Rocky Point Times February 2019 by Rocky Point Services

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

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

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

Editorial by Marco Zepeda & Lannette Phipps, but mostly Mario! The Rocky Point Times Newspaper is Puerto Peñasco’s #1 Tourist Newspaper, family owned and operated since 1993 in Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico, and written entirely in English! We are, and have always been, dedicated to helping the community in which we live, as well as promoting our city and bringing tourism to Rocky Point. We are a TOURIST NEWSPAPER dedicated to promoting tourism! ROCKY POINT TIMES STAFF Thomas Nelson O’Hare III (RIP 1941-2013) Founder / Owner Sandra Jo O’Hare (RIP 1946-2018) Owner / Managing Editor / Publisher Lannette Phipps Editor Alicia Grajeda - Administrative Executive Marco Zepeda - Sales and Accounts Executive Beatriz Lumbreras - Freelance Graphic Artist Manny Sánchez Radical Gravity Media Web + Social + Video www.RadicalGravity.com MONTHLY CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION Our newspapers are hand delivered in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico and in the U.S. to Lukeville, Why, Ajo, Gila Bend and Arizona. We bulk mail to over 600 monthly subscribers. The Rocky Point Times is printed in Mexico SUBSCRIPTIONS Go to our Website www.rptimes.com click on subscriptions or call us at or write us at P.O. Box 887 Lukeville, Az 85341 ADVERTISING IN THE ROCKY POINT TIMES For Information Email Us at rockypointtimes@yahoo.com. AD DEADLINE 10th of the month, preceding publication MEXICO OFFICES: Pino Suarez No. 124, off of Calle 13 Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico 83550 C. P. U.S. MAILING ADDRESS Please send correspondence to address PO Box 887, Lukeville, Arizona 85341 TELEPHONE From the U.S. dial (011-52-638) 383-6325 Local dial 383-6325 From the U.S. dial (480) 463-6255 E-MAIL ADDRESS & WEBSITE rockypointtimes@yahoo.com www.rptimes.com FACEBOOK See our Facebook Page at Rocky Point Times Newspaper CONTRIBUTING WRITERS See Page 70 PHOTO & ARTICLE SUBMISSION The Rocky Point Times is not responsible for the content of any advertising, nor has it attempted to verify any ad claims. Content contained in this publication is not authorized to be copied or reproduced without the permission of the Editor and Advertiser or Contributing Writer.

ello February! I have no idea what happened to January, but I know I was having fun messing around in the desert and on the beach in my truck with my dogs. I just love Rocky Point and all of the open spaces that you can explore. If you’ve found a cool place drop us a line so I can go check it out! We took a trip out to Playa Mia the other day and the road getting down to the beach was really washed out by all of the storms last year…and it was a blast!! If you love exploring and 4x4ing, there are tons of places to go and have fun while staying off of the city’s beaches and streets. You can find topo maps too of the area, so you stay out of the estuary muck. Okay, on to big news…cruise ship and our new office! No doubt most of you have heard or read about the cruise ship that will depart from our little fishing village on an 11-day journey this December 7th. It’s hit National and local media and on many recent trips to Arizona, everyone wants to talk about it! Which, of course, is fantastic. It will be the maiden voyage of the 250-cabin Astoria and you’ll be visiting Guaymas, Santa Rosalia, Loreto, La Paz, Cabo San Lucas and Topolobampo. The

per person price for a twin inner cabin is $1399 USD and $1869 for a twin ocean view. The Astoria is owned by Cruise and Maritime Voyages and you can get all of the details and reservations at www. us.cruiseandmaritime.com/cruise/ r004/treasures-of-the-sea-ofcortez. This announcement DOES NOT mean that the Home Port will be completed by the end of the year, that is still awhile out, but it’s a great step in the right direction and we should be seeing some movement soon. And now…drumroll please… The Rocky Point Times is getting a new office!! Yay! No more terrible parking, leaky roofs and fighting holiday traffic, though I will miss the mirrored pink disco ceiling. We have made an agreement to move our offices, but as of this writing, things are moving slowly. Some modifications need to be made to the building, so when the construction dust is flying, we’ll let you know what our new Plaza address will be. Another reminder to be sure to do the speed limit when going through Ajo – turns out they don’t like you doing 65 mph before you even reach the 55 mph sign south of town! Yes, me of all people, got pulled over the other day. It was the trucks fault, I swear!! The cop was really cool and he didn’t give me a ticket. He did say he and his family have been going to Rocky Point for a long time and was wishing his parents would’ve bought property back when he was a kid. There are a ton of cops in and around Ajo, so

Lannette forgot to include this photo from Steve Schwab's (Seaside Reservations and Casago) wedding in October 2018. Congrats to the happy couple. It was a beautiful wedding.

be sure to do the speed limit…I do (now) Oh, speaking of driving…I’ve noticed that the border area, when headed back to the U.S., now has a lot of vendors and people asking for donations and selling tortillas and other stuff. And some are getting a little aggressive and stepping into the roadway so please drive slowly and be careful. My truck is wide and I swear a couple times I was going to smack them with my mirrors. I usually travel on light traffic days so I can imagine what danger it is on the holiday weekends – or just weekends in general. Obey the speed limits and watch out for vendors and people. One last thought before Mario gets his chance haha…This is starting off to be a very exciting year for Puerto Peñasco and I expect it to just get better and better, so I must remind all of you to be sure CON'T ON PAGE 24

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

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

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

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

ALSO SEE OUR GENERAL INFO. PAGES FOR MORE INFO.

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

CALLING FROM THE U.S.

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

CALLING WITHIN MEXICO

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

LOCAL CELLULAR PHONES

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

CELL PHONES OUTSIDE OF PP

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

U.S. AREA CODES & VOIP LINES

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

INDEX A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I-J-K

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

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

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

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

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

N-O

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

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

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

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

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

Q&R

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHURCHES Phone Numbers

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

EMERGENCY & Important Phone Numbers dial 911 & 066 for EMERGENCIES AIR AMBULANCE (dial within Mexico) AirEvac............................................................001-880-321-9522 SkyMed Air Ambulance.................................001-866-805-9624 AIRPORTS International.................................................................383-6097 CITY HALL (Municipal Building) H. Ayuntamiento de Peñasco.....................383-2056/383-2060 CLINICS Clinica San Jose............................................................383-5121 Clinica Santa Fe...........................................383-2447/383-4040 Clinica Santa Isabel (Maternity)...................................383-3645 Clinica Santa Maria.......................................................383-2440 Cruz Roja (Red Cross)...................................................383-2266 Desert Senita Community Health Center..........(520) 387-5651 ELECTRIC

Emergency dial...071

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

Emergency dial...068

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

Emergency dial...066

Puerto Peñasco Station..............................383-2626/383-1616 State Judicial Police (Policía Judicial del Estado).........383-2783 PUBLIC SECURITY DEPARTMENT Seguridad Pública Municipal......................383-2626/383-1616 RAILROAD Ferrocarril......................................................................383-2610 RED CROSS Cruz Roja.....................................................................383-2266 SOCIAL SECURITY (IMSS) Instituto Méxicano del Seguro Social.........383-2677/383-2777 TELEPHONE Teléfonos de México.....................................................383-2780 Towing................(011-52-638) 383-5770 / U.S. (520) 232-2149 U.S. CONSULATES (in Mexico) Nogales.............................................................01-631-313-4820 dial from the U.S......................................011-52-631-313-4820 WATER Oomapas.......................................................................383-6080 Organismo Operador....................................................383-6080 Piteco (water tank delivery).........................................383-3315

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

Jungle Juice (638) 107-1869

Cheiky’s Pizza 383-3627 Closed Wed.

Sushi Sun 383-2772

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

Pedro's Restaurant (638) 105-5166

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

Pet Friendly

HOTELS

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

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

EVENTS CALENDAR FEBRUARY 2019 CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST EVENTS! Saturday 2nd • Mermaid's Market 10am - 3pm at Shrimp Plaza on Blvd. Benito Juarez • 2ND Annual Festival de Mariscos "Fish Bowl" Seafood Fest.

Saturday 27th • CBSC Phase I Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay

Sunday 3rd • Super Bowl

MAY 2019

Tuesday 5th • Mexican Constitution Day Thursday 14th • Happy Valentine's Day! Saturday 16th • CBSC Golf Tournament • Mermaid's Market 10am - 3pm at Shrimp Plaza on Blvd. Benito Juarez • 3RD Wine & Craft Beer Festival at El Tapeo Restaurant at Best Western Laos Mar Hotel. Monday 18th • President's Day (U.S.) Friday 22nd • SADR Sonoyta 160 Saturday 23rd • SADR Sonoyta 160 Sunday 24th • Mexican Flag Day MARCH 2019 Saturday 2nd • Mermaid's Market 10am - 3pm at Shrimp Plaza on Blvd. Benito Juarez Sunday 3 • Rocky Point Car Show by Desert Dreams Car Club. In Old Port (Malecon) rd

Saturday 16 • Mermaid's Market 10am - 3pm at Shrimp Plaza on Blvd. Benito Juarez th

Sunday 17th • St. Patrick's Day Saturday 23rd • CBSC Annual Horseshoe/ Corn Hole Tournament in Cholla Bay Saturday 30th • 1ST Rotary Golf Charity Tournament at Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort. Starting at 8am. APRIL 2019 Saturday 6th • Mermaid's Market 10am - 3pm at Shrimp Plaza on Blvd. Benito Juarez Saturday 13th • 4th Annual CHARANGA DERBY to benefit Casa Hogar. In the Mirador on Whale Hill.

Sunday 28th • CBSC Phase I Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay

Wednesday 1st • Mexico Labor Day Saturday 4th • Rocky Point Triathlon at Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort. • 10am and 11am - Agave Festival - Hosted by the Tequila Factory (Between Garufas & Changos) Sunday 5th • Cinco de Mayo / Batalla de Puebla • 10am and 11am - Agave Festival - Hosted by the Tequila Factory (Between Garufas & Changos) Thursday 9th • CBSC Phase II Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay Friday 10th • Dia De Las Madres / Mexico Mother's Day • CBSC Phase II Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay Saturday 11th • CBSC Phase II Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay Sunday 12th • Mother's day (U.S.) Friday 17th • SADR Tequila 150 Saturday 18th • SADR Tequila 150 Thursday 23rd • CBSC Phase III Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay Saturday 24th • CBSC Phase III Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay Sunday 25th • CBSC Phase III Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay Monday 26th • CBSC Fish Fry in Cholla Bay Tuesday 27th • Memorial Day JUNE 2019 Thursday 6th • Circus Mexicus - Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers Friday 7th • Circus Mexicus - Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers

Sunday 21st • Easter

Saturday 8th • Circus Mexicus - Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers

Friday 26th • CBSC Phase I Fishing Derby in Cholla Bay

Sunday 9th • Circus Mexicus - Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers

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

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eople are always asking me, "Cap'n Greg, is Rocky Point safe?" Good question. I tell them it's just as safe as anywhere else they might go where people like them have way too much to drink, laugh a bit too loud and assume they can dance a lot better than Elaine on Seinfeld. The primary advice I give folks is don't speed and don't drink and drive. Sue Brandt of Glendale wondered if there are other potentially unsafe situations she should be aware of, and I told her about a few. CAP'N GREG: Always look to the right when turning left onto a main street. SUE: Oh, come on, Cap'n Greg. I think I can watch for traffic. CAP'N GREG: I'm sure you can, Sue. But the traffic you don't expect is a guy on a bicycle going 25 mph. The common rule you learned in grade school is to ride your bike in the same direction as car traffic. You will discover that rule is mostly ignored here. When you start to pull out and there is suddenly a speeding bicycle to your right, maybe a foot from your front bumper, you better be able to stop very fast, because bicycles have the right-of-way. SUE: Does that happen often? CAP'N GREG: Often enough. After I changed my underwear the third time from impossibly close calls, I became extra vigilant. SUE: OK. Surprise bicycles. What else? CAP'N GREG: Watch for sidewalk hazards. SUE: I always know where I'm walking. CAP'N GREG: While checking email and texting?

SUE: Oops. CAP'N GREG: Watch for plumbing and electric boxes with missing covers. Part of a busted metal sign post sticking up. Even a telephone pole in the center of a sidewalk. SUE: Wait. Who would put a pole in the center of a sidewalk? CAP'N GREG: As far as I can tell, the pole was there first, and the sidewalk came later. I'm thinking it was more complicated to move the post than to pave around it. SUE: I guess that makes sense. What else? CAP'N GREG: If you come to an intersection that has no stop sign but looks like it should have one, or might have had one at some time in the past, or if there are stop signs on one or more of the other corners, you should stop. SUE: You're kidding. CAP'N GREG: And do a slow count to five before looking for other cars... SUE: Or pop-up bicyclists? CAP'N GREG: ...then you can proceed. SUE: Is there something I can do to avoid all this stuff? CAP'N GREG: Besides being extra careful on sidewalks, there is only one way to totally ease your mind about traffic issues. SUE: And what would that be? CAP'N GREG: Take a cab.

