adequate. Helpful if bilingual, and English speaking is required. Computer skills are necessary. Other skills that are helpful are restaurant and hotel experience. Come be a part of something bigger than yourself and be the caretaker of the Mission Villa Granada! Email your contact information to info@ weekendmissions.com or call Mark at 480.231.1940 or Mary at 480.503.8832. (#192-1) ANY BRIDGE PLAYERS? – Duplicate style. Steve or Joy. Phone (638) 388-0387. (#192-4)

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

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

Letters to Editor Send your letters to the editor to our mailing address P.O. Box 887 Lukeville, AZ 85341 or email us at rockypointtimes@yahoo.com

Hi Sandra. This is John Schroeder in Scottsdale. I want to check to see if you still passed on donations sent to the Rocky Point Times. I would like to send you a check again this year for Casa Hogar, the senior home. If you could see they get it, I would appreciate it. Can you tell me who the check should be made out to? I sent the check last year to Madre Silvia Gomez, but I have no record of the check ever being cashed. Many gracias and may you have a wonderful Christmas and New Years. All the best. John Schroeder Hi John, yes we remember your donation to Casa Hogar, and yes they still held on to the check. But now they will void it and we will wait for your new donation check made out to Patronato Pro Asilo de Ancianos de Puerto Peñasco A.C. We are sorry about the check not getting cashed. They do need all the help they can get from caring people like yourself. We will forward a “Thank You” from them when we deliver your check. Thank you! We are from Canada and are fortunate enough to own property in RP- our “Paradise”!! Love the Rocky Point Times!! You guys do a super job! Feliz Navidad!! Jacki Thank you Jacki, we will consider your photo for a cover. Happy New Year the best for all of you! Lucy Vega FELIZ AÑO TO YOU! Thank you. Wish you were here! This is a gift subscription for our daughter’s boyfriend. He just experienced Rocky Point for the first time the week after Christmas! We’re hoping this will be another “plus” for him (and her) to move to Phoenix from Omaha. Thank you! Amy Phoenix, AZ Amy, we will begin your gift subscription with the very next issue which will be here in just 2 weeks. Hi Sandy, My name is J.P. Holyoak and I live in the Phoenix area. I’m a semi regular in Puerto Peñasco, where I rent a home on Encanto Beach to stay in with my family. I recently purchased a dirt motorcycle and would like to ride it from Puerto Peñasco to El Golfo. I’d like my trip to be all off road, if possible.

I’ve never been to El Golfo, and don’t know much about it. I’m hoping that you can provide me with any insights as to route, places to stay, etc. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I appreciate all your time and efforts. Keep up the great work. Sincerely, J.P. Holyoak Hola JP, I can give you the hotels we stay in on our “Runs”. I will give you the most popular: Mar de Cortez, right next to Hotel Las Conchas on the beach. Las Conchas is the only hotel on the beach, but is also the oldest. Mar de Cortez is only a few years old, and very nice, and right next to Las Conchas. Call them @ (011-52-653) 5157432. http://www.hotelmardecortez.com. mx The second newest is Hotel San Antonio, on the main Blvd dial (011-52-653) 515-7048) The pet friendly hotel is Gallar2. Call them at (011-52-653) 515-7029. There are a selection of places to eat. Our people head for El Delfin, El Capitan, and Gallar2, besides the many taco stands. There are now two PEMEX stations, an OXXO, and Circle K, besides little markets. THERE IS NO OFF-ROAD ROUTE TO EL GOLFO, AS THE TERRAIN CHANGES WITH EVERY TRIP. You cannot ride the beach all the way because of estuaries, you cannot ride the desert all the way because of private property and the Biosfera, and the salt flats are very dangerous. If you take a wrong turn, you could get lost easily, or sink into the mud like quicksand. DO NOT TRY IT ALONE. DO NOT TRY IT, EXCEPT WITH A LEADER WHO KNOWS ALL THE WAYS TO GET THERE. You might want to trailer your bike, go on the Coastal Hwy to El Golfo, and explore the beaches and dunes from that end. SandyO My husband loved the ribs New Year’s Eve. What a great time we all had. Kathy Flick Yes, The Satisfied Frog threw a fantastic New Year’s Eve Party! Hi Alicia, Hope all is well with you guys!! Wanted to check to see if the PO Box in Lukeville on the Rocky Point Times website is still the address to send stuff too…Chris and I want to send you Mario and Sandy a little something for always setting up the El Golfo Runs, and as a Happy Holidays gift... Just let me know when you have a moment. Speaking of the “Run”, do you have the dates for the first run of 2017 yet? Thanks and Happy Holidays J Kimberlee Dennis

