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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
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Editorial by Lannette Phipps
Founder's/Owner's Thomas Nelson O'Hare III (RIP 1941-2013) Sandra Jo O'Hare (RIP 1946-2018) The Rocky Point Times Newspaper is a tourist newspaper which has been family owned and operated since 1993. We have always been dedicated to helping and promoting the community in which we have lived, full-time, since 1991.We pride ourselves on bringing tourists and locals entertainment as well as helpful and accurate information. ROCKY POINT TIMES STAFF Lannette Phipps – Editor Patrick Kilcullen – Managing Editor Alicia Grajeda – Administrative Executive Marco Zepeda – Sales and Accounts Executive Beatriz Lumbreras – Freelance Graphic Artist MONTHLY CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION The RPTimes is hand delivered to Puerto Peñasco, MX and Lukeville and Ajo, AZ. We have an average of over 400 monthly subscribers from all over the U.S. and Canada. SUBSCRIPTIONS 1 year subscription (12 months) is $35 USD Go to www.rptimes.com and click on subscriptions or mail your check to Rocky Point Times LLC, PO Box 887, Lukeville, AZ 85341. ADVERTISING/AD DEADLINE Deadline for ads is the 10th of the month preceding publication (Sept. 10th for Oct. edition). Call or email us for ad rates. MEXICO OFFICES: Ave. Agustin Melgar (off of Samuel Ocaña), Pto. Peñasco, Son. Mexico 83550 Col. Nueva Esperanza U.S. MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 887, Lukeville, AZ 85341 PHONE/EMAIL From the U.S. call (480) 463-6255 Local call 383-6325 rockypointtimes@yahoo.com WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA www.rptimes.com Facebook: Rocky Point Times Newspaper Twitter: @RockyPointTimes. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anita Kaltenbaugh, Allen Schwartz Cap'n Greg, Cholla Charli Joseph Sanchez, Kathleen Duncan Mark Paliscak, Rosarie Salerno Rob Baylor, Vince Deadmond Linda & Bo Bernard, Stephanie Wood PHOTO & ARTICLE SUBMISSION The Rocky Point Times is not responsible for the content of any advertising, nor has it attempted to verify any ad claims. Content contained in this publication is not authorized to be copied or reproduced without the permission of the Editor and Advertiser or Contributing Writer.
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t’s mid-January and the weather has been absolutely gorgeous - like, pinch myself, I am so lucky to live here, gorgeous! In January! (Point me back to this Editorial when I start complaining about the humidity come August.) The sun is shining, there has been a slight breeze most days, and the temperature is hovering right around 80°. So, what better time to hit the beach and go exploring? There’s a stretch of beach between Rocky Point and El Golfo de Santa Clara that’s 30, maybe 40 miles, of absolutely gorgeous, pristine beach that can only be accessed 4x4 or boat, though I have been witnessed locals driving the entire stretch in 2WD’s and never getting stuck – not once! It was supposed to be about 84° that Friday so I grabbed a friend (who grabbed burros at Reggie’s…I forgot to ask for a fritter, dang – though a good friend would’ve known, right?), some shell bags, sunscreen, supplies, and 1 of my 2 Great Danes (the youngest and likeliest to survive a day of 4x4ing)
and headed out for some fun in the sun. We drove about halfway to El Golfo on the Coastal Highway and then dropped down onto the beach. The tide was on its way out so we were able to get around a couple rocky point’s and cliffs that you can’t get around when the tide is high. We were headed to the lighthouse that sits on the other side of a large estuary. The stretch between El Golfo and Rocky Point is a great area for camping and I often see families pulling full-size trailers and groups of guys in campers who set up camp and fish all day for days on end. I’ve camped out there for a week before with my friends Pat and Les (RIP) Foss who used to go all the time. My first Great Dane and their 3-legged Chihuahua ran the beach all day while the guys went out catching crabs and Pat and I went up and down the beach
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shelling on our ATVs. We would head out in the morning after breakfast, come back in time for a crab lunch, only to head out again until dinner time. We did this for a week straight. Great times! Great spots for camping or just hanging out for the day – love to find these hidden gems. So, there were a few estuaries we had to cross to get to the end: As the tide goes in and out, the water carves out a pathway usually leaving a bit of a dip, or sometimes a little cliff or a giant trench. If you’ve run the beaches along the Sea of Cortez, you are well aware of the obstacle courses the high tide fluctuation leaves at times. You get to running a good speed down the beach and come upon one of these trenches or dips and brakes get slammed, gear goes flying, and front ends get bounced, and sometimes broken. I actually “lost” my Chihuahua in my backseat gear hitting one of these beauties. (We eventually found him alive and unscathed – I think he was even smiling.) I have not-so-fond memories of someone launching our sandrail off, what turned out to be more of a cliff than a dip, and we ended up in the drink (thanks Frank!). As you may’ve guessed, I misjudged the last estuary dip, gear went flying, we caught some serious air, and ended up soaking the interior of my truck since the sunroof and windows were open. My co-pilot was kind enough to reach back and grab Nero, saving him from a possible concussion. (I think people who have had children have this instinct, me, nah, I just held on and tried to catch my hat as it flew off. Good times!) Needless to say, we had some causalities in the bed of the truck. No airbags deployed, no damage incurred, so all was good! There CON'T ON PAGE 22
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
ADVERTISERINDEX ADVERTISER INDEX & PHONE PHONENUMBERS NUMBERS 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 (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
E Encantame Towers...................................... ....................(480) 445-9200 / 638-688-1010
N-O Napa Auto & RV.....................(520) 387-6962 or.......................................(520) 387-4TOW
F Family of God Christian Fellowship Medical Clinics.......(638) 383-3480 / (480) 812-5200 Five Senses Spa & Hair Clinic..(638) 112-1652 or......................(638) 108-1000 ext.210035 Francis, Jonni......................(638) 112-1197
P Pane e Vino Restaurant......(638) 105-7455 Pedro's Restaurant.............(638) 383-8889 Predador Pest Control..........(638) 383-8787 or...............(638) 113-0691 / (602) 702-4417 Puerta Privada....102-3075 / (602) 445-6430 Puerto Peñasco Realty and Services ............................................(520) 777-0018 Playa Sonora Realty............(638) 119-2211 or...............................(602) 718-5066
dial area code + 7-digit number
Mexico businesses outside of Peñasco are listed as area code + phone number in this Index.