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

By Anita Kaltenbaugh

“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” ~ Dr. Seuss

ven Dr. Seuss can teach us a thing or two about love. And this month with cupids flying, love is in the sea air. I mean how can the beach not be romantic? Nothing adds to the flames of a romantic novel or the heart pull of a chick flick, then a sexy scene at the beach. Perhaps it's something about the thunder of the waves, or the way the sea rolls in erasing any of the marks of the sand before it. Like starting over with a clean slate. Romance can be like that. One day you’re going through your daily routine of life, and then your swept away for a rendezvous weekend at

the beach. One day you are alone, not looking for anyone or anything, and you meet that person you can’t seem to get out of your mind, in the strangest of circumstances: the market, walking on the beach, a car accident, sailing, waiting in line at a store. Look around you…that special person might be standing right beside you. And, if you are in a committed relationship, I sure hope that person is next to you, holding your hand. Sounds romantic doesn't it? It is. Romance is all around our charming little sea town. In fact, the Sea of Cortez practically screams LOVE and I love romance. Need some ideas on ways to be romantic in Rocky Point? That’s easy, try a few of these, they won’t break your wallet and they will show someone how much you care. 1. Make a surprise grand gesture. I love grand gestures and it’s not very difficult. Record a favorite love song, grab a bottle of wine or champagne, a blanket and blindfold your partner and walk them down the beach. Throw the blanket down, play the song, open the wine and make a special toast. They will love it! 2. Watch a romantic chick flick. Pick one where two people meet, go through the rough spots, find each other and in the end love explodes with a grand gesture. A few faves? Like Water for Chocolate on Netflix about Mexican cooking and magic. Ghost an oldie but so

romantic, and While You Were Sleeping. 3. Stroll along the Malecon at sunset or even at lunchtime. Pack a bag with something yummy like tasty cheese and fresh crusty bread, and a sweet dessert you picked up at one of our fabulous bakeries. Try one of the sweet treats at our local Candy Cake Bakery. Sit along the water’s edge, or on a bench, and watch the water while you share the desert. 4. Rent an ocean front condo or hotel room for the night. Don’t tell your partner, trust me this is the important part, the surprise. Bring your music, wine, flowers and pack a small overnight bag without them knowing about it. Act like you are going somewhere else or must pick something up at one of the condos, and then viola… surprise them. Walk in with the music playing and have it decorated for romance. Light a candle, turn on the special song. You’ll melt their heart. 5. Make a homemade valentine. Go old School, write it out, design it and give them an old-fashioned Valentine’s Card signed by yours truly with a fancy piece of chocolate candy. Here’s a few quotes to use: “For the two of us, home isn't a place. It is a person. And we are finally home.” Or “So, I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.” ~ Paulo Coehlo Better yet, write your own quote

from the heart. 6. Take a romantic boat ride. Call one of the local vendors in town and schedule a sunset cruise, again surprises are romantic. Plan it and don’t tell them. Try it and discover the response, if you don’t believe me. Even, a whale sight-seeing tour is a grand gesture, and can be romantic as those beautiful whales put on a show in February and you watch them together holding hands. I love sappy chick flicks I love grand gestures. I love surprises. I love walks on the beach ending with a blanket under the sunset or the stars. I love sexy music, and a nice chilled bottle of wine. I love romantic boat rides. Most people do, and if not, they will love the gesture, the action you took showing that you care. So, to all you locals, try a few out and to the out of town visitors, take a getaway to a place on the beach this month, and walk along the sea, sit under a blanket, and make a romantic gesture.

“One day you will kiss someone you can't breathe without and find that breath is of little consequence.” ~ Karen Marie

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

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Get Off The Schneid! A literary column By Marcia Diane

“41 [No worst, there is none. Pitched past pitch of grief,]” By Gerard Manley Hopkins By Vince Deadmond

k, it’s been a month. How are you doing with keeping your the New Years Resolutions? You probably have not used that new gym membership, lost any weight, quit smoking, and that juice cleanse thing was a complete disaster. This year you also vowed to start saltwater fly fishing. You have mumbled something about catching Bonefish would be cool. The last time you checked you needed a boat, guide, airfare to Belize, fly rods, casting lessons, lodging, and the right fly. If you are reading this, you probably visit Puerto Peñasco with some regularity. Rocky Point has a healthy population of bargain Bonefish. Yes, Bonefish, they reside in our estuaries and are easier to catch than the ones in Florida, or Andros Island. Here they are so numerous you don’t need to sight cast for them. You can DIY fly fish for Bonefish on the cheap. I have always felt that Puerto Peñasco was a good deal for the money on food and lodging. If you fly fish for Trout or Bass you probably already have enough gear to get started. The most important pieces of equipment would be a sinking fly line, and a pontoon boat. Depending on the size fly rod I use I’ll use a 200, 300, or 400 grain fly line. Your pontoon boat should be rated for saltwater. You can fish from shore but you are limited. Having access to a pontoon boat or kayak can greatly

increase your productive time on the water. I occasionally catch Bonefish from shore usually on sandy bottom areas. I will target them at La Pinta the Second Estuary. Directions: take Fremont towards Caborca turn right at KM marker 32, this is about twenty miles out of town, it’s a sandy road and beach so an all wheel drive vehicle is best, or you can let some air out of your tires. I like to use a pontoon boat or my kayak and go with an outgoing tide then return with an incoming tide. I’ll set up a drift where I am moving along with the tide, and allow my fly to touch bottom with the help of a sinking fly line and a weighted fly. Bait fish Clouser patterns are effective, as well as shrimpy looking patterns like Gotcha’s. Crab patterns, and Crazy Charlies work also. Most of the time I am using a tandem two fly rig. Usually a bright color and a dark color. Our Pacific Bone Fish are small usually around 12 inches, a really huge one is a 14 inch fish, but they put up a good fight on a 6 weight fly rod with a 200 grain sinking line. I would drop down to a smaller fly rod, but there is a good chance of catching a larger Corvina, Grouper, or Trigger that would make things tough on a 4 or 5 weight fly rod. As I am touching the bottom with my fly I’ll detect something different, a small hesitation, it’s time to SET THE HOOK! I hope this little story has inspired you to get off the schneid and try your hand at fly fishing in Puerto Peñasco.

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

No worst, there is none. Pitched past pitch of grief, More pangs will, schooled at forepangs, wilder wring. Comforter, where, where is your comforting? Mary, mother of us, where is your relief? My cries heave, herds-long; huddle in a main, a chief Woe, world-sorrow; on an age-old anvil wince and sing— Then lull, then leave off. Fury had shrieked 'No lingering! Let me be fell: force I must be brief.' O the mind, mind has mountains; cliffs of fall Frightful, sheer, no-manfathomed. Hold them cheap May who ne'er hung there. Nor does long our small Durance deal with that steep or deep. Here! creep, Wretch, under a comfort serves in a whirlwind: all Life death does end and each day dies with sleep. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I wanted to jump in with this stark piece for a couple of reasons…we aren’t that far from the dark of winter yet, even down here in paradise, so it still fits the mood, don’t you think…and the other was to describe this poet.

Gerard Manley Hopkins was born July 28, 1844, in Essex, England. Though he was regarded as one of the Victorian era’s greatest poets, his poems were never published during his lifetime. He died in Dublin in 1889. This poem; "41 [No worst, there is none. Pitched past pitch of grief,]", was published in Poems of Gerard Manley Hopkins (Humphrey Milford, 1918). Nearly 29 years after he died. What are we to make of that… was it because during his life time he did manage to break out of the rigidity of the Victorian poetic style…was it punishment, was it oversight or sheer arrogance of the critics of his day. Certainly the title itself is wildly off the mark of the usual staid titled poems of that era. When I first saw it featured on Poets.org I just had to read it…who could resist…it felt so exactly like many of the spoken word poem titles of our day…imagine my surprise then to see the dates, to look the man’s photo in the face as it were and to understand that he knew grief…intimately. Then when I realized he’d never been published I sent the poem around to our writer’s group with this thought: …how cruel how arrogant and wasteful of humankind... I urge you all to read the in-depth Wikipedia entry for him…it is beyond amazing and helps explain the whole of what happened to form this man and his work. Please also if you will, join us in our monthly on line writer’s group at m.diane.writeon@gmail.com... We’d just be thrilled to have your take on some of these fascinating and deep underpinnings of how precisely our poetic heritage came about.

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New Year Brings Promise of Reduction in Value Added Tax

By Joseph Sanchez President, Rocky Point Home Builders

ew Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador cut the valueadded tax (IVA) rate from 16% to 8% but only near the Mexico-United States border for eleven border municipalities in the State of Sonora which is included in the Northern Border Region Zone or Free Zone, which was to go into effect on January 1, 2019. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this article, the tax reduction had not gone into effect in Puerto Peñasco yet. For example, the tax reform is intended to reduce gas prices and gas prices remain high and are unchanged compared to other municipalities in the Free Zone. Out of the eleven municipalities in the Free Zone, Puerto Peñasco is paying the most for gasoline while the other municipalities are paying much less. When the tax reduction will go into effect for Puerto Peñasco is unknown at this time but was supposed to be effective Jan 1. A value added tax is the federal sales tax imposed on any product or service you purchase in Mexico except medicine, supply of certain goods, fresh water, ice and certain eligible services. Some tax experts view it as a fairer tax because the more you consume/purchase the more tax you end up paying versus the system of income tax as we have in the United States. The Eleven border municipalities in our state of Sonora that are included in the Northern Border Region zone, include San Luis Río

Colorado, Puerto Peñasco, Plutarco Elías Calles, Caborca, Altar, Sáric, Nogales, Santa Cruz, Cananea, Naco and Agua Prieta. According to TaxNews.com, The VAT incentive, when finally applied here, will pertain to transactions involving the delivery of goods or the rendering of services in the region. This reduced VAT rate does not apply to sales of real estate, transactions related to digital content and taxpayers under certain audit procedures or challenges by the tax authorities. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s plan to cut the valueadded tax (IVA) rate from 16% to 8% near the Mexico-United States border could lead to an economic resurgence in the region, according to experts. The free zone is one of a series of measures López Obrador proposed during the election campaign that are aimed at boosting the economy in the north of the country and consequently slowing down migration to the United States. Domingo Ramos Medina, president of the Baja California State College of Economists, said in the recent issue of Mexico Daily News that after the current federal government raised the IVA in the border region from 11% to 16% at the start of 2014 — bringing it into line with the rest of the country — economic growth initially slowed because production costs went up and residents’ purchasing power went down. He added that the introduction of a lower tax rate would have a positive effect on factors of production, although he also said that growth in the border region is already generally higher than the national average, According to the document Nation Project 2018-2024, in addition to establishing a dutyfree zone, the López Obrador-led administration will seek to drive economic growth in the northern border region by promoting

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s plan to cut the value-added tax (IVA) rate from 16% to 8% near the Mexico-United States border could lead to an economic resurgence in the region, according to experts. (Photo Courtesy of Wendel Maldonado Photography)

infrastructure security, the establishment of industrial parks and freedom of movement, “in an environment of deregulation.” The document Nation Project says that within one to three years, the goals of the project are to capture between $5 billion and $10 billion of the services and retail market in the border region of the United States, regain part of the revenue lost to consumption in the U.S., increase investment as a percentage of the regional GDP by 18% to 24% and attract $5 billion to $10 billion in foreign direct investment.

All this news is very positive for Puerto Peñasco but it remains to be seen when this reduction in the IVA tax will occur and the effect it will have on business and consumption. My accounting sources say that to make up for the reduction in the IVA revenue the Federal government is raising taxes on businesses specifically the social security and that will be doubled. The higher taxes on business will likely impact businesses negatively and will force companies to raise prices to make up for the higher taxes.

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

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Young Life to Host 4th Annual Red Carpet Gala

n four short years, YOUNG LIFE'S RED CARPET GALA has established itself as one of the premier events on Puerto Peñasco's social calendar. According to Alberto and Loly Martinez, Young Life Area Directors, this year's Gala will be held on SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019 with doors opening at 7:00 PM. The annual fundraising event will once again be held in Peñasco's beautiful Convention Center. Borrowing a "page right out of Hollywood", arriving guests will be treated to a Red Carpet walk complete with "Paparazzi" and flashing cameras! The dress-up, semiformal affair provides a full-course gourmet dinner prepared by Jerry's Catering and a night of dancing and musical entertainment. Best of all, admission to the event is only $25 (U.S.) per guest...a real bargain for a full "night-out-on-the-town". Young Life Peñasco is currently celebrating it's 12th year serving the youth of our community. The local chapter was the very first one in Mexico and it is part of Young Life International now working with more than 2 million kids in 99 countries across the globe. Founded 79 years ago, the faith-based organization's main goal is to help navigate young people (teenagers

and college students) through the many life-changing decisions they are faced with on the way to adulthood. Rather than boring the kids with a lot of "Thou Shalt Nots", Young Life group leaders meet with the kids on their level and mentor them on the importance of getting a good education, developing healthy relationships and making the right decisions when temptations come their way. This is accomplished by establishing local "clubs" where kids gather and socialize on a weekly basis as well as annual out-of-town camps where sports, games, fun and laughter abound. Here in Puerto Peñasco, Young Life is currently helping 150 "at-risk" teens at 3 "clubs" across town. The RED CARPET GALA is held each year to provide funding for the weekly club meetings and for the kids to attend camp each summer. For most of the kids, their week at camp is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure where new social skills are developed and life-long friendships are formed. But, it only works through the power of prayer and people who are generous with their time and resources... people who understand that an investment in our kids and their future is one of the best investments we can ever make.