Wow. What a thoughtful gesture! Thank You for the compliment! The RPTimes El Golfo Run was created some 20 years ago by my husband, Tom O’Hare, and I. We never imagined setting up Run #42 in May of 2017!! It will be the weekend of Friday 12th through Sunday 14th, with our “Survivors Dinner” Sunday 16th 5PM at South Side Jillz. SandyO You’re welcome! Glad you like them, it’s the least we could do for you guys in all that you do! I just read that Bancomer is not accepting American (US) debit cards at their ATMs. Is this the case in Rocky Point? Betty Smith Yes, just talked to the bank and Bancomer does take U.S. debit cards, just make sure you call your bank and tell them you will be using your card out of the country, and make sure that on the ATM machine you check if it’s a checking account or a regular account. Thank you so much Alicia!! I hope that doesn’t change!! We’re sure it will remain as is. Hi there Sandra! I figure you’re the woman to ask...anything fun going on down there for New Years? We’re coming down with some friends to warm up a little, from Payson. Also, I think I read the whales are back? What’s the name of a good boat trip to take and maybe get a closer look? What can we expect to pay? Just checking, any information would be appreciated. Thank you and Merry Christmas! Bernadette Whetten Fun Places for New Year’s Eve include South Side Jillz, Satisfied Frog, Tekila Bar, Wrecked and Changos. For whale watching, call Esther at Santiagos Ocean Services at (638) 388-5318 or (602)324-9558. If she can’t help you, she will know who can. What are the protests about? Guess I’d better gas-up while I still can. Think I read or heard somewhere that gas prices are actually going to go up soon. Mike Hi Mike, yes, the peaceful protest is about the high prices of the gasoline. Sandra you could report this page as being something that it is not or trying to be something that it is not. To me this goes against FB policy. Bad people are making fake FB pages like this one. It would be one thing to call it this person was posting good fun times in Rocky Point but to actually call it

a Newspaper in fraud. Just an idea... you don’t want this person to start a following that thinking it is the legit newspaper and then start asking for money from the followers. I could look badly on your legit newspaper page. Charmen Haag Thank you, Charmen. We did as you suggested, after I requested nicely that he take the page down as he has nothing whatso-ever to do with our offices, and he replied NO. I then asked him to remove the word ‘newspaper’ from his Rocky Point Times newspaper. Several people have asked me why that page is allowed to even be there. OUR Facebook Page is Rocky Point Times Newspaper. Who created the other Facebook Page and why? Sally Dalton Some dude on a jet ski with his dog set up a Facebook Page for ‘Rocky Point Times newspaper’ with the lower case letters and the subtitle of newspaper. We have no idea WHY!! We, and many of our readers have complained...AND reported the Page as a FRAUD, to no avail. The Coastal Highway from El Golfo to Puerto Peñasco is very bad at night. Faded or no pavement lines. Sand dunes on road, no one dims their brights and curve signs are faded. Very hard to see. Lannette Phipps I’ve been on that road many times, but never at night. We try not to drive at night because of animals on the road, and sometimes cars with no, or very dim lights. I went to Rocky Point it recently for my honeymoon. We were supposed to be there for seven days and extended to three more days because we fell in love. The people the beach and the food are all amazing. I can’t wait to come back. Someday, hopefully, we will be residents! Mindy Miller Mindy, what a nice letter! We love to hear LOVE STORIES. Stop in and visit us next time you are here. My husband and I came here in 1990, for a short visit. WE NEVER LEFT!