LOCAL CELLULAR PHONES
from a land line dial 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 city code + 7-digit number to dial PP from a long distance MX cell dial 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
Ajo Chamber of Commerce...(520) 387-7742 American Legion..............(638) 388-8841 Animal Adoption Center......(638) 383-1012 ............................................(602) 412-3932 Artemiza Gandara, Playa Sonora Realty ................(638) 119-2211 / (602) 718-5066 B Baja Auto Service................(638) 383-4295 or.........................................(638) 110-7205 Barb's Dog Rescue...............(638) 114-1659 or.........................................(602) 774-1578 Brenda Sabo.......................(638) 105-3157 Burrito Express...................(638) 383-8460 C Casago......(638) 383-0700 / (888) 262-4508 Chochoy Veterinary Clinic.....(638) 383-2338 24 hr. Emergency...............(638) 380-9285 Cielito Lindo..............(638) 108-2100 Ext. 7 Colins Cantina...................(638) 382-8020 Christoper Guarino, Las Palomas Sales ...........................................(480) 257-5757 Claudia Valdivia...............(638) 113-0111 D Dr. Grijalva, D.D.S...............(638) 383-3434 Day-Spa-Cito..................(638) 156-2889
G Garufa Steakhouse...........(638) 688-0101 Georgina Ross......................(638) 388-5322 ............................................(520) 222-4750 Gila Bend Title and Registration Services..... ..........................................(928) 683-2577 H Head Out to Rocky Point Shuttle Service................................(602) 971-0166 Hotel Viña del Mar..............(638) 383-0100 or.......................................(602) 606-7768 U.S. Toll Free.....................01-800-560-2123 I-J-K Iron City Polaris...................(520) 836-1971 or.......................................(602) 272-5551 John Hibbert, Las Palomas Sales ................................(480) 257-5757 John Witt, Las Palomas Sales ..................................(480) 257-5757 John Witt Realty Ex............(623) 523-2180 Kenneth Wallace, Las Palomas Sales ..................................(480) 257-5757 Kimberly Guethle.................(480) 495-5207 or......................................(480) 993-0998 Kord's Auto Care.................(520) 387-6962 or......................................(520) 387-4TOW L Laguna Shores Resort.........(638) 383-0210 or......................................(800) 513-1426 Las Palomas Sales...............(480) 257-5757 M Mar de Cortez Beach Home & Condo Rentals ..........................................(638) 388-8747 or................(638) 112-8194 / (602) 218-7300 Margarita Mermaids...........(638) 388-5042 Mark Paliscak....................(602) 526-7478 Mexico Insurance Center....1-800-404-1088 Mirsa Tile.............................(638) 383-6770 Mare Blu Ristorante.............(638) 383-0605 Moo Steak House & Grille....(638) 114-3595 Muebles Coloniales..........(638) 383-6670 or .........................................(638) 383-6671
Q&R Realty Executives...............(638) 116-0387 or..............(638) 113-0426 / (520) 407-6086 Richard Savino.....................(638) 380-4272 Rocky Fish............................(638) 113-9885 Rocky Point Home Builders...(638) 383-6524 or...................................(815) 553-2683 Rocky Point Realty Group.....(638) 112-1197 or.........................................(602) 647-9993 Rocky Point Times Newspaper...................... ...........................................(638) 383-6325 or.......................................(480) 463-6255 S Salerno, Rosarie...(520) 777-0018 Señorita Rita Sunset Cruise...(638) 113-3727 Servicios Medicos Veterinarios..... ...........................................(638) 383-3344 or Caborca................(637) 372-4717 Sonoran Resorts..................602-476-7511 Su Casa.............................(638) 690-1345 Sun Valley Business and Immigration Services...............................(638) 383-8891 or...............(638) 383-8896 / (520) 829-4340 T Tequila Factory.....................(638) 388-0606 Turati Optical.......................(638) 383-4645 or........................................(520) 505-6236 Twin Dolphins Real Estate and Rentals....... ............................................(638) 383-3919 or.............(602) 324-7241/(638) 384-0113 V Viña del Mar Hotel................(638) 383-0100 or.........(602) 606-7768/01-800-560-2123 Veterinary Clinic Chochoy.....(638) 383-2338 24 hr. Emergency................(638) 638-9285 Veterinary Medical Services..638-383-334 .............................................637-372-4717 W Wayne Corcoran, Laguna Shores Resales...... .............383-7263 ext. 7264 / (480) 356-1645 WhyNot Travel Store.............(520) 387-7783
EMERGENCY & Important Phone Numbers dial 911 & 066 for EMERGENCIES AIR AMBULANCE (dial within Mexico) AirEvac............................001-880-321-9522 SkyMed Air Ambulance..001-866-805-9624 AIRPORTS International.........................(638) 383-6097 CITY HALL (Municipal Building) H. Ayuntamiento de Peñasco.(638) 383-2056 or............................................(638) 383-2060 CLINICS Clinica San Jose......................(638) 383-5121 Clinica Santa Fe.....(638) 383-2447/383-4040 Clinica Santa Isabel (Maternity)....383-3645 Clinica Santa Maria.................(638) 383-2440 Cruz Roja (Red Cross).............(638) 383-2266 Desert Senita Community Health Center..... ..............................................(520) 387-5651 ELECTRIC Emergency dial...................071 Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE)........ ..............................................(638) 383-2684 FIRE DEPARTMENT Emergency dial....068 Departamento de Bomberos.(638) 383-2828 FISHIERIES DEPARTMENT Departamento de Pesca........(638) 383-2116 Oficina de Pesca, San Diego, CA................... ..............................................(619) 233-4324 GARBAGE/SANITATION DEPARTMENT Oomislim................................(638) 383-4909 GAS (Propane) Hidrogas................................(638) 383-5650 Z’Gas.....................................(638) 383-8284 ZaGas....................................(638) 383-8100 HOSPITALS (See Clinics also) Community...........................(638) 383-4566 IMSS (Social Security)...........(638) 383-2870 Municipal..............................(638) 383-2110 IMMIGRATION....................(638) 383-2526 MARINE RESCUE (VHF Channel 28) Port Captain..........................(638) 383-3035 Emergencies dial.462 or 627 or 767 POLICE Emergency dial......................066 Puerto Peñasco Station........(638) 383-2626 or...........................................(638) 383-1616 State Judicial Police (Policía Judicial del Estado)...(638) 383-2783 PUBLIC SECURITY DEPARTMENT Seguridad Pública Municipal.(638) 383-2626 or............................................(638) 383-1616 RAILROAD Ferrocarril..............................(638) 383-2610 RED CROSS Cruz Roja...............................(638) 383-2266 SOCIAL SECURITY (IMSS) Instituto Méxicano del Seguro Social........... ...............................................(638) 383-2677 or............................................(638) 383-2777 TELEPHONE Teléfonos de México.............(638) 383-2780 Towing.....................(011-52-638) 383-5770 U.S. (520) 232-2149 U.S. CONSULATES (in Mexico) Nogales..............................01-631-313-4820 dial from the U.S.......011-52-631-313-4820 WATER Oomapas................................(638) 383-6080 Organismo Operador.............(638) 383-6080 Piteco (water tank delivery)...(638) 383-3315
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
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ear Readers, Sadly, there is no Q and A this month as the Q is in quarantine with Covid-19. In other news, Cap'n Greg apologizes for last month's column that had a number of typological errors near the end, rendering the meaning angioplastic. Thankfully, there was no scatology involved. And I'd already made my point, even though truncated. That said, hyperbole was rampant. Amazing Alicia, who works closely with Editor and Grand Poobah-ess Lannette, do such a great job that the newspaper is almost flawless. Last month, however, either a small hairy beast got into the server, or incredible Graphic Artist Beatriz set her tequila bottle too close to the keyboard. Next thing you know, the text went all loco. Or loca, if a
feminine noun was involved. I have been writing this column since Washington crossed the Tupperware, so I know of which I speak, which is one and a half languages, the half one that's not so bueno. Or buena, which is the proper adjective for linguini, which is Spanish for language. But you knew that. The important thing to remember here is that to err is human, to forgive divine. Also, the Packers better blow through the playoffs and win the Super Bowl by 11 or Cap'n Greg will be really upset, although his bookie will celebrate by retiring to an entire floor at Encantame Towers. I am confident these words will reach you in clarity and perservision. After all, wisdom is knowledge, and the al pastor con piño at Asadero Viva Mexico is la really yumma. And then some.