Gov. Ducey and Gov. Pavlovich Sign Cross-Border Agreements

he signed agreements aim to support economic development in the region, coordinate emergency services between the two states and expand current youth education programs. "Our region is safer and more prosperous because of collaboration between Arizona and Sonora, our deep history of collaboration has resulted in valuable cross-border initiatives that contribute to the quality of life for people in both states," said Governor Ducey. "I am proud to come together with Governor Pavlovich to continue strengthening the ArizonaMexico connection through these joint agreements that support cross-border commerce, increase safety across our region and expand STEM education programs." The first agreement was Coordinated Emergency Services, which will establish improved emergency practices and collaboration between Arizona and Sonora. This includes the coordination of ambulance transfers, the implementation of more transparent training services within the medical service industry, and the promotion of medical practices to the general population.

Secondly, Gov. Ducey and Gov. Pavlovich co-signed the Commercial Safety Corridor agreement, which establishes a Commercial Safety Logistics Corridor along MX15 between Nogales and Guaymas. This will help coordinate services such as increased patrol for more immediate emergency responses and improved information for commercial truck drivers along MX15. Lastly, the two governors implemented the Chief Sciences Officer Program, an extension of a current program that promotes cross-border youth participation in science, technology, education, and math (STEM). Moreover, this develops communication between children in both states, allowing for more collaboration and innovation in growing educational fields. The Annual Meeting was followed by a trip to Mexico City led by Governor Ducey, where he attended the inauguration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, met with business leaders and officials from the new federal administration, including Mexico's new Ambassador to the U.S. Martha Bárcena, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, and Under Secretary for North America Jesús Seade.’

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

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Baja Motorcycle Trip Circa 1979 By Bryan Blow Owner of Ajo Satellite Sales

his month I am going to write about a trip down the length of Baja California on a motorcycle. A lot of us mature guys grew up reading Hardy Boys and Rover Boys books and they talked about motorcycles and airplanes, so I grew up always wanting a motorcycle. In 1979 I bought a full-dress 1000cc motorcycle and decided to take a trip down the Baja. On the day I was heading out, my wife gave me a good luck charm for the trip (probably thought good riddance). At that time, we had a nice 2nd home in Tucson, so I headed toward Nogales and then onto Tijuana and on down to Cabo San Lucas. I stayed in San Luis the first night where I met a fellow cable TV operator and we chatted about my trip down the Baja. I can still remember my summertime night ride from Nogales. There was a big storm coming through Arizona and the lighting going across the sky was memorable. I left San Luis the next day and headed onto Enseñada where I spent the night at a very nice Mexican hotel. I had dinner at the hotel and met two very nice Mexican boys who were studying to be dentists. We had a nice conversation and then after dinner they invited me to accompany them to a Mexican joint that had music. We went to a place on the ocean, where if you want to sing you can…and Mexicans sure can sing! Turns out that my new friends had beautiful voices so if they didn’t make it through dentistry school, they could take up a career in music. We had such a good time that we stayed until almost sun-up so it was a late start later that day. Just as I was getting ready to leave my new friends showed up and wished me a bon voyage. Don’t you wonder about the people you’ve met as you go through life, how they’ve made out and how they are doing? I sure do.

I didn’t want to travel at night again but getting such a late start didn’t leave me much choice. My wife, being a wise woman, would not ride the bike and so I would fly her to places where we could meet up. I had told her that there was no communicating with her in while I was on the Baja so I really had to stay on schedule. The first place I planned on stopping that night turned out not to have a motel so I headed to Guerro Negro, where the whales come in and mate. About halfway there I came around a bend in the road and it was washed out - and I mean washed out! My bike sailed off the road and dropped about 4 feet. I broke both the front and back wheels and I couldn’t get off the bike because there was a chasm and I couldn’t put the kickstand down. So, there I was in the middle of the night, in the middle of the Baja, trying to figure out what to do and that wasn’t such a great feeling. I started looking around and could see a tiny light about 3 miles away but as luck would have it, an old vehicle cam my way. He evidently knew about the washed-out road because he was going around it so I waved a $20 USD bill in the air. This was back in 1979 when a $20 was worth a lot more than it is today, so I was quite surprised when the fellow just kept on going! But in a couple moments he did stop, and in my poor Spanish, I asked him if he could help me and give me a ride to the light. (Turned out there were bandits in the area and he

had been afraid to stop.) I figured the light would be one of those Ocotillo stands I had been seeing along my trip that sell coffee and beans to truck and bus drivers, but to my astonishment the tiny light I saw was on top of a radio tower at the new Presidente Hotel which had 28 rooms, a swimming pool and restaurant! It was about 10:00 PM when I arrived at the Presidente and the hotel help were outside with a wheelbarrow full of ice cold beer and singing away having a good time. They wanted to know what happened, so I told them the story about the washed-out road and how I had to leave my bike there and catch a ride. The guys then got an old pickup truck and took me back to load up my bike and bring it back to the hotel: It took several of us to lift it into the truck. Back at the hotel I was wondered what I was going to do about my bike, but since I couldn’t do anything right then I joined the guys in drinking beer and listened to them sign. I headed off to bed around 3:00 AM and marveled at the fact that I was sleeping in a bed and not on the desert ground. I woke about 8AM the next morning to find out some of the men had stayed up all night trying to fix my bike. They had actually fixed my front wheel, but the back wheel was another story. I just had to get another one. The hotel was very isolated, so its only power came from a big generator. There was no phone and the tower was for communicating by radio

so they had personnel that knew how to make do and they sure did! People used to ask me if I was afraid to travel alone and I always said no, because the majority of the people in Mexico are very friendly and helpful and since their government doesn’t provide much help, they are used to doing for themselves. So, the following morning they tried to flag down a plane to take me back to Tijuana: There was a ranch nearby that had a dirt strip and the plane actually did come but turns out they couldn’t take me because I was not having a medical emergency and it was a government plane. So, I thanked them and then we flagged down a bus that was heading to Tijuana and I jumped onboard. At that time the buses ran from Cabo or La Paz, non-stop, and there were two drivers – one to relieve the other…and I found out exactly how…they used a Coke bottle for a “cruise control” and when one got tired he just got up and left the wheel and it was up to the other driver to get the wheel so it wouldn't go off the road. (They could not pronounce Bryan so the just called me Gringo.) When we stopped for coffee or food they would not let me pay, speaking of the friendliness of Mexico. Also, whenever we passed a pretty girl they would try and get her to join us - one finally did join us and everybody just sang – that was quite a trip. Speaking of wondering where they are now. I made it to Tijuana and went across the border to San Diego and had my dealer fly me out two new wheels for my bike which I then took back to the hotel. The name of the hotel was Catavina and the government had built the hotel because of the unusual terrain. There were big rocks with caves and pictographs and there were cactus that I called carrot cactus – they looked like they were upside down with flowers at the top. There was also a spring that gave running water and cactus we called Boojum Cactus – it looked like a Saguaro but bigger. To be continued…

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Tia Katy's Corner - February 2019

By Kathleen Duncan

can say with confidence that the 300+ young people that we support in our 'Jovenes en Ascenso' program are all full of potential and very deserving of the educational opportunities they are being given. However, this month I want to share with you a couple of very special stories that I believe are wonderful examples of the importance of a program like this in the community. All of the families we serve are hard-working and proud people and so I will use only first names and will not be sharing their photos or last names to protect their privacy. LUIS AND NATALIA In April of 2017 Natalia was in 5th grade, Luis was in 9th grade and they both had plans to graduate from high school and then attend college. Their father had a successful handyman business and their mother taught Zumba classes and together they were able to comfortably support the family. Unfortunately in April of 2017 their father died in a tragic accident leaving the family devastated and also leaving their mother as the sole source of income for the family. Without their father's income their mother did not know how she would afford the hundreds of dollars per year it would cost for her children to continue in school.

The special gift that Marco made with a 3D printer

Fortunately, in the summer of 2017 Luis and Natalia were accepted in our 'Jovenes en Ascenso' program and we have been able to provide funding for both of them to continue their educations. Luis is now a junior in high school and Natalia is in 7th grade and, in spite of all of the hardships they have faced, they are both honor students and regularly volunteer to help with activities and events we host. I know that their father would be as proud of Luis and Natalia as we are and I am very grateful that we are able to honor him by assuring that his children can continue their educations. DAPHNE AND MARCO We first met these siblings when Daphne was 15 and Marco was in his last semester of high

We have come such a long way from supporting only 72 kids our first year to more than 300 this 3rd year

school. When we learned that their mother suffers from Lupus and was forgoing purchasing her medication so that her children could continue their educations we immediately accepted them into our program. Today, Marco is in his second semester of college studying graphic design and Daphne, inspired by her older brother, is thriving in high school and planning to attend college. Thanks to the many generous donors who support our program today these two amazing young people are achieving their dream of continuing their educations without their mother sacrificing her health. I don't know that I have ever encountered a family more appreciative of the opportunity they are being given and both Daphne and Marco are determined to use their educations to improve their standing in life. Marco recently visited our office on a break from college and he brought us a very special gift that he made as a class project: our logo that he made himself with a 3D printer!

And our team has grown from a very small group our first year to a team of 14 this year

While these two families are very special and unique in many ways, in other ways they are not unique at all. Unfortunately, for every family we are able to serve there are many more who are continuing to have to choose between meeting their family's basic needs and sending their children to school. If you would like to help us give more deserving families in the community the opportunity to have their children go to school and thrive academically you can make a donation at www.stepsoflove.org.

Official - Governor announces first cruise ships to depart Rocky Point in December 2019

By Richard Scott for RockyPoint.com

ust in from Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico. Sonoran State Governor Claudia Pavlovich announced in a meeting with tourist and cruise line officials that Puerto Peñasco will see it’s first cruise ship depart on December 7th, 2019. Vice President of the British based Cruise Maritime Voyages, John Dennis, confirmed that “From the beginning when we started discussions, the governor and the State have been incredibly supportive.” The ship that will inaugurate service out of Rocky Point is named the Astoria (details about the ship are on this page (https:// w w w.cruiseandmaritime.com/ our-ships/astoria). The Astoria can accommodate 550 passengers. Among those on hand for todays announcement were Oscar Palacio from Puerto Peñasco, representing the Office of Conventions and Visitors. Initially, there will be 6 trips lasting 11 days each between December 7th and February 11th, 2020. The entire Sea of Cortez will be included in the cruise itinerary. After leaving Rocky Point, Ports of Call visited will include Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Loreto, and more. Much coordination has been going on between the Governors of Sonora, as well as Arizona in order to attract a cruise in to Rocky Point. Within the last year, agreements were made to assist in the supply of cruise ships through the international border. This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Team, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing. Sign up for Jim’s Monthly Newsletter: http://www.tinyurl.com/JimNewsletter

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24 CON'T FROM PAGE 3

you do your due diligence when purchasing property or making any private transactions in Mexico. We do have a real estate association (AMPI) and you can contact them with any questions you have about purchasing property in Rocky Point or you can give us a jingle and we will point you in the right direction. Ask questions, get answers and do your homework! We don’t want anyone to regret investing in our great city – there are big things on the horizon. And now here’s Mario…Hi everyone, we have begun another month…February, the month of Love and Friendship. We have so much work, lots of emails, letters, and calls. We will begin with the weather…it has been cold, yes, you heard right, some days it was so cold our bones hurt. We had to make a quick trip to Mexicali and the car thermometer was saying we were at 37degrees F at around 5:30 am. We have no heater in the car (that’s another story) so it was pretty cold and once we got to El Golfo it was 30°. Some parts of the state had lots of snow, hail and freezing temperatures. The coldest places were Cananea, Nogales and Aguaprieta. Some highways had to be closed due to the black ice. Buses with passengers were stranded and there was nothing they could do. The Rumorosa on the Baja side also got snow! It was the first time in years I had to wear gloves and a beanie hat and a nice big warm jacket. We have seen on the news many farming areas lost their crops and we hear the cold weather will continue, so take care. I myself have had to take pills, injections and cough syrup for my cold and it hasn’t been working much. Not everything is bad or cold news…asparagus season is here so you will see people on the corner selling bundles and I recommend you get them while you can. They are cheaper than buying them