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE 4

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32. Instances 34. Actress Black 35. Sphere 38. Small lakes 39. Handlebar __ 41. Band 42. Like Yul Brynner 44. Corrupts 45. Demure 47. Buffalo at home on the range 48. “Heaven, __ heaven…” (2 wds.) 49. Pry 50. Aykroyd and Rather 51. Irritate 52. Playwright Coward 53. Champagne popper 54. Makes do 57. Canola product 59. Tear asunder 61. Med. School subj. 62. Monogram part (abbr.) 63. Naught 66. One Stooge

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C A S A G P R O E A M E R E E D I S I N E N N E E G S D R O N E E T I R E C A N S C K S T A I T O E C A I R N S E N

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DOWN 1. Step 2. Molecule unit 3. Unspecified number 4. Telephone company employee 5. Deserves 6. Solitary 7. Haughty 8. Beer holder 9. Fabricate 10. Skirt edges 11. Monogram unit (abbr.) 12. Small beds 15. Umpire 21. Bite persistently 23. Move lioness 25. Wells __ 26. Artist Picasso 27. Poe’s middle name 28. Snail-like garden pests 30. Chewed items 31. Sense of self

CROSSWORD JANUARY

ACROSS 1. El __, Texas 5. Halloween coverup 9. Sleek 13. On 14. “__ Gantry” 16. Divorce city 17. Arrive 18. Baton __ 19. Emanate 20. Coming forth 22. Elaborate meals 24. Poker payment 25. Sensed 26. Spaghetti and macaroni 29. “__and Old Lace” 33. Let 34. “M.A.S.H.” locale 36. Medical gp. 37. Smudge 38. Jumbo 39. Farrow and others 40. Straggle 41. Actress Greta 42. Protrude 43. In the limelight 45. Catholic services 46. Soon 47. Locking device 48. “Mood __” (Duke Ellington tune) 51. Good __ to bad rubbish 55. Lament 56. Loud sound 58. Use the stove 59. “__ It Romantic?” 60. Farm structures 61. At this location 62. Loch __ 63. Loaned 64. Caribous’ cousins

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

Finding Nemo

By Vince Deadmond Winter fly fishing can make you wonder, “Where are the fish?” Fishing is still an open option in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, but it’s a less aggressive bite this time of year. Many of the plentiful spring, fall, and summer fish have migrated to warmer waters. Usually, when the water temperature is above 60 degrees, the fishing improves. There are still many enjoyable sunny days on the Sea of Cortez, and a fly fishing trip with friends is a good way to enjoy the day. I have learned not to be so determined to go fishing on cloudy, windy, or stormy kind of days. There are plenty of other options in Rocky Point. If you have planned a fly fishing trip but the wind, and waves are telling you not to do it. This can be a perfect time to do a gear check. If you fly fish with some regularity, your gear will need to be cleaned, inspected, replaced, and prepared for your next fly fishing foray. Tippet material has a shelf life and I try to replace it during the winter months. In December I was Carp fishing and broke off three fish one morning. On the way home I stopped for new fluorocarbon. Summer heat, and age will degrade your line and it will need to be replaced. Clean and inspect rods and reels. While in storage set the reel at the lowest tension setting. Saltwater is hard on your gear, and making repairs

is easier at home than having to McGyver a piece of equipment on the water. Leaky waders are no fun, but can be repaired with a dab of Pliobond or Aquaseal. To find a leak in your waders, turn them inside out and fill with water. Look for pin hole leaks. Boots should be inspected to make sure the laces are good, and the sole is solidly attached to the boot. Waders and waterproof jackets sometimes need a cleaning and coating of silicone to keep them waterproof. My fly boxes usually take a beating during a weekend fly fishing trip. Flies get damaged and need to be repaired or replaced, and they somehow get in the wrong box. Many times fish will prefer one color or size of fly and replacements will be needed before the next trip. One tip I would like to pass along. Unless your smart phone is waterproof, leave it on land. I have seen too many phone failures after a dunk in saltwater. This is an excellent time of year to plan future fishing trips. Looking at the calendar reminded me to plan a Large Mouth Bass trip in March to the Colorado River up by El Golfo. The Bass are ready to go about a month sooner in Mexico than they are in Arizona. I hope to see you on the water soon. Vince Deadmond The Fly Fishing Hardware Guy can be reached at Best True Value Hardware 237 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ vince@ajbest.com and (480) 982 7461.

Rocky Point’s Rodeo Drive

By Barbara Iverson

Love is in the air on Rodeo Drive. They have everything you need to make your Valentine’s Day special. From that special dinner and special gift to a special romantic experience right in your own casa.