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
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es, I get to say it at least once a year. Puerto Peñasco’s beaches, sunsets, and shimmering sea, can bring out the romance in all of us. You simply have to open your eyes and experience everything our seaside village has to offer. So, whether you have your life partner already, looking for a sweetheart or found one but haven’t made the move, here are some ideas on what you can do in Peñasco for Valentine’s Day. First and foremost, plan a romantic weekend at the sea. If you’re already here, the biggest expense is out of the way. If you’re in a neighboring state, it’s a simple road trip with a plethora of accommodations available. Many great overnight deals are being offered in February, check out Airbnb.com to find
a place that meets your budget. This is a weekend get-away that could be good for your health. Plan a romantic gesture and surprise your loved one with sea time. In the midst of all the restrictions due to the pandemic, you could safely get a little time away and rent a condo on the beach in Rocky Point. Surprise the one you love. I mean if you’re going to stay at home, or work from home, why not stay at home in a cozy condo, where you have easy access to an uncrowded sea, beach, and clean air. You can change your environment and still be safe. It is good to get a breath of sea air. It’s also Valentine month and whale watching season so what better sweet surprise than a road trip to the sea. Once, you get here, what can you do to capture the moment? I have a few ideas for romantic fun, that will cost you nothing but time. You do however need a vehicle to drive around in, and a smart phone or heck go old school and grab any camera to capture the romantic memories. 14 Photo spots in Peñasco: A picture paints a thousand words. Nothing is more romantic or fun than a day of exploring and adventure. See where it takes you and discover
who you meet along the way. The best part you’ll create a memory that will last forever. On your mark, get ready, grab a lover, your favorite pet, friend, or family member and see if you can take a photo at each of the 14 photo spots. See how many places you can find. When you take photos, post them on social media (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter) and use the #rplocal and I will randomly pick the best participant to receive a free Rocky Point Local car magnet. Or email me your favorite photos at anitainmexico@aol.com. Do you know all the below monuments and locations? Find them and strike a pose. 1. Colossal Shrimp Statue - located on the Malecon 2. Shrimp Statue - Shrimp Park 3. Blue Marlin Statue - Calle 13 4. Peñasco Windmills 5. Peñasco Word Sign in front of the Conference Center 6. Cross at the top of Competition Hill 7. Whale Skeleton at CEDO 8. Seismic Station in Cholla Bay 9. Rodeo Drive Shopping Sign 10. A picture wearing a large sombrero 11. A picture in front of the Shrimp
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Boats 12. Gustavo Brown Sr. Statue in Cholla Bay 13. Blanket or towel on the beach with you AND YOURS on it 14. Toes in the sea or sand Yes, it’s a photo scavenger hunt for the Romantics. Can you have a great adventure visiting these monuments and flavors of Rocky Point? You will never know how fun it could be if you don’t at least attempt a few pics. Do it together or make it a game with your friends or family and see who can complete all the locations. It’s a great way to spend the day together. It’s a great memory for this new year. February is the month of love. I don’t know about you, but I could sure use a month of love. If you love the sea come on down with the one you love and have a romantic adventure at the Sea of Cortez.
"The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination, and brings eternal joy to the soul." ~Weyland
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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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Beachcombing
By The Old Gringo
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hile ‘up north’ the land is firmly in winter’s grip, here in beautiful Puerto Peñasco the sun shines and the sea breezes caress the sand. Winter temperatures here are considered mild by most, “chilly” by some, but compared to, say, Flagstaff, we are balmy. Since only the hardy brave the waters swimming, paddling in kayaks or small boats, many winter visitors busy themselves with shopping, dining, golf, and other land-based opportunities. If you have come to Peñasco to relax, don’t golf, are ‘shopped out’ or otherwise looking for something different to do, then I’d like to recommend beach combing. Strolling along our beaches has a rhythm all its own, and if you’re the type who likes solitude as well as tranquility then this is your happy place. While walking Sandy Beach from condo tower to condo tower can be a great way to get some exercise, going farther out to some of the lesser known and traveled beaches and beach communities can bring the solitude and adventure you might seek. Laguna del Mar, north of Sandy Beach, has a wide expanse of pristine beach just waiting to be explored. Or take a walk from Manny’s in either direction for a beach with a different look. Going south and east toward the estuaries and the beach communities of Las Conchas, Playa Encanto, Playa La
Jolla, Playa Dorada, Play Miramar or even as far as Bahia San Jorge can be an exhilarating way to spend a day. Checking out the tidal estuaries is a different thing to do as well. Visiting the oyster farms and having some fresh, prepared oysters is a treat too! While the beaches all have one thing in common (sand), the textures and shorelines carved by the Sea of Cortez tidal exchanges are different for each. The less traveled beaches offer up a wealth of shells and other treasures deposited by the restless sea. Although some detritus, washed ashore from the shrimp boats, will no doubt be found, it does not mar the beauty and tranquility to be found on these beaches. At the very least, a day of beach combing any of the aforementioned beaches, will result in your having had great exercise and more than likely you’ll come back with a favorite seashell or two (or four... or…), a turtle shell (Bahia San Jorge), or some other keepsake. If this sounds like a good way to relax here in our town, then make your plans before setting off. Be sure to bring a hat and the sunscreen, because even though the air temperature might seem cool, the sun is still shining. Also, pack some water and any snacks you might want (make sure you take the wrappers and debris with you when you leave, please). Remember too, that these beaches, while publicly accessible, are also home to many people. Please be respectful. So...welcome to the beach!
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Steps Required to Break Ground on your Mexican Dream Home
By Joseph Sanchez President, Rocky Point Home Builders
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he process of buying a lot and building a home in Mexico is always exciting, and here is some information about the steps required in order to break ground on your Mexican dream home!
Step 1 – Clean Title
Before you begin to design your home, you must first make sure that all tax payments are up to date on your property, or you will not receive your permits. This is easy and tax payments are inexpensive compared to paying property taxes in the U.S or Canada. Make sure you keep all receipts for your tax payments in a file, so you can easily retrieve them when needed.
Step 2 – Topography Survey
Before designing your home, you must get your lot surveyed by an engineer and it is required to get permits. This is an important aspect of your home design because a professional architect will use the survey to design the home according to the flow/slope of the lot.
Step 3 – Home Design Blueprints
Before you can begin to build your home you obviously need a blueprint
for construction. The blueprints will be taken to City Hall and your HOA for approvals and permits. We highly recommend working with a Design/ Build contractor for designing your home because the benefit is your home will be designed according to your budget. A design/build contractor knows the costs of construction, so if you want to stay on budget, this is very important. Don’t make the mistake of designing a dream home by an independent architect and then take it to a contractor and become shocked by the price. A design/build company will design the home according to your exact budget. Step 4 – HOA Approvals
Once your home design is complete, most HOAs want to review the plans and approve them first before you get permits from the city. Some HOAs charge money for the permission to break ground, others do not. Some have environmental impact fees, road fees and other costs. All HOAs are different and it’s important to understand the rules before purchasing your lot.
Step 5 – DRO Permit
After your HOA signs off on your plans, if required, then it’s time to take your blueprints to the city engineer known as the DRO here in Mexico. The DRO will review the plans and sign each page of your blueprints. There is a cost for this signature, and it depends on the location of your lot and the sq. meters. The more desirable the location, and the larger the home, the more expensive the cost. But costs can start as low as $1000 and go up from there.
Construction– Once all the pre-construction steps are completed you are ready to build your home.
copy of your Fideicomiso, and a copy of your IDs. If you are unsure of what a Fideicomiso is, ask your real estate agent, they are happy to help. Step 7 – Water and Electric Service
Once you get your city permits and the DRO signature, you have the green light to break ground, but first you need to establish electric and water on the lot before anything begins. The electric company here is CFE and the water company is OOMAPAS. Your contractor should, again, take care of this for you and work with them to get it done. Costs for water, if it’s available in your subdivision, starts as low as $300 and can go higher depending on location. For electric service, costs can start as low as $500 and go higher again depending on location and depending on if you need a transformer. If you need a transformer, that can add a significant cost, as much as $1,000$3,000. When buying a lot look for a
Permit - Before you can begin to build your home you need a blueprint for construction. The blueprints will be taken to city hall and your HOA for approvals and permits.
Step 8 – Lot Preparation
After all that is completed, you are almost ready to break ground, but first your builder will need to prep the lot. This is a cost most buyers don’t realize until they reach this point. Many lots here need fill or need excavation. This service is outside of the cost to build the home – it is an additional cost. If your lot is fairly level with the center of the street, you are looking at a couple thousand dollars. However, if it needs excavation or fill, that can be expensive because the machines are leased by the hour. We have built homes where excavation can be as high as $25,000. When purchasing a lot always look for a level lot if possible because it will save you money.