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in the states or at the market. Caborca is the biggest producer of asparagus in the region and the clean them and select only the best ones to ship. We do have a small area here in Puerto Peñasco where they have begun to grow asparagus – it’s out at Ejido Kennedy, on your way to Sonoyta. I would like to recommend a place to buy them which is right past Ley Express on Josefa - there is an older gentleman selling them out of his truck with a blue tarp on top. You can’t miss him. I received a letter from one of our readers that lives out at Estero Morua. He is concerned about all the trash on the side of the road (the Caborca Hwy). He and his community are trying to keep the area and the beaches clean, but it’s been hard to keep up with and he’s asked us to reach out to the city on their behalf. Estero Morua is the area around Playa Encanto, Miramar and up to the Mayan Palace. Everyone who drives that highway has known this has been a problem for years, and even though the trash has been picked up a few times, people are still dumping along the highway and it’s just not fair. We will contact the city once more and see if they can clean up the area and maybe come up with an idea to keep the area clean. I can say I feel ashamed for the people doing this. Its’ not right. Our city should be clean and kept clean by everyone that lives in it. Another letter I received is something that gets you thinking, how the heck did that happen? So here is the story…our friend, Fred, from Oklahoma was out visiting Playa Encanto when he found a wallet on the beach: Inside the wallet, among other things, was a driver’s license and 4 credit cards. After going back home to the U.S. he contacted the owner of the wallet through his AAA card that was also inside the wallet. And here is the weird part…the owner lost the wallet

in Mazatlan!! Yep, you heard that right…Mazatlan, Sinaloa, a whole other state south of us about 800 miles! The owner of the wallet says he lost it on the beach a day that he went swimming. So somehow the wallet travelled or “swam” the Sea of Cortez and made it to Playa Encanto. It’s just amazing. My first thought was an animal must have eaten it whole and then threw it up or came out the other way lol. I told my Dad about this and he thinks the current and the waves and the wind just brought it all the way here. I would like to know what you all think and if you have a cool story such as this one, you are welcome to send me a letter or an email and I will talk about it in the next editorial. On a last note, just want to let everyone know that the Rocky Point Times is a tourist newspaper and we don’t write about, or get the paper involved in, politics, religion, or violence issues, not just from Rocky Point, but from anywhere in the world. The only exception to that is if there are issues that affect the safety and well-being of our visitors and residents. Someone asked me why we don’t print issues about the local police? And we have certainly have many times in the past. We pass all of your concerns and issues along to the proper departments and I urge all of you if you have a problem with the police or Mayor or whomever, you reach out to them directly and to the Mayor and/or City Hall. And there are also many forums online as well. We are here to promote the city, provide interesting content for tourists and residents as well as useful information. We like to be positive and bring everyone good news, there is already tons of bad news around the world and lots of media to cover and report about them. We like to write about positive things about our little paradise town. And lastly…Thank you for all your letters and support!

Sitting and Thinking

By Rob Baylor

hen I was working I was so busy I hardly had time to sit and think. Now being retired I have lots of time. I’m thinking all the time trying to figure what to do. There is always fishing, eating, watching TV, but that is always detrimental to my health. So I have to think some more because I don’t like watching TV and I’m gaining weight. Guess I’m stuck with fishing. I have been using the same charter boat since I moved here. I have been out on the boat over 200 times and have caught just about everything the Sea of Cortez. If you haven’t been out fishing here you should try it. You don’t have to be an experienced fisher- person. The boat captain will show you how. They do everything for you, baiting the hooks, taking fish off and fillet them. It is so peaceful out there you can think all you want. We moved here in 2011 and now reside in Playa Bonita RV Park. The news is out that I am the one to talk to about going fishing. I have taken about 100 people from the RV Park and I have never had someone say they didn’t like it. I live in space C26. If you want to stop by I can get you hooked up with a good captain. I don’t get anything for the referral. Just good feelings. When we moved here I had a hard time not doing something. I started writing down some of the things I have done and sent an article in to RPTimes and have entered around 30 articles. People that know me in this park have asked if I have an article in the current copy, and if I had any fishing trips lined up. Sometimes I do or I can call my captains (I have 3 that I use) and get them scheduled. Feel free to stop by. I like to meet people. Good eating and fishing and thinking.

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By Nancy Phelan AKA “The Pack Leader”

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

appy Valentine’s Day to everyone! Maybe you are considering adding a new friend to your family. Also please consider making a first-of-the-year donation for the care of the animals. I have been working with animals here in Peñasco now for 17 years. My primary goal was to make Rocky Point a better place to be an animal. We brought in free spay/neuter clinics for the first time in 2009. We brought Compassion Without Borders in to do a week-long clinic in 2010. Their first but not their last. We also worked with the city on laws for the animals. We have received 5 recognition awards from the city for our work with bringing in free clinics. It took a village, but it worked...a big thank you to all the angels who helped us support our goals. I have slowed down due to health problems after lifting 50 lb. dogs and dog food for 17 years. We are lucky to see 2 new rescues have now started up in the last few years. We were the only American rescue for 14 years but now there is help for the animals.

We have some dogs and many cats waiting for fur-ever homes. If you are interested in adoption, please give me a call at the numbers below or contact me on Facebook. My energy level is low, and I am not as active as I once was. We will be posting pictures monthly of the animals presently at the center. We always have a need for food...grain free dog food, regular dog food, cat and kitten dry food, Purina canned Pate cat food and non-clumping litter. Toys and soft beds are always welcome. A big thank you to all our wonderful angels who have helped "Make Rocky Point a Better Place to be an Animal". A possible title for the book I’m writing. If you have a story about your experience with AACORP please send it to me to add to the book or print in the Rocky Point Times Newspaper.

www.rpaac.org Mexico (011-52-638) 383-1012 Phoenix (602) 412-3932 Tucson (520) 407-6594 AACORP INC 501 (c) 3 Tax Exempt nancy_phelan@yahoo.com nancy@rpaac.org AACORP PO Box 1031, Lukeville, AZ 85341

Sonora Closes 2018 with Production of 70,000 Tons of Shrimp Once Again, Sonora Leads the Country in the Shrimp Harvest this Year

n 1995, CEDO began to participate in cleaning and recycling campaigns in our coastal city of Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, and since 2005 they have partnered with The Ocean Conservancy, an organization that for the last 25 years has hosted an annual, international coastal clean-up event, with thousands of volunteers participating across the globe. Volunteers collect garbage, record information about it, and share it in a global database; by understanding what kind of waste we are dealing with, we are better able to promote specific and effective solutions for this growing problem. Sonora closed the year with a production of 70,000 tons of shrimp, with the majority of the catch (65,000 Tons) happening since November 1st, stated Marco Antonio Ross Guerrero, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture division. The Undersecretary said that 2018 has been another positive year for the fisheries and aquaculture sector in the State in the production of foods of high nutritional value and of providing quality jobs, thereby contributing to the economic improvement of fishing families. Total production has been over 600,000 Tons including all different species being harvested for consumption. The tilapia, he said, reached 3,500 Tons, and added to the catches in the main reservoirs like the Oviachic and the Novillo, which has a current harvest amount of 4,500 Tons and a record 7,500 Tons, respectively. Ross Guerrero estimated that in the capture of shrimp both in the bay and on the high seas, 100,000 Tons will be reached this season, of which 70 percent is exported, mainly to the United States. "Regarding the sardine we can also speak of a positive year, exceeding 370,000 Tons. That is more than 129,000,000 cans of sardines, an important option for direct human consumption due to its high

nutritional quality. Although most of the production of Sardine is processed for flour, it has a relevant impact on other productive chains and it is the basis for most diets and food supplements, he said. The cannon ball jellyfish had an atypical year, reaching the unusually high figure of 72,000 Tons in a fishery that, due to its capture structure based only on panga style boats, generated an important economic benefit for smaller fishing families, mainly in the area of El Golfo de Santa Clara in the Upper Gulf of California, said the undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture. He mentioned that the Crab (Jaiba) fishery, with more than 7,000 Tons, represents another important sector for fishermen and processing plants. Sport fishing tournaments, said the official Sagarhpa, have been encouraged year after year and in 2018, there had been 31 official tournaments, generating another significant economic impact. He added that all this work has been the task of the fishing industry producers and the government, which have positioned the fishing and aquaculture sector, once again, as one of the most dynamic and socially impactful in the state. The associated sector is estimated to benefit around 40,000 families, both in the production processes and in the capture, transformation, and packaging processes. He stressed that more and more fish and seafood of higher quality are consumed in Sonora and in the country, which in the medium term generates better standards of health and wellbeing in society, due to the nutritional value of these products.

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

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

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The Eats

By Marco Zepeda

his month, in your favorite column, I’ll bring you two great restaurants. The first restaurant we just visited has the best Japanese food in town. They have a long, long history in Rocky Point and we have been eating there from Day 1 and it has always served great food. You must have seen their big sign close to our current office, its right on the

corner of Calle 13 and Plutarco Elias Calles. Sushi Sun is open every day from 1pm to 10pm. This time we went on a Friday to enjoy their traditional buffet. They have a sushi bar, along with salads and different types of dishes made to order so that your food stays nice and fresh and hot/cold for when you are ready to eat. I love their teriyaki chicken – I think it might my one of my favorites – or maybe the broccoli and beef, so hard to choose! Alicia loves their rolls, especially the crab and also the salmon. She says that there are too many great things to have just one favorite. They use only quality ingredients, so everything is nice and fresh. The service is also great: The waiters and waitresses are always making sure you have what you need. And don’t forget that they also have an extensive menu, not just sushi and

Taste of Peñasco a couple years ago.) BBQ House is open every day from 12pm to 9pm and they are located on Guillermo Prieto, next to Chochoy’s Veterinary, right in the center of town. This time we went to visit Jesus, his son, Dominick and his nephew, Roy at their stand at the outdoor rolls. They have all kinds of dishes that you can try like the Chicken Tepan or the Ribeye Tepan. Sushi Sun is a great choice to take your sweetheart out this Valentine’s Day. The restaurant has the perfect atmosphere, nice dimmed lighting and it’s newly remodeled to better serve and accommodate you. You can see their freshly painted murals by local artist Israel Rios, they look beautiful. Sushi Sun is a great choice any day of the week. And before I forget, on Tuesday’s they have the Sushi Bar Buffet from 6pm to 10pm. Sushi Sun is also a great place to celebrate your birthday or any special day…any every day is a special day! We would like to thank the owner Carmen Martens for always making sure this traditional restaurant keeps being one of the best ones in our city for so many years and we hope it will stay that way for years to come.

Our second restaurant is Rocky Point BBQ House and before telling you about their delicious flavor, I would like to let you all know the owner Jesus used to work at South Side Jillz before it shutdown. We know many of you wondered what happened to him, and most important to his delicious BBQ ribs!! (He won the Rocky Point famous

Mermaid’s Market, which is held on Saturday’s at the Shrimp Plaza (Plaza del Camaron). (Check this paper for the schedule for the Mermaid’s Market.) We went to try his new pork belly sandwich, and all I can say is that it has a combined flavor of ham and bacon, and who doesn’t love bacon?!! My mouth waters every time I think about it. I highly recommend it. We also tried some of his new sauces and you can choose from the traditional, habanero, BBQ Chiltepin or Chipotle and Raspberry. They have specials every day of the week and they offer $1 USD sliders on Tuesdays. And for anyone that does not like pork, they also have BBQ chicken, and to drink try their fresh and tasty turmeric lemonade. And before I forget they have Karaoke Fridays. So, don’t forget, come and visit Jesus, Betty (his wife and boss lol) and the rest of the family. That’s it for this month…

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. Sonora Presents Initiative to Ban plastic Bags Plastic straws were recently banned in Sonora and the logical follow up will be to ban singleuse plastic bags. An initiative has been presented for approval outlining the plan to ban the oceanchoking plastic. "In Mexico, more than 15 initiatives, laws and regulations at the state and municipal levels, seek to reduce the consumption of disposable plastics. In Tijuana, I am sure we will see more efficient waste management and disposal systems, and local governments efforts like this one also contribute to beat plastic pollution globally," said Dolores Barrientos, UN Environment representative in Mexico. 13 million tons of plastic leak into the ocean each year. Plastic pollution is one of the great environmental challenges of our time, and we need to reduce the heavy burden it poses on people's health, environment and wildlife. By 2030 the world may produce 619 million tons of plastic every year. US Virtual Consulate Office Hours If you have questions or concerns that you'd like to discuss with a Consulate representative, please join us during Office Hours. These will be held from noon until 2:00 p.m. on the dates listed below. Please visit the Office of Economic Development on the first floor of the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) in Puerto Peñasco, where an American volunteer will connect you with us via Skype. What: Virtual U.S. Consular Agency Office Hours Where: Ayuntamiento Office of Economic Development (first floor of the Ayuntamiento) Blvd. Benito Juárez Who: All U.S. citizens and family members are welcome to attend When: Thursday, February 21, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 14, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Office Hours will be hosted by the American Citizen Services Chief and a member of the local staff. We sincerely hope you'll join us with your questions and concerns, and we look forward to seeing you. If you have questions about the Virtual Consular Agency, please send us an email at nogalesacs@state.gov. This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Team, www.sonoranresorts. mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing. Sign up for Jim’s Monthly Newsletter: http://www.tinyurl.com/ JimNewsletter

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Whale Watching Season is Upon Us!

ooking for an excuse to visit beautiful Rocky Point? How about to catch sight of majestic whales in the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez?! That is correct; Humpback Whales and Grey Whales take up temporary residence in the Sea of Cortez to bear their young in the winter. From January to March the sea beckons the large mammals because of the warm waters, creating the perfect environment for the whales to give birth. Their journey is quite amazing. It has been estimated that Eastern North Pacific Grey Whales travel 20,000 km round trip from their feeding grounds off Alaska and the Beaufort Sea to the Sea of Cortez. That's 12,400 miles just to come to our waters! Humpback Whales typically travel 25,000 km each year feeding only in the summer in polar waters and migrating to warm waters to give birth in the winter. These whales travel quite a distance to arrive in the waters off the Rocky Point shores. Fortunately for visitors

from Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, Calexico, El Centro and all the California´s Imperial Valley Area, it is not quite so lengthy of a journey! Approximately 4 hours drive to Rocky Point. Puerto Peñasco, Sonora a.k.a. Rocky Point is easily accessible to tourists from Arizona and California; especially in this season where great deals are to be found at area hotels and condominium resorts. With average winter temperatures of 70 degrees in January, 72°F in February and 77°F! In March, this is a fantastic time to visit and see these unique spectacular nature show! While some have managed to see whales breach right from their balcony as well as from the beach, a better option is to book a whale-watching excursion. Companies offering these excursions know where to go to increase your chance of whale sightings. Most excursions also offer snacks and drinks on board. Sounds like an afternoon on a boat in 70 degree weather with a cocktail is the perfect weekend or weekday Winter getaway!