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

Young Life Gala to Benefit Peñasco Youth

Young Life’s Second Annual Red Carpet Gala will be held Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Peñasco’s Convention Center, according to Young Life Area Director Alberto Martinez. Last year’s highly successful inaugural event drew 300 guests and raised enough funds to send 85 local teens to summer camp plus purchase a van to safely transport area kids to weekly social gatherings and field trips. Founded in 1941, Young Life is a nondenominational, faith-based ministry currently reaching out to more than 2 million “at-risk” teens in 99 countries throughout the world. Peñasco’s

local Young Life chapter is now working with 150 high school and college students through its weekly social gatherings and world class summer camps. This year’s Red Carpet Gala dinner program will be catered by Mare Blu with musical and dancing entertainment from Peñasco’s popular band, Aqua De Coco. Best of all, 100% of the donations raised from the Gala go directly to the benefit of Peñasco’s youth. Since last year’s Red Carpet Gala was totally sold-out, reservations for this year’s event should be made early by calling or emailing Reyna Molina, at 638-105-8799 or redcarpetgala2017@gmail.com.

Exceptional Events, which opened 3 years ago, can make your evening perfect. Owned by Eddie Wharez and Eric Plata, who got the inspiration for event planning with a different twist. They can completely plan your event from start to finish including food, decoration, supplying a DJ, flowers and even more. For those who like a more hands on approach, they can assist with helping you find your own resources. They also give classes on flower arranging. Their versatility and knowledge makes it possible

to do last minute events. Everything from Posadas, Weddings, Anniversary Dinners and Birthdays. From a romantic dinner for two to a banquet for 400 people. Whatever your event, they can do it. Mariachis and Tequila Restaurant, right here on Rodeo Drive, has not only a special Valentine’s dinner, but, they’re also celebrating their second anniversary on the 12th of February. Both nights offer some outstanding new creations from their kitchen. Known for its wonderful atmosphere and outstanding food, you just can’t go wrong here. Great selection and prices, friendly vendors and a charming street...Rodeo Drive is a don’t miss on your trip to Rocky Point. See you on the Drive.

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

New Year’s Storm By Mike Bibb

go.

Storms seem to follow us wherever we

In October 2016, an intense weather disturbance rocked my hometown of Safford, Arizona, inflicting substantial damage to farms, houses, businesses, schools and vehicles (see December 2016 issue of the Rocky Point Times), including my family’s home and RV. Another big storm struck a nearby community about a month later. Similar to the one that slammed Safford, wind, hail and water destruction accompanied this turbulence, also. In total, several inches of rain and hail pummeled the two communities, resulting in flooding and other property devastation. Having postponed our October Puerto Peñasco visit because of the storm, we rescheduled a late December trip, hoping no sudden downpours would plague the Rocky Point area. Arriving Wednesday, Dec. 28, under a warm, sunny, cloud free sky, it seemed our luck had changed for the better - weather wise. Hanging around Playa Bonita RV Park with its typical serene environment, was a much anticipated reprieve from Safford’s colder clime. Plus, continuing hassles with home repair contractors isn’t much fun either. A week in RP helps immensely, repairing frayed nerves, in addition to avoiding possible homicide charges involving murdered carpenters and roofers. I’d include insurance adjusters, but they’ve actually proven to be more accommodating than the fixer-upper guys. The first few days went without a hitch; sun comes up, - gets warm - sun slips into the sea - stars pepper the night sky - ZZZZZ - cycle repeats at sunrise. Better medicine than any pharmaceutical concoction or inhaling kilos of Colorado wacky-weed. Until New Year’s Eve. Dec. 31 began the usual way - sunrise, daily temp increases, et cetera, et cetera. Following a dinner date with several friends, the wife and I returned to camp to await the usual midnight revelry. Then about 11:00 in the evening wind gusts began intensifying and got stronger by the hour. Around 2:30 a.m., Jan. 1, rain started pounding the RV. By this time I was thinking a little Prozac or cannabis might come in handy. Several hours later I opened the front door of the battered camper, looked around, and slowly closed it. “Oh no” I thought, “October all over again!”