Conclusion
Step 6 – City Permits
Once you get your DRO signature you are now ready to get your construction permits. Your contractor or architect should do this on your behalf and will navigate the bureaucracy for you. The costs can start as low as $1000 and go higher, again, depending on the location and the total sq. meters of the design. This is the part where they will ask for your tax payment receipts for the year, a
transformer near your property: If you don’t see one that should be taken into consideration before you purchase. You will again need a copy of your Fideicomiso and a copy of your IDs to establish the service.
Breaking Ground– Before you build your home you must prep lot by either excavating or adding fill to make it level.
So now you know the costs necessary to start construction of your home. The costs outlined today are extra costs and outside of the contractor’s price to build your home and out of their control, but they will be happy to assist you with getting them taken care of.
About the author: Joseph Sanchez is president of Rocky Point Home Builders a design/build contractor specializing in custom home design, construction and engineered renovations and a real estate agent with RE/MAX Legacy. He resides here in Puerto Peñasco with his wife and three children and is originally from Chicago. For more information email him at sales@rockypointhomebuilders.com.
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
One more cast By Vince Deadmond
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here are worse places to hide out from COVID than Puerto Peñasco. While your doomsday compound may be quite comfy, and you have not binge-watched all the TV shows that you have intended, you may be longing for the smell of the salt in the air while you walk the dog on the beach. You may have a desire to toast the sunrise with a cup of coffee while the sky is still pink and orange or lift a chalice of good red wine with a friend at sunset. You may even consider going fishing. After raising a glass of red wine or two, with some neighbors from the Playa de Oro RV Park, we came up with a short list of places to eat and drink where we felt COVID safe. Many of the cantinas are doing a great job of keeping the public safe: Meeting and greeting customers at the door, while taking their temperature, giving them a dollop of hand sanitizer, while everyone is required to wear a mask. Not everyone in my hometown of Mesa is doing as thorough a job. Give it some thought, and I bet you can come up with a more extensive list of COVID safe places. Even better go visit your favorite COVID safe places with caution. Some of my safe places have been too crowded, so I turned on my heal and headed for a less packed place. Our idea of a COVID safe place was a large open-air space with plenty of space available between patrons. Patio dining, and palapa hut venues seemed appropriate.
Here is my short list of bars and restaurants: Pitaya Bar – Tiki Hut on Mirador Beach, good music. Pollo Lucas - Benito Juarez Blvd., great grilled chicken. Wrecked at the Reef - Sports Bar on Sandy Beach. Al Capones - Sports Bar, pizza, fun bartenders. El Capitan - top of hill, great view. Puesta del Sol - dining on the beach at Playa Bonita Resort. Manny's Beach Club - Mirador Beach, food, bands, plenty of space. Jill's Joint - fun place, good bands. Cookiez Cantina - good menu - Google for location. Margarita Mermaids new patio. Latitude 31 - great place to watch sports. February and March are when the Large Mouth Bass fishing starts to take off at Cienega de Santa Clara and one always wants one more cast. My fishing buddy Grant Baugh had too much time on his hands during the COVID lockdown, so he did a painting of me fishing at the Cienega. Hope everyone gets their vaccine and feels safe enough to come out and play. Fishing should be improving as the water warms up.
Contact information for Vince Deadmond the retired fly-fishing hardware guy, vince@ ajbest.com and 480 818 1796. Fly fishing Puerto Peñasco should remain good through December. Check the tide chart, I prefer the neap tides for fly fishing from my kayak.
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Are You Having A Whale of a Time in Rocky Point?
You sure are! And Remember to Enter The Rocky Point Times Contest!!!
By Mark Paliscak
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eliz Febrero mis amigos...I hope 2021 is treating you all as well as can be in our “new world”. How are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? Some people make them, some do not. I make them because after all, we cannot change the past, but we can change who we are today and do have the ability to change the future in a positive fashion. Well, I only had three this year…And they are coming along fine for the moment. #1 is to be more grateful and thankful for the wonderful family and friends I have. I could never be the guy I am without an abundance of happiness that they all bring to my life. It’s always a blessing to have the support of such a wonderful group of peeps! #2 is to reach out more often to those in need. This is not just to my circle of friends and family but to
others you happen to pass in our lives. You never know what a simple comment can do such as, “wow, your perfume smells awesome” (unfair advantage?) or “you have a really nice smile” or simply “hello, please go before me” while in line at the store. You never know what the smallest words or gestures will do. In these times, it’s always best to start a trend and spread the love to all! #3 is to take a deep breath and chill! Too often I am running from work to home to the gym to a friend’s house and I often do not take time for myself and just CHILLAX! Sooooo…This one will be the most challenging as I often have a full plate…not just in Vegas…just in normal life. So, inhale, exhale, chill pill it is and enjoy life more! Ahhhh, the Rocky Point Times Photo Contest is drawing to a close and will be announced in next month’s article. Remember to email a photo from Rocky Point to mpaliscak@amerifirst.us with your name and phone number! We have some really cool gift baskets from our fine friends at Encantame Towers, Manny’s Beach Club and Tekila Bar! And as they always say, ya gotta be in it…TO WIN IT!!! So, get snapping Rocky Point and show me some goodies. There’s already some really cool entries but I know there is plenty more waiting to be shared :)! Whale, whale, whale…it’s that time of year again. The whales are back in town! I am just
now planning an adventure to go out to greet our annual friends from the deep. If you have never gone, it is a MUST and if you have gone, you know why you want to return. There are many cool adventure companies that you can hook up with and schedule a trip. Some of them advertise right here in the Rocky Point Times. It is always an amazing experience and one of the best things I like is not just the views but reconnecting with friends, oh yeah, a bevy might be had…And meeting new friends along the journey. Did you know that the whales travel over 6,000 miles to make their way to the Sea of Cortez? Why do they come to see us? My version…to blow their own horn or spouts…well I guess I am not sure what they are called :). But it is for food, warmer water and mating. Hmmmm, sounds a lot like Rocky Point for sure! They truly are the giants of the ocean and our own Tony Ballesteros aka the Whale Whisperer can surely share his secrets about the best places to go to view these magical creatures. Good news, Austin Powers
(you may have seen him wobbling around on crutches nursing his broken leg for 6 months) is back in step! I guess he never really missed a step from his crutches and bootie, to cane, to limping and now…he’s back…so take it easy Austin…the town is a bit better with you as a whole person! Can’t wait to see you all at the beach! Here’s to an awesome year and to finding true happiness here in our favorite place of all… ROCKY POINT! ADIOS AMIGOS GOD BLESS!
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
La Esperanza Community Center An Unsung Hero Helping Those in Need
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he Community Center "La Esperanza Para Nueva Vida" on Avenida Lazaro Cardenas, in the Eastern part of Rocky Point that few tourists ever see, came into existence 18 years ago as a result of hard work, dedication, and love, by a few people who wanted to make the lives of those in need a little better. The center has slowly grown, mostly through donations, over the years and it continues to improve and transform in order to accommodate the needs of the people to whom it serves. Today, the center offers food packages to hundreds of families each month, who would otherwise go without enough to eat. They have fun events throughout the year and at Christmas so that families can experience joy and the kids can receive gifts. Prior to COVID-19, these festivities would attract over 1000 children, and every one of them went home a little happier than they had been before they came. Since the COVID-19 restrictions have come into effect, the gatherings are limited to much smaller groups, but the effect on the children and the families remains the same. The center offers vocational training courses to adults in order
to help them find employment and improve their lives. They teach English, Dressmaking, Computer Skills, Beauty Salon Skills, Personal Care, and many more – all free of charge to those taking the classes. They offer counseling for those in need and find shelter for abused women and children. So many people depend on this center, that it is a shame that it doesn’t get more attention – and donations. Now that COVID-19 has changed the way kids are learning, the center has stepped up to set up a computer center for kids from homes who don’t have a computer – or internet – or even electricity. They have had bake sales, yard sales, donations drives, and more to garner funds for an addition to the center in order to add the extra space needed. Much has been accomplished, but they still need help. If you can volunteer your time, an unused computer, groceries, or money, it would be gladly welcomed. If you have a skill and would like to teach it to willing students, child or adult, they would be happy to have you. Basically, this grass roots center will grow and expand as much as allowed based on the resources that are available to them. Contact rpbarbo@gmail. com for more info or to help.