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

If you need an FMM… By Gretchen Corpe Ellinger

f you are fortunate enough to have purchased property in Rocky Point, your Transaction Coordinator may have told you that you will need an FMM for the closing, in order to verify that you are legally in Mexico at the time you sign the documents to close your purchase. You may also need an FMM for travel to destinations beyond the “free zone,” or for other purposes, as required by individual circumstances. Mexican immigration law says that foreigners are authorized to be in Mexico, in the free zone, defined as 100km, or about 63 miles, from the border, for no longer than 7 days without an FMM. However, if you plan to leave the free zone, even overnight, an FMM is a must. Incidentally, a special pass for your car is also required in order to drive it past the free zone, and an FMM (or a resident card) will be required to get the vehicle pass, which is another process that merits its own article! The Forma Migratoria Múltiple, commonly called the FMM, is a document issued by México's INM, Instituto Nacional de Migración translated as “Méxican Immigration.” The FMM is casually called a tourist card or tourist visa, although it is not a card, and is not a visa. It is legal permission for foreigners to be in Mexico for up to 180 days for vacations and tourism. The FMM is not to be confused with the Temporary or Permanent Resident card, which is required for foreigners who own property in Mexico. Unless a foreigner has a temporary or permanent residence card, the FMM is required for the signing of documents such as contracts and bank trusts, at some banks for opening an account, to appear in court, etc. The FMM is technically valid for one entry into México, although many people keep it for more than one entry, particularly if they will be signing documents over a period of up to six months. The FMM must be returned to the issuing office at the border

before it expires in 180 days! Don’t be intimidated - obtaining an FMM is easy, at least for those of us who cross the border from Lukeville into México at Sonoyta, and at under $35usd (depending on the exchange rate) as of this writing, is fairly inexpensive. 1. When you cross the border at Lukeville into Sonoyta, you will see offices immediately to your right. 2. Park there, at the curb, right after passing through customs. The second office is the Immigration Office - look for the INM on or over the door - that is the office you want. 3. Ask for the FMM form, and fill out the FMM form completely, using the information on your passport. The INM official will check your passport against the information you provided on the form, and will sometimes ask for another form of identification, such as a driver license. 4. The cost of the FMM is $35.00usd or less as of early January 2019. Having cash in the exact amount is helpful - sometimes change is not available - 4 $5 bills and 15 $1 bills are suggested. You will usually be directed to the bank across the street to pay, then you will return with the payment receipt, and trade it for your FMM. During non-bank hours the INM official will take your money and give you a receipt. 5. BE SURE to return your FMM to the office at the border when you have finished with it, and definitely before it expires. 6. The INM office at the Lukeville border crossing is open from 6 a.m. until midnight, the same hours that the border is open. Usually there is someone in the INM office who speaks English, but sometimes the only person on duty speaks only Spanish. The officials are generally helpful and friendly, and even when languages differ, getting an FMM is usually pain-free, and certainly much easier than the process to which Mexicans are subjected if they want to visit the USA. Oops! Okay, I will get off the soapbox…

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

Long-term residents evicted from San José

By Cholla Charli

n his welcome address on Sunday at San José/St. Joseph's Catholic Church, sexton Bob Keller frequently tells about the first Mass held there over four years ago, and how there were more pigeons and dogs than people. Also in attendance were thousands of termites! The little church, where bilingual Mass is offered every Sunday at 8 a.m., was started in 1991. The building, which was just cinder block walls, a rough concrete floor, and a roof with wooden trusses, was dedicated by then Bishop Ulises Macias, but abandoned, unfinished, until 2014. For all those years, termites were the silent, unseen residents of San José. Although they too are God's creatures, last month they were evicted with the help of Juan Mendivil of Predador de Plagas, a local pest control company. The eviction was the first step in a series of improvements to the church following the installation of mini-split air conditioner/heater units. Next will be installation of a sheet rock ceiling to enclose the rafters. The new ceiling will provide a degree of insulation and will help with acoustics. In the not too distant future, new weather-tight windows will also be installed. Tremendous progress has been

The beginning of the end for a colony of termites that have occupied San José Catholic church for decades. The mission church in La Cholla offers bilingual Mass every Sunday at 8 a.m.

made in the last four years, thanks to the generosity of local residents and visitors; and thanks to the dedication Keller has provided in fund raising and construction. San José offers the only bilingual Mass in Puerto Peñasco. Scripture readings are presented in Spanish then in English, hymns alternate verses in English and Spanish and the sermon/homily is translated by lay ministers or bilingual visitors. All are welcome to attend. To reach the church, take the road past the Sandy Beach Condos and past Wrecked at the Reef. As the road winds toward Cholla Bay, the church is on the right. Parking is available on both sides of the building. For information about San José/St. Joseph's, e-mail Keller at: bob@keller.net or call 928-7066928.

uerto Peñasco Boy and Girl Scouts were awarded their Scouting badges at a pizza party hosted by Crazy Ed's Satisfied Frog in Old Port. The Scouts continue to seek donations to help fund this great all volunteer organization. Additional volunteer adult and young adult leaders are needed for 2019. For more information about

volunteering or donating to our local scouts please contact: Barb Olszewski (602) 324-9529 / (638) 114-2406. Deb Turner (520) 906-3096 / (638)3868645. donations can also be paid on PayPal Items can be left at locations around town please call for drop off or pick up info. PP PayPal me/Peñasco Scouts puer topenascoscouts@gmail. com. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SCOUTS!

Boy and Girl Scouts of PP 1st Annual Badge Pizza Party recognizing the outstanding efforts of the Scouts and young adult leaders and volunteers who support this organization. Volunteers needed.

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

TRAVELINFORMATION TOURIST ASSISTANCE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO REMEMBER

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

POLICE EMERGENCIES

DIAL...066

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

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

REPORT ANY ATTEMPT OF BRIBES BY CALLING INTERNAL AFFAIRS AT 388-6552

YOU MUST FILE AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT!

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

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

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

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

DRIVING TO ROCKY POINT

COMING FROM PHOENIX

AIRLINE SERVICE & AIRPORTS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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

PERSONAL AIRCRAFT To fly your own plane you must have your: pilots license, medical certificate, registration, air worthiness certificate, and Mexican airplane insurance.

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

COMING FROM CALIFORNIA

U.S. AIRPORTS (CLOSEST)

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

Phoenix, Tucson & Nogales, AZ

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

COMING FROM TUCSON

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

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

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

GENERAL AIRPORT INFORMATION Airport ICAO ID: MMPE Location: 17 miles East of downtown Elevation: 88 ft. Mar de Cortes Radio Tower Frequency: 118.85 Website contains complete info. on Airport loanding, parking other fees Type of Services: RS: Int’l regular flights RFF Category: 7 Airport Coordinates: 31° 21’ 6.836” LN113° 18’ 19.44” LW Runway Center Runway Designation: 18-36 Runway 18 THR Elev.: 84 ft./Runway 36 Elev.: 88 ft. Airport Reference Number: 4D Runway Lengths: 8,100 ft. Airport Size: 1,482.6 Acres

All fines are to be paid at the main police station

PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED

ACCIDENTS CON’T

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

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

FOR U.S. - SEE SHUTTLE SERVICES

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

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

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

CROSSING THE BORDER CLOSED MIDNIGHT - 6:00 AM

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

2) Integral Inspection

Voluntary declaration/items over allowed limit

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

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

DUTY FREE ITEMS You are allowed $300 USD tax free in new merchandise per person. Merchandise must be in same vehicle as person(s) declaring. The following is a list of items which you may bring into Mexico tax free. • Items for personal use such as clothing, shoes and toiletries according to the length of your stay. • 1 photographic or motion video camera, including a power source and rolls of film or video cassettes. (No professional equipment.) • Books and magazines. • 1 used sports article or piece of equipment for individual use. • 1 carton of cigarrettes. • 3 liters (approx. 3 quarts) of wine, alcohol, beer, etc. if the passenger is an adult. You may import an additional 2 liters and pay the corresponding tax. • Medicine for personal use (with your prescription). • Suitcases to transport your items.

If you are legally a resident of another country, in addition to the items listed, you may also bring the following items: • Binoculars • Camping equipment • Portable television, radio and 20 cds • Laptop computer • 5 used toys if the passenger is a child • Fishing tackle • Pair of skis • 2 tennis rackets • A non-motorized boat up to 5½ meters in length or a surfboard with or without a sail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PETS Only domestic animals (dogs & cats) are permitted into Mexico and you are allowed only two (2) animals per vehicle. You need to carry a copy of your pet’s current rabies vaccination certificate as you may be asked for it as you cross the border. Mexico has many stray animals roaming the streets so please keep an eye on your pet. Many pets are lost in Rocky Point each year due to unfamiliar surroundings and firework noise. If your animal is lost while visiting Rocky Point, we have found the best thing to do is scour the area where he/she was last seen. You can also pass out flyers to taxi drivers and water truck delivery men and post them all over town. Putting an announcement on the local AM and FM radio stations are also a good idea. Be sure you have a collar and tag on your animal as well as a current photo. Contrary to popular belief, your pet is not welcome at most establishments, especially where food is served. Please check with the staff before bringing your pet inside as the business can be fined for health violations.

RE-ENTERING THE UNITED STATES CLOSED MIDNIGHT - 6:00 AM Have your I.D. or Passport ready Bureau of Customs and Border Protection PO Box C, Lukeville, AZ 85341 (520) 387-5671, Fax: (520) 387-5309 Passports

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

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

SHUTTLE SERVICES Daily shuttle service is available from the Phoenix and Tucson areas to Rocky Point and cities inbetween. Please contact the companies directly for their schedules and rates. If you need door to door service, clarify that they offer that service and if you need to be picked up at the airport make sure that the shuttle has a permit to pick up passengers at the airport. Head Out to Rocky Point Phone (602) 971-0166 www.headouttorockypoint.com Nena’s Transportation 388-7089 or (602) 442-6802 Located on Benito Juarez, N of the Baseball Stadium by Coffee Point Transportes Superior 383-3640 Calle Lazaro Cardenas, Esq. Benito Juarez Bus Station TNS/Estrella Blanca Sonoyta: Across the border on the west side of the street. 01-651-512-3374 At the Bus Station: 01-651-512-0784 Phoenix: 29th & VanBuren: 602-455-9522 Tucson Sonoran Express (520) 954-2556 www.TucsonSonoranExpress.com

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

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

At this time you cannot obtain your FMT in Peñasco, but the Immigration office can stamp your FM3 or FM2 for travel beyond the free zone. If you are flying into the airport you can obtain your FMT when you arrive at the Peñasco airport. By law, anyone who stays in Mexico for more than 72 hours, is required to have an FMT, whether you stay within the Free Zone or not. Automobile Visa The Free Zone covers most of Sonora, but if you plan to drive past Guaymas, Sonora, you will need to obtain a permit for your vehicle. This can be done in San Emeterio, about 20 miles south of Sonoyta on Hwy 2 or at the check point outside of Guaymas. The cost for this permit is approx. $44 dlls. You cannot get a permit in Rocky Point. You will need the original and 3 copies of: • Registration, Title and the valid driver’s license of the vehicle owner • Credit card in the vehicle owner’s name • FMT, FM3, FM2, Passport or birth certificate • Leasing contract (if the vehicle is rented or leased), which must be in the name of the person importing the vehicle. If the vehicle belongs to a company, the papers certifying the employee works for the company. If you do not have a credit card you can post a bond payable to the Federal Treasury issued by an authorized bonding company in Mexico. As an alternative to posting bond you may make a cash deposit at Banco del Ejercito in an amount equal to the value according to the “Table of Vehicle Values for Bonding Companies.” At Banco del Ejercito your credit card will be charged approx. $30 USD. A cash deposit will also be accepted if you do not have a credit card. Your deposit plus any interest will be returned to you when you leave Mexico. You may choose to obtain a bond through an authorized Mexican bonding company located at all border crossings. The bonding company also assess taxes and processing costs for this service. The vehicle permit is good for 6 months and for any type of vehicle weighing under 3 tons. When departing Mexico, and if you are not planning to drive the vehicle back into Mexico, the permit must be canceled with Customs. If your car is found in Mexico, beyond the Free Zone, and beyond the authorized time, or without the appropriate papers, it will be confiscated. Always carry the importation permit with you when driving your vehicle into Mexico. Take it with you when you exit the vehicle - do not leave this document in your car. Make a copy and leave a copy in the car - same with your insurance. The sale, abandonment or use of the vehicle for financial gain, a criminal act, etc. will result in its confiscation. The vehicle may be driven by the spouse or adult children as long as they have the same immigration status. It is a good idea to get a notarized document, if you are driving a vehicle beyond the free zone that is not registered in your name, nor the owner is in the vehicle. It should simply state that the owner has given you permission to drive the vehicle, you may want to include the make, model, year, color and VIN number. The Rocky Point Times Newspaper strives to keep the information up-to-date. Laws, rules and info. change constantly, so if you notice an error, or have additional info., please let us know so that we may change the info. Contact us with questions or corrections at rockypointtimes@ yahoo.com or phone (480) 4636255 or local 383-6325.