“How bad is it?” wife Eilene inquired from the comfort of a warm bed, slightly moistened from the rain blowing through the overhead vent. Realizing an opportunity to provoke panic, I calmly answered “Even the wheels are gone.” An exaggeration. No wheels were missing but she didn’t know it - yet. Besides, what better time to prank someone than during the midst of an imagined crisis? Like always, she didn’t appreciate the jest. Actually, she’s had issues with my sense of humor since I told her mother I was cashing-in my inheritance, taking her daughter to live in a yurt in Outter Slocosovitch and raise pygmy chinchillas. Fortunately, the wind and rain in Rocky Point wasn’t as bad as Safford’s. However, it did manage to shred a few RV awnings, toss around unsecured camping gear and drop a trawler load of rain. After cleaning up the camp site, we decided to tour the town to examine the extent of the storm’s wrath. Apparently, the rain was worse than the wind. Fortunately, when a community is built on sand accumulated water deposits quickly vanish into the terra firma. By late afternoon, only low-lying roadways and other small depressions contained appreciable amounts of runoff. By the way, the sun was shining again. Just another day in paradise. Playa Bonita RV Park camping equipment scattered by New Year’s sudden storm.

Mexico Cell Phone Service When new laws came into effect on January 2015, to shake-up Mexico’s telecommunication

market,

fixed-

line charges dropped sharply from residential telephones. The reforms caused Mexican landline telephone charges to go from being among the most expensive in the world, to among the cheapest. Since

then,

the

Mexican

cellular telephone market has been

and WhatsApp. Visit the websites of

undergoing some major reforms too,

the mobile operators to learn about

and you can now elect to buy a plan

these new unlimited plans which

that, for a modest monthly fee, gives

offer good value for money.

unlimited calling and SMS messages

Plans last for 30 days and can

to all phones across Mexico, the

be renewed or not, as you wish:

United States, and Canada, and you

automatic renewal can be set-up, or

can also use the mobile data included

you can renew manually. If you don’t

in your plan across all three countries

renew the plan, your tariff reverts to

without any data roaming costs.

a peso-per-minute (or per-MB) rate.

These “unlimited” deals are also

If your data quota runs out before the

available on pay-as-you-go monthly

30 days, you can pay-per-MB until the

plans: there is no need to sign a long

plan’s renewal date, or re-initiate your

term contract.

plan for an additional 30 days starting

If you have a smart phone which

on the (earlier) date of the renewal.

isn’t tethered to a network through

When lower residential phone line

a contract-whether you purchased it

tariffs came into force at beginning

in Mexico or brought it from abroad-

of 2015, many people didn’t believe

you can use the number portability

it was true until they started getting

procedure to hop from one network

their first phone bills that year and

to another on pay-as-you-go deals,

saw that calls to Mexican cell phone

depending on who’s offering the best

and long distance calls across the

plan this season. Constant hopping

country and the world were being

is unlikely to be beneficial, but

charged at zero rates-all included in

occasional hops may be useful to take

the monthly plan, which also includes

advantage of deals that match your

fixed-line high-speed internet.

present needs or usage habits.

Now with the Mexican cellular

By way of example: AT&T, Telcel,

market following suit, Mexico is one

Movistar and Virgin Mobile currently

of the least expensive countries in the

offer

plans

world to own and use a mobile phone:

(no contract) for MXN$200 pesos

staying in touch with friends, family,

(US$10) that includes unlimited call

and business contacts on the move

minutes and SMS messages across

in Mexico and when roaming with

North America (Mexico, the US and

a Mexican cell phone in the United

Canada), and at least 500 MB of

States and Canada, has never been

data. An additional 1 GB of data is

easier and less expensive than it is

included for use of Facebook, Twitter,

today.

month-to-month

This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.

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

Our Contributing writers... Dan McWhitis Broker - Teacher - Beach Bum - Me. Disgusting, it’s not a game, it’s a way of life.

Gretchen Ellinger

Considers herself blessed with the privilege of living and working Cholla Bay, which she thinks is one of the most inviting areas of Puerto Peñasco. After years of visiting Puerto Peñasco, Gretchen purchased a fishing shack by the water in Cholla Bay. The idea was to fix it up for weekends and vacations, and perhaps operate a bed and breakfast after retirement. After rebuilding, and a big curve in life’s road, Gretchen retired and started a new life in Cholla Bay. Over 7 years’ experience in real estate in Puerto Peñasco has earned Gretchen the respect of the real estate community, where it is known that she can be depended upon and trusted. Her numerous clients have come to depend on her for exemplary customer service, and expert advice in the fields of Cholla Bay real estate and retirement south of the border. Gretchen was the Vice President of Education for AMPI (the Mexican association of real estate agents), and coordinates the annual clean-up of Cholla’s estuary by U of A students. That bed and breakfast dream? After over 7 years in operation, Casa Monica Cholla Bay B&B has many devoted visitors who would not stay anywhere else!