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
CON'T FROM PAGE 3
was not a soul in sight except for two coyotes munching on a stinky whale carcass. We had a great day, the weather was perfect, and it was well worth the day it took me to clean out my truck.
Get out and explore! Sure, there are tons of things to do in Peñasco as well as places to explore, but I encourage you to check out areas north and south of the city. There are lots of places you can get to just day trippin’ such as El Golfo de Santa Clara, Santo Tomas, Desemboque, Puerto Lobos, Salinas Peninsula, Playa San Jorge, the Pinacate Craters and Gillespie’s Gold Mine, just to name a few. Grab a friend and go follow a trail – there are lots of maps and Google is a pretty good resource. If you want some organized desert fun, join in on the Boo Bar Poker Run on Monday, January 8th. It is a super fun 4x4 run through the desert. You can join the run for free, but I encourage you to play a poker hand for $25 since you get some swag, and the proceeds go to charity. If you’re new to town, you’ll meet a lot of people who know the area and who like to go out and have fun in their 4x4 vehicles. A couple days after I wrote the above, it started raining, but we needed the rain, and my roof didn’t leak, so I’m not going to complain. Now that the storms have passed, February is shaping up to be a great month with lots of sunny days. Restaurants are having Valentine’s Day Specials so be sure to make reservations at your favorite restaurant. Most places are offering multiple seatings since they are still operating at a reduced capacity and social distancing and all that.
As of this writing we still have an 11pm curfew and you need to wear a mask until you are seated at your table – so keep that in mind when taking our sweetheart out…mostly the 11pm curfew. I must admit that I have skidded home a few times right at curfew – it’s easy to forget when you’re out having fun. I can tell you that it takes about 15 minutes to get from the top of Competition Hill to my garage at the ranchito. Good times! Everything is open in Rocky Point and we are happy to have you come visit. You can still enjoy all of your favorite activities and whale watching season has officially begun. The Mermaid’s Market is open on the 1st and 3rd Saturday’s of the month – lots of great shopping, local artists, and delicious food – so go check it out in the Shrimp Plaza across from City Hall on the corner of Fremont and Benito Juarez. Superbowl Sunday will no doubt be busy so be sure to call your favorite haunt and see if they are taking reservations – or get there early and grab your seat. Events are still constantly changing so our Facebook Page is the best place to keep up to date with the latest. Sorry to end this Editorial on a sad note, but in less than two weeks we have lost three great Rocky Point friends: Bill Bingham, Rocky Point resident and friend to everyone, and the guy who looked like he never aged a day past 50; Marlin Kuykendall, a long-time treasure of Rocky Point and former Mayor of Prescott; and Kord Klinefelter, owner of Kord’s Auto Care/Napa Auto Parts in Ajo, AZ. All three of these great guys have been assets to our community and will be dearly missed. We would like to send our deepest condolences to their families and friends. Please come to visit Rocky Point and patronize our local businesses – let our advertisers know you saw them in the Rocky Point Times Newspaper. Remember not to speed through Sonoyta (40 kmh) and while Covid is still a threat, they would prefer you do not stop and drive straight down to Rocky Point – we are here to welcome you. Feliz dia de Amor y Amistad Happy Valentine’s Day
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
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TRAVELINFORMATION TRAVEL INFORMATION NEW COVID-19 PROTOCOLS BRODER CROSSING HOURS 6AM-8PM SONOYTA & LUKEVILLE DO NOT STOP IN SONOYTA, DRIVE STRAIGHT THRU TO ROCKY POINT DO NOT SPEED IN SONOYTA - 40 KMH & WEAR YOUR MASK
TOURIST ASSISTANCE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO REMEMBER If you dispute any incident or infraction, need help or have questions, please go to the Police Station, located north of town. Pay any and all fines ONLY at the station. IF YOU ARE PULLED OVER ALWAYS: • Write down the Name of the Officer • And the Number on the back of the vehicle that pulled you over • Record the location you were pulled over and the exact time
POLICE & EMERGENCIES
DIAL...911 or 066 Nationwide: from ANY PHONE. TelCel users can also dial *112 to go directly to the Peñasco Police Station
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REPORT ANY ATTEMPT OF BRIBES BY CALLING 388-0423
YOU MUST FILE AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT!
If you feel you have been wronged by an officer(s), you MUST make an official complaint so that the police department can take action. If they have no record of the incident, then they have no proof. Telling your friends and complaining to others will not get the problem solved - it only creates more problems and allows the officer to go on “doing business as usual”. File a complaint and save others the same grief you have gone through and make our city a better place.
DO NOT PAY OR OFFER TO PAY ANY OFFICER DIRECTLY WHEN PULLED OVER.
All fines are to be paid at the main police station
PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED Passports are required for re-entry into the U.S. when travelling by vehicle into Mexico. You may also present a Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License, SENTRI or NEXXUS Cards when leaving Mexico. Children under the age of 16 need to present their Birth Certificate. This applies to any port of entry when driving into Mexico.
ABOUT PUERTO PEÑASCO Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, is located in the State of Sonora on the Sea of Cortez. It is approz. 66 miles from the U.S. border at Lukeville, AZ and the Mexican border at Sonoyta, MX. Rocky Point is located within the “Free Zone”, so no vehicle permits are required for you to visit, but you will need your Passport or other ID (see above) to re-enter the United States. Rocky Point offers a variety of land and sea activities for every age and is very family oriented. It also offers a variety of dining and lodging choices as well as beach camping and RV Parks. Rocky Point is known for its warm weather, beautiful sunsets and gorgeous beaches. Relax and enjoy a day on the beach or at one of our many spas. Head out for a day of shopping to find everything from one-of-a-kind fine art to curious. Plan a day of golf on some of the most beautiful and challenging courses around. And when the sun has set, head out for some local night time entertainment.
DRIVING TO ROCKY POINT
take you all the way to the U.S./Mexico border at Lukeville, AZ and Sonoyta, MX. The Maricopa Hwy. will lead you right into Gila Bend, exit left once you come to the stop sign and follow the above directions.
COMING FROM TUCSON You will take the old Ajo Hwy. (Hwy. 86), which will lead you through Sells and end at Why, AZ. At the stop sign take a left onto Hwy. 85 (at Why) and head to the border (see above). Gas stations, restrooms, ATM’s & convenience stores are located in Gila Bend, Ajo, Why and Lukeville. AZ before reaching the border.
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.