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

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

Reading Books in Peñasco

By Jenny Radigan

arrived at the Papeleria el Libro, a stationary store on Sonora Blvd., in search of Spanish-language fiction books for my son. I had been all over Peñasco in search of reading material, as my Spanish-speaking only son is a voracious reader. Every store we went to produced the same result, no books. With high hopes, we followed the directions to the back of the store and there, on one shelf, were about 20 random books. None were bestsellers, none were designed for teenagers or younger, and we went home empty-handed. As a full-time English teacher here in Peñasco, and an avid reader myself, I know so well the benefits of reading. Children who have readily available reading material tend to have better focus and concentration, more developed language skills including vocabulary and spelling, a richer imagination, higher levels of success at all levels of education, and a deeper sense of empathy, a skill truly needed in today’s world. It doesn’t just stop with children. Adults that continue to read past childhood also benefit, including the benefit of stress relief, improved focus and concentration, better analytical thinking skills, increased vocabulary and better writing skills. Even globally, reading has far-reaching benefits, according to READ, an educational organization committed to literacy: Studies

have shown that a culture that values literacy reduces poverty and crime, promotes democracy, and increases civic engagement. It was clear we needed more books here in Peñasco! Without ready access to books, however, it is difficult to reap those benefits, so I searched for a way to start changing that reality here in Peñasco. Unfortunately, the local library is embroiled in a renovation and funding crisis and cannot be used as a resource at this time. So we started to search for support to bring used Spanishlanguage books to Peñasco. We received donations from several groups, including One Church in Chandler, the director, families and students from my school Colegio Bilingüe Crece, as well as Friends of the Maricopa Public Library in Pinal County, AZ. We were so excited to find out that Coffee Pointe on Benito Juarez agreed to allow us to place a small cart of books in their establishment. The cart encourages patrons to borrow a book and bring it back when they are done. It also encourages people to donate books they are done with to the cart, for others to enjoy. And it is filled with popular, relevant Spanish-language books! My students and family are excited to be a part of Peñasco’s community of readers, and we hope to see a future where more and more books are readily available to all levels of readers here. Don’t be shy; head into Coffee Pointe and read a book while you enjoy your favorite beverage! Maybe we’ll see you there.

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

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

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

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

They do not exchange pesos or Canadian $

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOTARY PUBLICS (NOTARIOS)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rocky Point’s Rodeo Drive By Barbara Iverson

odeo Drive is your one stop Valentines destination. From a romantic dinner to that perfect gift look no further we’ve got you covered.

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. When it comes to a gift for someone special, look no further. All up and down the street you’ll find a unique selection of charming items you won’t find anywhere else. Beautiful pewter hearts at Su Casa, elegant silver jewelry at the Taxco shop and sophisticated resort clothing from Plaza Fabiola and Ghias’. We’ve got it all.

Mariachi’s and Tequila has a Valentine celebration that will go from Thursday to Sunday. Celebrating not only Valentine’s Day, but, the 4th anniversary of their opening 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. Shopping Rodeo Drive is always a treat. You can find unique handcrafted items all up and down the street. Great prices, outstanding selection and friendly vendors. What more can you ask for? See you on the drive.

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

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

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

CLUBSANDORGANIZATIONS AACORP (ANIMAL CENTER) Founder: Nancy Phelan: 383-1012 Leon de la Barra (Calle 15), 3 blocks east of the main blvd. Benito Juarez nancy_phelan@yahoo.com AACORP Tax Deductible Donations PO Box 1031, Lukeville, AZ 85341 A group dedicated to helping the stray animals by providing no-cost spay and neuter clinics, adoption, dog and cat food, medicine and medical care. The center is run solely on donations and is an Arizona 501(c)3 non-profit corporation so all of your donations are taxdeductible. The center is always in desperate need of dog, cat, kitten and puppy food, animal toys, bedding, cleaning supplies, old towels and blankets as well as medicine and monetary donations to pay vet bills, purchase animal food and medicine. Please drop off food/supplies directly to the center.

ADOPT-A-CLASSROOM

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

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

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

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

AMERICAN LEGION POST MX 15 141 Chihuahua & Matamoros (Calle #1) Across from Pink Cadillac Open daily and the Public Always Welcome 2017 OFFICERS: Commander: Mike LaBarge Vice Commander: Jerry Clackler 2nd Vice Commander: Mike Williams Adjutant: Gary May General Meetings 1st Wednesday of month at 10:00 a.m. (from October thru June) Contact Food & Beverage Manager Danny Anderson for information regarding special events, celebrations & dinners throughout the year. Bingo: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 2:00 p.m. Telephone Numbers: U.S. (602) 539-2047 Mexico 011-52 (638) 388-8841 Magic Jack (602) 539-2047 ALL VISITORS WELCOME!

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

AMPI The Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios (AMPI), or the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals, Puerto Peñasco 51, represents ethical professionalism in real estate practice and promotes education among real estate professionals. A sister organization to National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the United Estates, AMPI works closely with the State of Sonora to provide education for real estate licensure, which is required in the State of Sonora for all agents who represent any type of property transaction including sales, rentals, property management, and promotion. Active in the community, AMPI promotes Puerto Peñasco as a vacation and retirement destination, members donate generously to local causes, and AMPI works with other organizations to sponsor community activities. AMPI operates the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) on behalf of our real estate clients. Board members: President: Rommel Bustamante Vice President: Glen Martinez Secretary VP Communications: Robin Miller Treasurer: Kris Nichols Legal: Ricardo Borquez VP Education: Joseph Toland VP Events: Ellie Balderrama VP Ethics: Gretchen Ellinger For Inquiries, please contact: Luisa Federico, AMPI Administrator email: luisa.ampi51@gmail.com AMPI Phone: 638-382-0439

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

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

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

BUNCO BABES

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

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

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

CASA HOGAR (ELDERLY HOME) Director: Santiago Ruiz Hurtado Phone: 383-2599 Ave. Miguel Hidalgo (Calle 13) and Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Casa Hogar is supported solely on donations and they always welcome visitors to sing and play games. Take Blvd. Fremont toward Las Conchas, make a left at the Pemex station, cross over the rrx tracks and they are on your left. If you would like to make a donation you can make a check to: Patronato Pro Asilo de Ancianos de Puerto Peñasco A.C. and drop it off at the home. You may drop checks or donations off at the Rocky Point Times office. Help to pay their electric bill, especially during the summer months, is always needed. You may also make a donation at a local grocery store for the purchase food and items.

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

CEDO CON’T

COORDINACION DE SALUD MUN.

Isla San Jorge Snorkel with the sea lions in their natural habitat at Bird Island or just enjoy the scenery from the boat and take photos. A must do trip!

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

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

CHOLLA BAY SPORTSMENS CLUB Also referred to as the CBSC Dues: $40, Payable to CBSC P.O. Box 77152, Tucson, AZ 85703 The Cholla Bay Sportsmens Club is responsible for maintaining, monitoring, and staffing the VHF Marine Channel 28 for the northern Sea of Cortez as well as CB Radio Channel 3. The CBSC pays the salary of the operator, aides in search and rescue operations and can aid in the transportation of critical victims. They also publish the Cholla Chatter and put on numerous events during the year such as the CBSC Fishing Derby, Horseshoe Tournament and other fun stuff held in Cholla Bay. OFFICERS President: Mike Dugan Vice-President: Helen Dahlstrom Secretary: Billie Crumbley: 382-5133 Treasurer: Enedina Otañez: 382-5142 Membership: Helen Dahlstrom BOARD MEMBERS Sal Otatanez, Rhea Dugan, Pat Goodin, Ken Goodin, Chuck Blair, Marlene Blair Connie Horton, Kelley Adams, Dave Adams, Theresa Orcutt

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

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

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

The CBSC provides an invaluable service for those at sea and promotes good relations between American visitors and our Mexican neighbors.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Knox Trail Council Bsa Yvette Lavin yvettelavin1212@gmail.com (508) 667-4031

LAS CONCHAS HOMEOWNERS ASSOC.

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

MEXICO CHILDRENS FOUNDATION

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

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

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

OC3AN VIEW MINISTRY

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

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

www.oc3anviewministry.com We are a Mexican non-profit hosting mission groups; bringing aid and comfort to families and the displaced. Our Community Center is located on Kino Blvd at Francisco Madero. We accept clothing, current dated dry food items, new children’s toys, school supplies, household goods, furniture, tools and construction materials. From our thrift store sales we fund all aspects of our ministry; these include: our dinner, fun free family events, community

construction opportunities, and ministries at rehab centers. Hours of Operation at our Community Center: Thrift Store: Tues. thru Sat. 12-5 Our Dinner, serving free food: Tues. & Thur. 1-2 Free Fun Family events: scheduled throughout the year watch for them on FBoc3anviewminisry Please come join us. For information about serving opportunities at Our Dinner, Thrift Store, Mission Groups, Fun Free Family events, construction projects and rehab center ministries go to: www.oc3eanviewministry.com Conrad Flores, President and Founder oceanviewministry@gmail.com US: 480-264-1172 MX: 638-109-8017

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

PEÑASCO SINGLES (PS) A group of local singles, both full and part time residences. All singles are invited to join (no fee) this laid back group for the happy hours each Tuesday at 4 pm at Puesta del Sol restaurant at Playa Bonita Resort. The location for the Saturday breakfasts will be announced at this happy hour. For more information contact any of the following: Marti 812-3191463 (U.S. cell works locally), or Dick 638-1050615 (local cell) or 602-321-8106 (U.S. cell works locally) or just show up at the Tuesday happy hour and introduce yourself.

RED CROSS (CRUZ ROJA)

SANTA CLAUS CLUB

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

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

EMERGENCY DIAL 911 OR 060 Monetary donations can be made in person, to the Red Cross people with their cans out when you see them in the street or you may deposit directly into their account: Banamex Acct# 7661161 SUC. 472 Located on Blvd. Fremont, across from the Fire Department (Bomberos) SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE The Red Cross offers its services free of charge to the general public. They handle a number of minor injuries such as stings, bites, cuts, sprains, broken bones, etc. They have ambulance service and offer their services 24 hours a day. They work with local doctors and clinics to provide emergency care for patients with more serious injuries. They operate solely on donations, so please donate when you can. They are always in need of medical supplies, crutches, wheelchairs, etc. You may drop off donations at the Red Cross or at the office of the Rocky Point Times. The Red Cross can fill Portable Oxygen Tanks with prior notice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOURISM BUREAU (OCV) Puerto Peñasco Convention & Visitor’s Bureau 388-0444/US Toll Free 877-843-3717 Mexico Toll Free: 01-800-552-2820 Ave. Coahuila 444 Int. 1a Fremont & Víctor Estrella www.cometorockypoint.com Mon-Fri: 9am-2pm & 4-7pm, Sat 9am-3pm President: Hector Vazquez Lic. Ana Laura Saens: 383-7025 Rafael Gonzales V.: 388-0444

WOMEN’S SHELTER

President: Shandra Keesecker Secretary: Oscar Palacio Soto clubrotariopuertopenasco@gmail.com www.clubrotariopuertopenasco.com FB: @clubrotariopuertopenasco Meetings: Wednesdays 8 am @ Don Julio in the Old Port

SAN JOSE CHURCH MISSION OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

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

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL 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.