Rosarie Salerno

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

Mike Bibb

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

Vince Deadmond

Vince Deadmond, “The Fly Fishing Hardware Guy”, is coowner 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.

Marcia Diane

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

Bob Snyder

Born in Boston, Nancy settled in Phoenix, Arizona, where she has three daughters and seven grandchildren. Nancy received her Masters degree from Northern Arizona University. Her computer career included Xerox and Control Data. She represented wineries in Europe working out of Libourne, France connecting wineries in Europe to the suppliers in the USA. 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 events.

Cap’n Greg

Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. High school class clown. Transplanted out west at the tender age of 20. Married in Las Vegas, where he raised 3 kids. Worked in sales his whole adult life. He has been coming to RP on vacation for about 20 years from Las Vegas. He has lived and worked year round at Puerta Privada on Sandy Beach for the past 5 years. Bob had a ton of fun being cast from the local pool to play a small roll in the Diego Luna directed movie, ‘Cesar Chavez’ staring Michael Peña. Loves fishing, golfing, horseshoes and pool, and of course, telling jokes.

Escaped Iowa’s snow for Arizona’s sun in 1989, and immediately jumped the border to sample the culture and cerveza of Mexico. A US Navy veteran, his love for the ocean drew him to Rocky Point, which he has enjoyed immensely. Although he offers salty advice to Sea of Cortez visitors, the Cap’n also frequents the Northwest Ontario Bush, and has been writing a “North With Doc” humor column for In-Fisherman magazine for more than 20 years. Cap’n Greg, his wife Sandy, and their silky/pom pup Jezebel live in Green Valley.

Rob Baylor

Rob was born and lived for 60 years in Missoula, Mt. He retired in 2004 after 35 years as a self employed appliance service technician. Rob served two tours in Viet Nam in the 60’s and is very involved in the American Legion. 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

My Bio…hmmm. Should I start at the age of 10 when I was kidnapped from Southern California and brought to Lake Havasu City to work in a factory mill (aka our home) stuffing independent phone books into plastic bags and then having to deliver said phonebooks doorto-door in temp’s well over 120-degrees from the back of a metal truck bed? Obviously there were no child labor laws back then and my kidnappers – aka 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. (This was before everyone who owned a PaintShop program thought they were designers – YES, I am talking about you!). 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. If you don’t like it then you can go back to California and we will loan you the money”. Here it is, 22 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. I could fill years of newspapers talking about the city and printers and escapades and stuff you really shouldn’t know about, but this is just a short bio. I have always wanted to be a writer of some sort so now I guess I am though my years have made me think I am a much better editor. I guess we can all be the judge of that when my first book is published…or not.

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.

Nancy Phelan

Mark Paliscak Marco Paliscak grew up on the East Coast and loved spending his summers at the Jersey Shore, enjoying the beach to the fullest. After graduating college, he moved to southern California and went on to get his Masters in Business Administration at the University of California, Irvine. Marco lived in Huntington Beach and Balboa Island for 13 years. He then relocated to Napa and lived in the wine country for a year. Missing the beach, he decided to move back to the beach to Santa Cruz, California. A great job offer took him south to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he lives today. Marco purchased his condo on Sandy Beach 9 years ago, and lives part-time at Bella Sirena and at home in Scottsdale with his family. “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 an interesting story about Rocky Point whether it is your place of employment, an upcoming event, a past event, an old or funny story, please email Marco at mpaliscak@amerifirst.us. You may be featured in the next…MARCO Y AMIGOS!

Steve Franklin

in Old Town near Mercedes.

Steve Franklin is a Cholla Bay resident and has been photographing wildlife for 20 years. He is also an Arson Detective for the Phoenix Fire Department. He enjoys taking photos of all sea life above and below the water. He visits the Yellowstone and Grand Teton areas of Wyoming as well as the Sonoran desert areas of Arizona & Mexico each year. His photography is displayed at Xochitl’s Restaurant in Cholla Bay, and at Gaby & Luis Galeria

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