AIRLINE SERVICE & AIRPORTS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Mar de Cortes International Airport (011-52-638) 383-6097 www.aeropuertomardecortes.com Airport Administrator: Alonso Dominguez Ruiz Libramiento Carretera Sonoyta-Caborca 71 Ejido Miramar, Colonia Miramar
PERSONAL AIRCRAFT To fly your own plane you must have your: pilots license, medical certificate, registration, air worthiness certificate, and Mexican airplane insurance. GENERAL AIRPORT INFORMATION Airport ICAO ID: MMPE Location: 17 miles East of downtown Elevation: 88 ft. Mar de Cortes Radio Tower Frequency: 118.85 Website contains complete info. on Airport loanding, parking other fees Type of Services: RS: Int’l regular flights RFF Category: 7 Airport Coordinates: 31° 21’ 6.836” LN113° 18’ 19.44” LW Runway Center Runway Designation: 18-36 Runway 18 THR Elev.: 84 ft./Runway 36 Elev.: 88 ft. Airport Reference Number: 4D Runway Lengths: 8,100 ft. Airport Size: 1,482.6 Acres
CONSULATES MEXICAN CONSULATES Tucson: 3915 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711 (520) 882-5595 • Mon.-Fri. 8 AM - 2 PM Phoenix: P 320 E McDowell Rd Ste 320 Phoenix, AZ 85004 • (602) 242-7398 Nogales: 480 Grand Ave., 89562 • (520) 287-3175 Douglas: 541 10th St., 85607 • (520) 364-3107 U.S. CONSULATES Nogales, Mexico from Mexico (01-631) 311-8150 Fax: (01-631) 313-4652 from the U.S. (011-52-631) 311-8150 Fax: (011-52-631) 313-4652 http://travel.state.gov Email: NogalesASC@state.gov What the Consulate CAN DO if you are arrested in Mexico • Visit you in jail after your arrest • Provide you a list of local attorneys • Inform you of judicial procedures • Notify family and friends • Relay requests for aid or monetary support • Protest abuse/mistreatment to authorities What the Consulate CANNOT DO if you are arrested in Mexico • Demand your immediate release • Get you out of jail or out of the country • Pay legal fees w/U.S. Government money • Pay fines w/U.S. Government money
CONTRALORIA SONOYTA Dear traveler, when crossing the border of Sonoyta, Sonora you suffer any abuse by any police authority, make sure to file a Complaint. The Mayor’s office is here to help with any problem you may have, make sure to contact us to: (651) 512-1172 or ( 651) 100-9530 or email contraloriasocialsonoyta@hotmail.com We are available 24 /7, every day of the week.
CROSSING THE BORDER
COMING FROM CALIFORNIA
U.S. AIRPORTS (CLOSEST)
COVID CROSSING HOURS 6AM to 8PM Mexico & the U.S. Sonoyta/Lukeville
The Crossing at San Luis (south of Yuma, AZ) is the fastest and easiest point to cross. Head East on I-8 and take Hwy. 95 S towards Yuma. You will cross at San Luis Rio Colorado. Continue straight for a few blocks, turn left at the signal on to Ave. Obregon. That is the main road through San Luis. You will go all the way through town and see a sign for Puerto Peñasco and El Golfo de Santa Clara off to your right. Exit right at the bridge and follow the signs to Puerto Peñasco. Theres is a toll booth you will go through (currently $110 pesos). The road is smooth and free of potholes and has plenty of places to pass and pull over. Just outside of El Golfo, you will turn left onto the Coastal Highway (003) and follow that all the way to Rocky Point. Signs are clearly marked. Look on our facebook page for pictures of the signs, roadway, stops and scenery.
Phoenix, Tucson & Nogales, AZ
CLOSED MIDNIGHT - 6:00 AM
ENTERING MEXICO Hwy. 8 from the Lukeville border to Rocky Point is a good 2-lane road with plenty of emergency parking and places to pass. It is an open range (watch out for wildlife) and is patrolled by the highway police as well as the Green Angels (roadside assistance). Please see Crossing the Border in this section for more info.
YOU MUST HAVE MEXICAN VEHICLE INSURANCE...IT’S THE LAW A minimum of liability is required. COMING FROM PHOENIX
ACCIDENTS CON’T
ACCIDENTS If you are involved in a (nondeath) accident in Mexico, you are considered at fault until proven otherwise.
BUS STATIONS (MEXICO) ABC (Auto Transportes de la Baja California) Located on Constitucion, just N of the signal at Blvd. Benito Juarez Albatros - Phone: 388-0888 E side of Benito Juarez, N of the Stadium Norte de Sonora - Phone: 383-3640 E side of Blvd. Benito Juarez, S of No. Releccion (Calle 26) and N of Pemex
FOR U.S. - SEE SHUTTLE SERVICES
CAR RENTALS Some major rental companies do permit their vehicles to be driven into Mexico. Call their AZ offices directly instead of their national offices. You may be required to carry their Mexican insurance. Mexico law requires that you must carry a minimum of liability insurance. Arizona (Phoenix Area) Enterprise, Advantage, Dollar, Saban’s Puerto Peñasco (from the U.S. dial 011-52-638) Alamo Rent A Car 102-0277 Bufalo 388-9999 M.G. Rentals 383-3814 Pro Rent-A-Car 388-5823 Rio Car Rental 383-8181 The Point Rent-A-Car 388-5823
Arizona (Lukeville) Border Mexico (Sonoyta) Border As soon as you pass the chainlink fence, you are entering into Mexico. There are two lanes going into Mexico. Wait for the vehicle ahead of you to pass all the way through the lane before proceeding. VEHICLE INSPECTION There are two means of inspection: 1) Fiscal Traffic Light Nothing to declare/items under allowed limit
2) Integral Inspection
Voluntary declaration/items over allowed limit
As you cross the Mexican Border there are two narrow lanes with a (traffic) light at the end of the lane. As you proceed ahead, the light will flash RED (alto - stop) or GREEN (pase - go). 1) FISCAL TRAFFIC LIGHT STOP (alto) - RED LIGHT If the light turns red you will pull off to the left where an officer will ask you some questions such as where you are going, how long you are staying, and what you are bringing into Mexico. The officer will most likely look through your vehicle and belongings. Do not leave your vehicle unattended and do accompany the officer during his search. If you incur any problems be sure to get the name and badge number of the officer. GO (pase) - GREEN LIGHT If you get the green light you can pass through without any inspection. Please note that you still may be pulled over and inspected even if you get the green light. 2) INTEGRAL INSPECTION This is the voluntary request for the examination of your articles, if you have items to declare which exceed your allowed
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TRAVELINFORMATION TRAVEL INFORMATION limits. Before you enter the lanes to cross into Mexico, you will pull off to your left and park in the assigned spaces against the chainlink fence. You will need to go to the small building, which sits in the middle of the two lanes, and tell the officer what items you have to declare and the value of each item. When you are finished filling out the form, the import tax (impuestos) will be assessed and you will be handed two forms to take to the bank and pay. (The bank is at the side of the brick building, past the fountain.) If it is after hours, you will pay your impuestos to the agent who will stamp your form and issue you a receipt. An agent may want to come and inspect your load. The taxes you pay are in pesos and you can now pay with a credit card (they will accept dollars) and are to be paid directly to the bank and you will be issued a receipt. You will need that receipt to cross the border. (If you are pulled over by Aduana after leaving the border, you will need the receipt as proof of payment.) After you have paid your taxes, you will need to cross the border and go through the Fiscal Traffic Light. If you get the red light you will need to pull over and show your receipt to the officer. If you come through the fiscal traffic light, and merchandise is found, which was not declared, you could have to pay a fine of 4x the commercial value of the articles plus your vehicle and belongings may be seized. If you choose the Integral Inspection the fine will be 1½x the value. In both cases you forfeit the right to the tax exemption. Your vehicle and personal belongings can be confiscated if you do not stop and declare merchandise over your limit allowed by Mexican Law.
DUTY FREE ITEMS You are allowed $300 USD tax free in new merchandise per person. Merchandise must be in same vehicle as person(s) declaring. The following is a list of items which you may bring into Mexico tax free. • Items for personal use such as clothing, shoes and toiletries according to the length of your stay. • 1 photographic or motion video camera, including a power source and rolls of film or video cassettes. (No professional equipment.) • Books and magazines. • 1 used sports article or piece of equipment for individual use. • 1 carton of cigarrettes. • 3 liters of alcohol & beer, 6 liters of wine. You may import more by paying the corresponding tax. • Medicine for personal use (with your prescription). • Suitcases to transport your items.
If you are legally a resident of another country, in addition to the items listed, you may also bring the following items: • Binoculars • Camping equipment • Portable television, radio and 20 cds • Laptop computer • 5 used toys if the passenger is a child • Fishing tackle • Pair of skis • 2 tennis rackets • A non-motorized boat up to 5½ meters in length or a surfboard with or without a sail
If you are traveling by a camper, trailer, motorhome you may also bring in: • VCR • Bicycle with or without a motor • Household linens • Kitchen utensils • Livingroom & bedroom furniture You may import additional merchandise valued up to $1,000 per vehicle by paying the corresponding tax without the intervention of a customs broker. Over $1,000 USD requires a broker, which are located just across the border.