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

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

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Road Etiquette 101

By Stephanie Wood

little background on me; I have worked in insurance claims and risk management my whole career. So, I’m very aware of what happens when collisions occur at a high rate of speed and the probability of survival (hint, it’s not good). Equally dangerous is distracted driving, even at low speeds. As such, I try to drive as safely as possible and I don’t trust anyone else on the road not to do something bizarre. I drive to Rocky Point at least twice a month. Usually I have my kids with me. I’d like to address the dangers of two-lane highway driving because there are so many people who seem to have no idea how to drive. I’m a little heated about this because I nearly avoided a head on collision driving from Rocky Point to the border last weekend. There are rules of the road and road etiquette, which are equally important when you’re hurtling down a two-lane freeway at 5590 miles per hour. The most important thing to know is to always drive with your headlights on for visibility, even during the day. It doesn’t cost anything, it doesn’t take any effort, and it might save your life. If you don’t believe me, here’s what the Arizona Driver License Manual has to say: Headlight Use - Low Visibility Conditions When there is sun glare, rain, dust or any other condition where your vehicle may not be clearly visible to other drivers, turn on your headlights on low beam. Your headlights significantly improve your chances of being seen and help other drivers avoid a collision with you. On rural roads, your headlights help drivers who may consider passing in your lane see that you are approaching. In the late afternoon, as soon as the light begins to fade, turn on your headlights to make your vehicle more visible to others. You must use headlights from sunset to sunrise. Last weekend it was cloudy, misting, fairly low visibility. I would say at least 50% of drivers didn’t have their headlights on. Now I’m a chicken when it comes to passing, if I see headlights coming at me, I’m going to wait to pass, it’s not going to kill me if I have to drive behind someone going 90kph for a few minutes. If I don’t see headlights and I don’t see a car coming, I will pass. If you’re driving a gray, silver, beige, or light blue car on a gray road with gray sky conditions with no lights on, NO ONE CAN SEE YOU COMING UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE! This is what happened to me. I was passing a very slow driver, who was appropriately pulling over as far as he could

to the right, and suddenly I realize there is an oncoming car I couldn’t see because it wasn’t visible. I was at the point I couldn’t even slow back down, so I had to cut off the driver I was passing to avoid being hit. The other problem here obviously is that the oncoming car could definitely see me but for reasons unknown chose not to slow down. This brings me to my second etiquette tip. Don’t drive like a jerk. Really. It’s not worth your life or someone else’s. If you are driving slow and you see someone come up behind you in a rapid fashion, pull to the right so the car behind you can see around. I’m not saying you have to drive on the shoulder, but let the car see to pass. A driving courtesy in Mexico is to put your left blinker on to let the car behind you know it’s safe to pass. Now, if you are the speeder, don’t tailgate, don’t freak out, just drive patiently until it’s clear to pass. Trust me you’d rather make it wherever you’re going a few minutes later than end up in the hospital, or worse. RV drivers, you know we can’t see around you and you know you are going slow, at a minimum drive as far to the right as safe, or use the left signal system to let us know it’s safe to pass. A side note I probably shouldn’t even have to say, but I will…don’t use the left signal unless you’re absolutely, positively certain it’s clear to pass; and if you’re trying to pass, don’t rely solely on the left signal system, someone may have just forgotten they have it on, or they may be turning left. My final driving etiquette tip, and almost equally important to day time headlight use, is dimming your “brights” when approaching another vehicle. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt I was going to be run off the road at night by someone’s high beams. I will again reference the Arizona Driver License Manual regarding Night Driving: Never drive so fast that you cannot stop within the distance you can see ahead with your lights. Use high beams on highways when no other vehicle is coming toward you within 500 feet. Switch to low beams whenever you meet oncoming traffic to avoid blinding the other driver. When following another car, use low beams whenever you are within 200 feet. If the high beams of an oncoming car are not dimmed, avoid looking directly at the bright lights. Glance toward the right side of the road, then look ahead to determine the position of the other vehicle. Keep doing this until you have passed the other vehicle. Ok, that’s all from me this month…safe travels everyone and see you on the beach!

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

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Mexico’s National Flag

By Rosarie Salerno

here is a long history associated with the flags of Mexico. Starting with Columbus and after him the Conquistadors, the Spanish Royal Standard flag was used to represent the King of Spain. About 1785 Charles III chose the Spanish War and Merchant Flag to represent the colonies as the naval and coastal fortification flag until Spain recognized Mexico’s independence in 1821. You might say the first true Mexican flag was the one carried by Pardre Miguel Hidalgo on September 16, 1810 during the Grito de Dolores, the Shout of Suffering. That day marked the beginning of the War of Independence from Spain (18101821). This flag is called the Standard of the Virgin of Guadalupe. It depicts what is believed to be the miraculous impression that appeared on the cloak worn by Juan Diego during a Marion visitation of the Virgin Mary between December 9 and December 12, 1531, in Tepeyec, the location of present day México City. At the end of the War of Independence, from 1821 to 1823, the first Official National Flag was adopted. The design is very similar to the flag that is used today: vertical tricolor sections of green, white, and red. The green, at that time, stood for independence, the white for supremacy of the Catholic faith, and the red for the equality of the Creole and the Spanish-born classes of Mexico. In the center white panel is the Coat of Arms of a crowned eagle standing on a prickly pear plant growing from out of a stone or rock in the middle of a lake. The coat of arms represents an Aztec legend. The Aztecs, also known by the name of Mexica, pronounced mehshee-ka, were a nomadic tribe. In a dream the leader was told by Huitzilopochtli, the god of war, that they were to find a permanent settlement when they found an eagle resting on a prickly pear cactus holding a snake. The eagle was found in a swampy area in the center of three lakes where they built Tenochtitlan, now Mexico City. At the same time, between 1821 and circa 1824 there was also a popular flag called The Flag of the Three Guarantees. It was adopted by Iturbide who made

himself Emperor of Mexico. The flag had diagonal sections of white at the bottom, green in the middle and red at the top, with a crown in the center with the words, Religion, Independencia Y Union written in a circle around the crown. The flag also had one 6 pointed star in each of the colored sections. Between 1823 and 1863 the official flag had the crown removed from the eagle and a snake was added to its talons. A branch of oak and branches of laurel were added to the coat of arms in a semicircle joined in the middle. The next change to the flag was between 1864 and 1867. Napoleon III invaded Mexico and set Maximilian up as the puppet Emperor. A new design was adopted by Maximilian. The same tricolors were used with a crowned eagle in each of the outside corners and a coat of arms similar to the French coat of arms but with an eagle in the center enveloped by a crown. It resembled the French coat of arms but incorporated some of the Mexican symbols as well. After Maximilian was overthrown by Benito Juarez, the previous flag of Mexico was used again until 1916, when it was changed once again by turning the eagle from front-facing to side-facing. This version is now the current Mexican National Flag and was officially adopted in 1968. The symbolism of the three colors has changed since 1821’s original meanings. Benito Juarez changed the representation of the colors when he was President (1858 to 1872). Today, green stands for hope, white for unity, and red for the blood of the national heroes. Mexico’s National Flag Day is February 24th. There are other flags associated with Mexico and its history, but their discussion is beyond the scope of this brief essay.

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

Rosarie Salerno Consulting

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

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

OUR VILLAGE Anyone who has raised a child knows that it really does take a village. Family, friends, teachers, coaches, and the child’s own circle of friends all play a part in the child’s growth and development. Likewise, anyone who has been part of a successful humanitarian effort knows that sustained success is determined by multiple layers of support. Barb’s Dog Rescue is no different, and 2018 is an excellent example. Our village consists of an incredible leader and her caring staff, dedicated volunteers, passionate dog lovers here and stateside, generous sponsors and concerned local merchants and organizations. Wrecked at the Reef, a favorite beachside restaurant of locals and visitors alike, is a prime example of how a local merchant can make a huge difference in their community. Earlier this fall The Wreck selected Barb’s Dog Rescue as the recipient of their 9th Annual Winter Charity drive, and the results have been overwhelming. In December and January employees, long-time customers, and other generous visitors to Rocky Point just discovering The Reef responded to the call by donating a wide variety of dog related items. These supplies, from food to blankets, dog beds, and necessary cleaning supplies, will help The Rescue through the difficult months ahead. Our huge thanks go out to all who contributed and to the owner and the manager of Wrecked at the Reef, Randy and Kelly. If you are looking for a great meal in a

beautiful beach location, visit The Wreck. While there, please thank them for being an important part of the village that shows it cares for its abandoned and neglected animals.

MEET PEPE Pepe is a great example of how the efforts of a village can impact the life of a little dog. He had a rough start, having been found with his litter mates in a garbage can in Caborca and brought to Barb’s. The puppies thrived under Barb’s care, and ultimately five of the six were adopted. Only Pepe remains at The Rescue. Undeniably a staff and volunteer favorite, his just-got-out-of-bed look and personality are hard to resist. Pepe tips the scales at a whopping eight pounds, but imagines he’s much bigger. He thinks nothing of correcting one of the large dogs if they get too close to his food. Pepe’s perfect home would be one where he is an only dog. He loves attention and enjoys nothing more than to snuggle up and take his afternoon nap by your side. Pepe is an affectionate, happy and healthy one-year old male. He has had all of his shots and has been neutered. Barb and her staff have great affection for this little dog and would miss him greatly if adopted. At the same time, they look forward to the day when Pepe has found the forever home he has waited so long to have. You can visit The Rescue from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. any day to meet and get to know this adorable little dog.

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

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CLASSIFIEDADS 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 – Bilingual Catholic Mass offered every Sunday at 8 a.m. at San Jose’ Church in La Cholla/Cholla Bay. Everyone is welcome.(#1SJ) ANIMAL ADOPTION CENTER OF ROCKY POINT – (A 501© tax exempt corporation) wwwrpaac. org. Center located north of Benito Juarez on Calle 15 (Leon de la Barra) 3 blocks left corner. Also donation drop point at Rocky Point Times Offices (011-52-638) 383-1012, Phoenix (602) 4123932, Tucson (520) 407-6594, nancy_phelan@yahoo.com. AACORP P.O. Box 1031, Lukeville, AZ 85341. (#1-AAC)

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

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

FM2/FM3/RFC/HACIENDA/ IMSS – If you don’t speak Spanish, or just want someone to help guide you through the process, call Silvia Villa at Premium Services at 383-5758, or from the U.S. dial (602) 4761187

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)

sivife@hotmail.com.

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) Esther, AZ cell in Rocky Point FURNITURE (602) 324-9558. DELIVERY (#ES-2) MOVING FROM THE STATES to all of Mexico. Since 1987. Our price includes no surprise fees from pickups to setups. No middle man, door to door service. Email geoff@bordermovers.com or phone (480) 232-3518. (#90-9)

DENTAL SERVICES WANT A DENTIST WHO USES THE latest in technology and equipment when getting your teeth cared for? Ernesto Grijalva, D.D.S. comes highly recommended by all of his patients – ask anyone of them! Stop by his office located on Blvd. Fremont, just south of the fire dept. or call for an appointment (011-52-638) 383-3434. (#64-3)

Translations from English to

HOUSES & CONDOS FOR RENT LONG TERM & NIGHTLY RENTALS, Las Conchas, Mirador, In Town, Sandy Beach Homes and Condos. Starting at $150.00 USD per month. Twin Dolphins (011-52638) 383-3919, (602) 324-7241 (#100-4) FURNISHED

BEDROOM

APARTMENT – located near the beach inside a secure new R.V. Park. WiFi, pool, palapa, BBQ’s, and dog park included. Call (011-52-638) 388-5094. (#5-17) HOUSES & CONDOS FOR SALE AJO HOUSE – 3bd, 2ba. Backyard faces County Park, mountain views. Has a/c full house backup generator. Bottom of “U” street, nice neighborhood in Ajo, AZ. (520) 387-5474. (#102-m)

INSURANCE SERVICES INSURANCE AND BONDING AGENCY – REAL ESTATE Mexican & American Insurance: Auto, boat, life, house, commercial. Yolanda Silva, Agent. Ave Nayarit #62. Call 383-6280. (#107-1) JEWELERS JOYERIA MAX – MAX’S JEWELRY - Custom design, repairs, diamonds and gemstones. Special orders are our specialty. Open 11AM – 9PM Monday through Saturdays. Shop located on the north side of No Reeleccion (Calle 26), just east of RR tracks. Lamek_ fu@hotmail.com. Call Max (011-52638) 388-5512 and 383-2698. (#110-2) LOTS FOR SALE LOT FOR SALE – Affordable block fenced property. Close to the beach. Owner selling willing to negociate. Asking $15K. 20Mts x 50Mts. Call Nachito at (011521-638) 112-3158) (#NN-1) MASSAGE MASSAGE AND SPA – Pamper yourself without leaving the comfort of your home. Massage, manicure, pedicure and nails. For appointments call Ery at (638) 105-2706. (#EQ-1) MUSEUMS THE (FRIDAY) SEASHELL MUSEUM – Small Private collection. Free admission. Open Fridays 10 am to 5 pm. Map at: www.seashellmuseum.com. (#NB-1) OBITUARIES OUR DEAR FRIEND MISS PATTYE Toliver mader her transition to her next beach. She went from Texas to Tucson and her finale home in R.P. Her companion Roy held a celebration of life at the "Pit". Have a cold one for our "Miss Pattye". Love from Margie and Fina. PEST CONTROL PREDADOR - TERMITES, cockroaches, mosquitoes, flies, bees, fire ants, fleas, scorpions, spiders, rats, ants, mice. We have our Federal License. English spoken. Call Juan Mendivil, owner at 383-8787. 24hr emergency phone dial (044 - 638) 113-0691. (#126-1)