FIREARMS & DRUGS Firearms, illegal drugs and ammunition are NOT allowed into Mexico. Hunters may bring their firearm with the proper paperwork/ clearance. Possession carries a pentalty of 5 to 30 years.
IMPORTING You are allowed to bring in $300 USD per person worth of new merchandise - this does not include your personal items such as clothing, toiletries, etc. If you have new merchandise in excess of $300 per person you will need to declare your items and pay the impuestos (taxes) before crossing into Mexico. You may import up to $1,000 USD in new merchandise per vehicle without the assistance of a Customs Broker. To declare items you are bringing into Mexico, turn left as you cross the border, just beyond the chainlink fence. Park in the designated spot and go into the Aduana Building in the middle of the two lanes. See Crossing the Border for more information on declaring merchandise. If your merchandise totals more than $3,000 USD per vehicle, you will need the assistance of a customs broker. Customs brokers are located on the Mexican side of the border. Park on the U.S. side and walk across to one of their offices. Customs Brokers in Sonoyta, Mex. Agencia Ibarrola (011-52-651) 512-1878 Aserco Imp. (011-52-651) 512-0009 MultiServicios Sinaloa (011-52-651) 512-1593 or 1599
INSURANCE Medical Insurance Family or personal trip/ vacation medical insurance can be purchased by some providers in the U.S. Check your existing policy to see what coverage is offered while visiting Mexico. Most clinics in Rocky Point do not accept U.S. insurance as payment. Vehicle Insurance Mexican Law states that you MUST HAVE MEXICAN INSURANCE while driving in Mexico. A minimum of liability is required though full coverage is recommended. You can insure your driver’s license if driving a buggy, quad, rail, etc., but the vehicle cannot be insured for theft. If your vehicle is stolen, you must immediately file a local, federal (state) and U.S. police report. The insurance companies usually pay low blue book and extras such as rims, tires, stereo, etc. are not covered. Most U.S. policies ARE NOT recognized in Mexico. You may purchase insurance over the internet, phone, mail or stop at a number of places on your way to Rocky Point. Look in this issue for Mexican Insurance.
MILEAGE FROM ROCKY POINT TO Agua Prieta, Mexico......345 miles Ajo, Arizona......................................90 miles Caborca, Mexico.............................154 miles Ciudad Obregon, Mexico...............491 miles Guaymas, Mexico...........................408 miles Hermosillo, Mexico........................321 miles
Kino Bay, Mexico............................393 miles Las Vegas, Nevada..........................514 miles Los Angeles, California...................540 miles Lukeville, Arizona..............................66 miles Nogales, Mexico.............................287 miles Phoenix, Arizona............................217 miles San Carlos, Mexico.........................407 miles San Diego, California......................366 miles Santa Ana, Mexico.........................217 miles Sonoyta, Mexico..............................62 miles Tucson, Arizona..............................208 miles Yuma, Arizona................................260 miles Coastal Highway 003
This highway will run from Baja, California through Rocky Point to San Carlos. It is completed from El Golfo de Santa Clara to Rocky Point and from El Desemboque to Puerto Libertdad. Southern California visitors will be able to cut their driving time by using this beautiful, safe new highway! It is a nice, wide, 2-lane highway with rest stops, plenty of passing and wide shoulders for emergencies. See Driving to Puerto Peñasco at the beginning of this section.
PETS Only domestic animals (dogs & cats) are permitted into Mexico. You need to carry a copy of your pet’s current rabies vaccination certificate as you may be asked for it as you cross the border. Mexico has many stray animals roaming the streets so please keep an eye on your pet. Many pets are lost in Rocky Point each year due to unfamiliar surroundings and firework noise. If your animal is lost while visiting Rocky Point, we have found the best thing to do is scour the area where he/she was last seen. You can also pass out flyers to taxi drivers and water truck delivery men and post them all over town. Putting an announcement on the local AM and FM radio stations are also a good idea. Be sure you have a collar and tag on your animal as well as a current photo. Contrary to popular belief, your pet is not welcome at most establishments, especially where food is served. Please check with the staff before bringing your pet inside as the business can be fined for health violations.
RE-ENTERING THE UNITED STATES COVID-19 HOURS 6AM-8PM CLOSED 8PM to 6AM Have your I.D. or Passport ready Bureau of Customs and Border Protection PO Box C, Lukeville, AZ 85341 (520) 387-5671, Fax: (520) 387-5309 Passports
On June 1st, 2009, U.S. Citizens reentering the United States (via vehicle) from Mexico will be required to show their Passport, Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License, NEXXUS or SENTRI card. Everyone in the vehicle needs to provide one of the above forms if identificaton. Parents bringing their babies, who have not received their official birth certificate, may bring the temporary one issued by the hospital. Children 16 and under will be required to show a copy of their birth certificate. Wait Times Traffic is greatly increased during holiday and busy weekends. Please plan your trip accordingly. A good idea is to arrive a day early, and stay a day later. You can check border wait times on the internet at http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt Permitted Items 100 cigars, 200 cigarettes 1 liter (39.8 fl. oz.) of alcohol, per person, 21 yrs. or older. You are NOT permitted, at the Lukeville Port of Entry, to pay duty and import additional alcohol. This is a Pima County law, not an Arizona or U.S. state law, so check with the individual border crossing. Fruits and Vegetables: bananas, blackberries, cactus fruits, dates, dewberries, grapes, lychees, melons, papayas, pineapples, and strawberries. (Most citrus such as oranges and grapefruit are NOT permitted.) Vegetables are permitted, except for those on the prohibited list. Okra, however, is subject to certain restrictions. Nuts: acorns, almonds, cocoa beans, chestnuts, coconuts (without husks or milk), peanuts, pecans, pinons (pinenuts), tamarind beans, walnuts and waternuts. Seafood: 50 lbs. of fish or shrimp per vehicle. Avoid customs penalties by declaring all articles acquired in Mexico, and in your possession at the time of your reentry into the United States. If in doubt whether an article should be declared, always declare it first to the Customs Officer on duty. If you understate the value of an article you declare, you may have to pay a penalty in addition to the payment of duty. If you fail to declare an article, acquired in Mexico, not only is the item subject to seizure, but you will be liable for a personal penalty. You are entitled to a $800 exemption in a 30 day period. Articles totaling $800 may be entered free of duty, subject to limitations on liquor, cigarettes & cigars. Prohibited Items Agricultural items are prohibited if they can carry plant pests or animal diseases. Cuban Cigars Medicine requires a prescription, carry a copy of your U.S. prescription with you. Fruits and Vegetables: sugarcane, potatoes, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams. (Exceptions: Cooked potatoes and avocados without seeds, except in California.) Plants, Seeds and Soil: plants and seeds require special permits. Soil and some plants are prohibited. Check in advance with agricultural inspectors. (Exception: some dried plant parts for medicinal purposes are permitted.) Meat and Game: pork, raw and cooked, including sausages, cold cuts, skins, and pork tacos is prohibited. (Exceptions: shelf-stable, canned pork and hardcooked pork skins (cracklings) are permitted.) Poultry: raw meat from both domesticated and game fowl is prohibited. (Exception: thoroughly cooked poultry is permitted.) Eggs: prohibited. (Exceptions: boiled and cooked eggs are permitted.) Game: check with agricultural inspectors in advance.
Live Birds: wild and domesticated birds, including poultry are prohibited. To import personally owned pet birds, contact agricultural inspectors in advance. Straw: generally prohibited. This includes wheat straw, seeds, animal feed, and all articles made from this material. In addition to the excepted items listed above, many agricultural items are permitted if they pass inspection to be sure they are free of pests, soil and sand.