REAL ESTATE SERVICES TWIN DOLPHINS – Blvd. Fremont, next to Red Cross. Mexico (638) 383-3919 US (602) 324-7241. (#140-1) ROCKY POINT REALTY GROUP – Jonni Francis at Paseo Las Glorias, across from Peñasco del Sol. Mexico (638) 382-5355 US (602) 334-4134. (#140-2) SERVICES SATELLITE TV – Sales, service & installation. Residential & Commercial (638) 103-5317 Mex Cel. (602) 635-2246 Vonage. (#157-2) BRENDA LEE DESIGN – Customized Interiors, window treatments. Cel (602) 909-9146. www.brendaleedesign.com. (#157-5) FAST, RELIABLE HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS! – We sell, install and service High Speed Internet access via Satellite in Penasco. Download speeds up to 30 Mbps and you get a U.S. IP address. For more information please email us at service@ penascohandyman.com or call 858-480-1495 or www. penascohandyman.com. (#JG-1) CUSTOM PLANTATION SHUTTERS – Now available in Peñasco Custom Plantation Shutters for your condo or home made of Basswood. Over 20 years of custom shutter craftsmanship and no import taxes! For more information please email us at info@mexicoshutters.com or call 858-480-1495 or www. mexicoshutters.com. (#JG-2) SHUTTLE SERVICE HEAD OUT TO ROCKY POINT – door to door shuttle service from Phoenix to Rocky Point. Group and one-way rates available. Wanna Go? Let Us Know! Phone in the U.S. (602) 971-0166. www. headouttorockypoint.com. No waiting in border lines when you ride with us! (#158-3)

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

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Travel in Oaxaca - Black Pottery & Alebríjes! Second in a series

By Gretchen Corpe Ellinger

fter a long nap after my 22 hours, including a red-eye flight to get to Oaxaca de Juárez, I asked the hotel desk for suggestions, which resulted in the clerk reserving a spot on an arts and crafts tour for the next morning. Driver/ guide Antonio, from Turismo el Convento de Oaxaca, picked me up at my hotel, which I quickly learned, is located for its extraordinary views of the city, rather than for proximity to the historic city center, cathedral, restaurants and shops. We met my only co-travelers, a couple from California, at their hotel, then it was off through the burbs which give way to rough country that reminds me of the inland southern California of my youth – steep grassy rolling hills dotted with trees. I looked for livestock, expecting to see cattle, but saw only goats in people’s yards.

Antonio shared with us his knowledge of the history and customs of the local area en route to our first stop, Miguel Fabián Barro Negro Fino, in the miniature village of San Bartolo Coyotepec. This is where México’s extraordinarily beautiful black pottery is made from barro negro, black clay, which is mined in the form of rock in only one nearby place, then ground by hand into powder, which is mixed with water to make black clay that feels as fine as Silly Putty. We watched Adelaida Fabián Canseco, the latest maestra from

generations of potters, throw a pot on a prehistoric potter’s wheel, which was really just a clay saucer atop another, the bottom one upside down, the top one right-side up, each about 5” in diameter. The potter moves the top saucer that is holding the clay with one hand, and she sculpts the clay into a pot with the other hand. It makes the foot pedal-driven potter’s wheel I used in college look modern! The pottery workshop is located behind the family home, and the oak-fired kiln is actually a modified prehistoric tomb. The skeleton that was found in the tomb was moved to another tomb that lay under a trap door in the floor of the store, close to a glass case that displays some of the items found in the tomb with the remains. The length of time of firing in the kiln determines the use of the finished pieces; decorator items are fired for about 6 hours at about 900 degrees F., and come from the kiln softer, so as to be polished to a high shine. The household items are fired longer, for about 12 hours, and at a higher temperature of around 1,200 degrees F. Those are left with the matte finish, and are safe to use for food and beverages. There is no paint used; the black color comes from the clay. I bought small gifts here, in both shiny and matte finishes. My co-tourists bought HUGE pots that will ship to San Francisco with delivery intact guaranteed - amazing! Miguél Fabián Barro Negro Fino has a facebook page at Omar Fabian where you can see photos of their beautiful pottery. On to San Martín Telcajete to the amazing workshop of Davíd Hernández, who organized his traditional family craft into a business that supports a number of families, employing around 20 workers who make alebrijes, those wonderful fantastical creatures that tradition says serve as guides for the departed, such as those you may have seen the movie “Coco.” Each alebrije is hand-carved by maestro Don Presencio Hernández Gomez, the father and master carver, from a piece of green copal, the resinous tree used for incense and wood carving since prehistoric times. The shape of the branch dictates to the carver what creature will emerge from his deft application of machetes, knives, and traditional wood carving tools. When carving is complete, the piece is dried in the sun for a number of days, then rests in the shade for several more days. During the drying process the resin drains from the wood, leaving cracks in the surface. The piece is then sanded by workers who are expert finishers, to a fine finish, then repaired using wood plugs and “putty” made by mixing the sanded dust with glue, allowed to dry, then sanded with steel wool until the surface feels as smooth as glass. It is now ready for painting. Now

Don Hernández and his daughter, Laura Hernández Santiago, a maestra pintora, master painter, collaborate on the paint colors and designs as together they envision the finished piece. Sra. Laura supervises a large number of painters, including 2 apprentices who are very young, and are painting small pieces as they learn to trim brushes, develop steady hands, and learn the traditional indigenous symbols that are used to decorate the pieces. Painting involves base coats of color(s), using color blending and shading to achieve the desired foundation for the fine painting of the traditional designs in elaborate patterns that cover the entire surface of the piece. Sra. Laura is a master of fine detail, and she paints special-order and very large pieces. The 4-foot tall dragon upon which she was working during our visit will take 7 months to paint – from finding the right piece of wood to carving to drying & repairing and finally painting will take about 1 year. The finished albrejes, each one of a kind, both large and small, are nothing short of amazing, exhibiting incredible hand craftsmanship and imagination. I bought a beautiful cat in memory of my cat of 17 years, Rita, who recently died, as well as earrings for gifts. See these alebrijes at www.tallerdavidhernandez.com.

The last stop of the day was a very small market in the very small pueblito named Santo Tomás Jalieza. Here local indigenous women sell their own handwoven products from booths under shelter from sun and rain, and are weaving more items to sell on their prehistoric backstrap looms as they wait for customers. Communication with the women, who were very friendly, was difficult because they spoke a Zapotec dialect that is spoken only in that tiny town, and was unknown to our guide, who spoke only Spanish and English. But we aficionados of fabrics can communicate about the weaving process and the looms – a demonstration and the finished products transcend words, although the lady with whom I visited knew “puro algodón” and “lana” in Spanish – “pure cotton” and “wool,” which helped immensely. I bought a hand-woven table runner with 8 matching placemats and 8 matching coasters for the ridiculously

low price of $500mxn – about $25usd. My co-tourist asked me to help her bargain for table linens; I suggested that she might want to pay the full asking price, in consideration of the high quality of the work, the remote location of the village, the apparent lack of transportation – our van was the only motor vehicle in evidence – and the already ridiculously low prices. The original prices were unheard-of bargains! No websites, email addies, telephones or any other way to contact these women – you just have to visit them! The very knowledgable bilingual driver/guide and transportation for the approximately 5 hours cost $430mxn for most people. For me, thanks to my INAPAM card – the Mexican old folks’ card-my tour cost $300mxn. I wonder how much the guide makes, since I am sure the tour company keeps the lion’s share of the fare for overhead, gas, etc. I tipped $100mxn, and the guide was grateful. What a great experience! I ended the day with dinner near the Zoccolo, the main plaza in the historic city center in an open-air restaurant that did not look like open-air from the outside! I only realized there was no ceiling after I had ordered and a cold wind came up – brr! The Oaxaca City altitude is 5,102 feet, so the weather is brisk in the evenings, and I was not dressed for a picnic! However, the restaurant was recommended to me as a place that locals like to eat, and sure enough, I was the only white face in the crowd. There were many dishes unrecognizable to me on the menu, and, with the waiter’s recommendation, I decided on a tlayuda con queso de cabra y chorizo, goat cheese and Mexican sausage sandwiched between 2 very large crispy corn tortillas, and served with what looked like weeds on top. I learned that the “weeds” were a preferred local herb called “chepiche” – very aromatic, and when eaten with the tlayuda, completely changed its flavor. I preferred without, but it was interesting to try something new “all the way.” A $50mxn cab ride took me up the hill to my hotel with its amazing views. What a wonderful day!

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Border Zone Minimum Wage Hike Affects 43 Municipalities

The minimum wage will double to 176.72 pesos, or about US $8.80, per day

he higher minimum wage for the northern border area which was announced by the federal government will apply to 43 municipalities in six states. Labor Secretary Luisa María Alcalde announced that the minimum daily wage in the border zone would rise to 176.72 pesos (US $8.80) on January 1, whereas a new rate of 102.68 pesos (US $5.10) will apply to the rest of the country. All municipalities that adjoin the United States border in Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas will be included in the higher wage zone. Workers in Puerto Peñasco, Ensenada and Playas de Rosarito, which are located farther south of the border, will also benefit from the new arrangement. The municipalities will also be included in the northern border free zone, where lower income and value-added tax rates will come into force on New Year's Day. President López Obrador has justified the creation of the zone by saying that the border area is the "last curtain of development to keep our compatriots in Mexican

territory." He waxes often that migration "should be optional, not obligatory." Meanwhile, Baja California Sur (BCS) Governor Carlos Mendoza has expressed his disappointment that the state he governs was not included in the free zone and higher wage area. The 43 municipalities included in the free zone and higher wage area are: Baja California: Ensenada, Playas de Rosarito, Tijuana, Tecate and Mexicali. Sonora: San Luis Río Colorado, Puerto Peñasco, General Plutarco Elías Calles, Caborca, Altar, Sáric, Nogales, Santa Cruz Cananea, Naco and Agua Prieta. Chihuahua: Janos, Ascensión, Juárez, Praxedis G. Guerrero, Guadalupe, Coyame del Sotol, Ojinagua and Manuel Benavides. Coahuila: Ocampo, Acuña, Zaragoza, Jiménez, Piedras Negras, Nava, Guerrero and Hidalgo. Nuevo León: Anáhuac. Tamaulipas: Nuevo Laredo, Guerrero, Mier, Miguel Alemán, Camargo, Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, Reynosa, Río Bravo, Valle Hermoso and Matamoros.

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

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Clínicas Médicas de Puerto Peñasco Celebrates 20 Years Attending the Health and Well Being of the Population

his year, the binational civil association Medical Clinics of Puerto Peñasco will celebrate 20 years in performing services to support the health and needs of the people of this city, with more their annual campaigns offering medical specialties and other services. Loly Martinez, director of the organization of Americans and Mexicans, said that in 2018, more than 5,800 people have been attended during a 28 day period, in the facilities of the Words of Hope Community Development Center, in Colonia San Rafael. She explained that eleven days were focused on general medicine and attended the needs of 4,700 people, followed by providing 900 people with much needed dental treatments and 220 people in the area of optometry, providing exams, treatments, glasses, and special treatments. She added that the service has also been growing in infrastructure, to the extent that there are already more than eight buildings for community service and attention, with an addition of

services assisting people in need, providing low cost prosthetic limbs to 17 people in need of prosthetic arms or legs. Loly Martinez stressed that it has been extremely satisfactory to work in the San Rafael area, following up on the efforts that had begun 19 years ago by Doctor George Stavros and his wife, Susie Stavros. She stated that the program will continue with full confidence and, together it is possible to do anything. Martinez also stressed that in another facility named "Words of Hope Community Development Center", located in Callejón Juan Aldama, next to the Carlos Cáñez Tiznado Sports Unit, medical consultations, lens support, help for surgeries, care for pregnant women, and adaptation of orthopedic devices and prostheses are available. In addition they offer physical therapies, adult counseling, counseling for students, training in first aid, physiotherapy, beauty courses, languages, crafts, computers, carpentry and other trades.

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

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Our Contributing writers...

Allen Schwartz

Marcia Diane

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

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.

Gretchen Ellinger

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

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

Rosarie Salerno

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

Mike Bibb

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

Vince Deadmond

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

Jim Ringquist

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

Stephanie Wood

Cholla Charli

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

Anita Kaltenbaugh

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

Kathleen Duncan

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

events.

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

Cap’n Greg

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

Rob Baylor

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

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

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

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