SHUTTLE SERVICES Daily shuttle service is available from the Phoenix and Tucson areas to Rocky Point and cities in-between. Please contact the companies directly for their schedules and rates. If you need door to door service, clarify that they offer that service and if you need to be picked up at the airport make sure that the shuttle has a permit to pick up passengers at the airport. Head Out to Rocky Point Phone (602) 971-0166 www.headouttorockypoint.com Nena’s Transportation 388-7089 or (602) 442-6802 Located on Benito Juarez, N of the Baseball Stadium by Coffee Point Transportes Superior 383-3640 Calle Lazaro Cardenas, Esq. Benito Juarez Bus Station TNS/Estrella Blanca Sonoyta: Across the border on the west side of the street. 01-651-512-3374 At the Bus Station: 01-651-512-0784 Phoenix: 29th & VanBuren: 602-4559522
SPEED LIMITS SPEED LIMITS FOR PUERTO PEÑASCO STREETS 10 KPH / 6 MPH in School Zones 30 KPH / 18 MPH on City Streets 60 KPH / 37 MPH on any Blvd., unless posted ortherwise 60 KPH / 37 MPH on the Resort Rd, from Playa Bonita to Cholla Bay
TRAVEL BEYOND THE FREE ZONE Puerto Peñasco is located in the Free Zone, where you do not need vehicle/tourist visas to visit. If you plan to travel beyond the Free Zone you will need the following: FMT (personal tourist visa) and your vehicle permit if you plan to drive. Personal Visa (FMT) Available at the I m m i g rat i o n Office in Sonoyta, on your right as you cross the border. They are open from 8:00 AM until Midnight. You will need to bring your birth certificate and/or valid driver’s license. You can either park on the U.S. side and walk across or you can go through the border and park. You will need to show your ID and fill out the necessary paperwork (it is in English and Spanish). Once you have filled out the paperwork you will take it over to Banca Serfin, pay approx. $558 pesos (per person) and return to the office to give them a copy.
At this time you cannot obtain your FMT in Peñasco, but the Immigration office can stamp your FM3 or FM2 for travel beyond the free zone. If you are flying into the airport you can obtain your FMT when you arrive at the Peñasco airport. By law, anyone who stays in Mexico for more than 72 hours, is required to have an FMT, whether you stay within the Free Zone or not. Automobile Visa The Free Zone covers most of Sonora, but if you plan to drive past Guaymas, Sonora, you will need to obtain a permit for your vehicle. This can be done in San Emeterio, about 20 miles south of Sonoyta on Hwy 2 or at the check point outside of Guaymas. The cost for this permit is approx. $59.16 dlls. You cannot get a permit in Rocky Point. You will need the original and 3 copies of: • Registration, Title and the valid driver’s license of the vehicle owner • Credit card in the vehicle owner’s name • FMT, FM3, FM2, Passport or birth certificate • Leasing contract (if the vehicle is rented or leased), which must be in the name of the person importing the vehicle. If the vehicle belongs to a company, the papers certifying the employee works for the company. If you do not have a credit card you can post a bond payable to the Federal Treasury issued by an authorized bonding company in Mexico. As an alternative to posting bond you may make a cash deposit at Banco del Ejercito in an amount equal to the value according to the “Table of Vehicle Values for Bonding Companies.” At Banco del Ejercito your credit card will be charged approx. from $200 USD. to $400 USD. A cash deposit will also be accepted if you do not have a credit card. Your deposit plus any interest will be returned to you when you leave Mexico. You may choose to obtain a bond through an authorized Mexican bonding company located at all border crossings. The bonding company also assess taxes and processing costs for this service. The vehicle permit is good for 6 months and for any type of vehicle weighing under 3 tons. When departing Mexico, and if you are not planning to drive the vehicle back into Mexico, the permit must be canceled with Customs. If your car is found in Mexico, beyond the Free Zone, and beyond the authorized time, or without the appropriate papers, it will be confiscated. Always carry the importation permit with you when driving your vehicle into Mexico. Take it with you when you exit the vehicle - do not leave this document in your car. Make a copy and leave a copy in the car - same with your insurance. The sale, abandonment or use of the vehicle for financial gain, a criminal act, etc. will result in its confiscation. The vehicle may be driven by the spouse or adult children as long as they have the same immigration status. It is a good idea to get a notarized document, if you are driving a vehicle beyond the free zone that is not registered in your name, nor the owner is in the vehicle. It should simply state that the owner has given you permission to drive the vehicle, you may want to include the make, model, year, color and VIN number. The Rocky Point Times Newspaper strives to keep the information up-to-date. Laws, rules and info. change constantly, so if you notice an error, or have additional info., please let us know so that we may change the info. Contact us with questions or corrections at rockypointtimes@ yahoo.com or phone (480) 4636255 or local 383-6325.
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
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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
GENERALINFORMATION GENERAL INFORMATION ATV’s ATV’S ARE NOT PERMITTED ON CITY BEACHES Please follow these rules when riding ATV’s in Rocky Point. • Helmets mandatory • Only 2 persons per ATV • No riding after dark • Driver’s must be 16 yrs. of age • Do not race, jump, do wheelies, etc. • Do not drink and drive DO NOT RIDE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS Main Blvd. Benito Juarez Blvd. Fremont or in the Old Port
You will be fined if riding in these areas. Fines are to be paid only at the police station.
$$ BANKING & MONEY $$ Typical Bank Hours Mon.-Fri. open 8:30 or 9 AM, close 4 or 5 PM Saturday 9 or 10 AM - 2 PM Banks do not offer Safety Deposit Boxes BANKS IN PUERTO PEÑASCO BANAMEX Sucursal Pinacate Blvd. Benito Juárez & Campeche 383-3943 or 383-4830 Blvd. Benito Juárez & Blvd. López Portillo 388-5842 or 388-5844 BANCOMER 383-2947 or 383-2430 Blvd. Benito Juárez & V. Estrella and in Plaza Fremont BANORTE 383-5955 • Blvd. Benito Juárez 388-6901 • Blvd. Fremont & Sinaloa SANTANDER SERFIN 383-2091 or 383-4288 Blvd. Benito Juárez & Calle 13 Hwy. 85, north of town ATM MACHINES ATM’s are located at the banks and have 24 hr. access. They give pesos only. The only one that gives dollars is the Banorte ATM on Fremont. When the machine prompts Pesos? Dollars? you must select pesos or your transaction will be aborted. There are U.S. ATM machines in Ajo, Why and Lukeville, AZ. CHECKS & CREDIT CARDS Most merchants do not accept U.S. checks and they are not cashable at banks or money exchanges. Some merchants do accept credit cards, but check first and ask if there is an additional charge. MONEY EXCHANGE All merchants accept USD. If you would like to exchange your dollars into pesos you can do so at one of the banks or at the money exchanges. Depending on the exchange rate, sometimes you are better off paying in USD or pesos, you will have to do the math. TRAVELERS CHECKS Travelers Checks are accepted by some merchants, but are not cashable at any bank in Puerto Peñasco. U.S. BANKS Closest U.S. bank to Puerto Peñasco National Bank 101 La Mina Avenue, Ajo, AZ 85321 (520) 387-2200 Mon.-Thurs. 9-4, Fri. 9-5
They do not exchange pesos or Canadian $
WIRE SERVICE You can send money to a person in Rocky Point, from the U.S., by using MoneyGram or Western Union. MoneyGram transfers are picked up at Coppel Department Store on Ave. Constitucion (across from Super Ley grocery store). It must say Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico and the receipent must have a driver’s license or a passport and the transaction number to retrieve the money. Western Union transfers may be picked up at the local post office during business hours, must show proof of ID. You cannot wire money to a bank for someone who does not have an account.
CHURCHES 7th Day Adventist Church Pastor Jose Luis Perez Perez Ave. Sinaloa (between Alberto Lizárraga & Gregorio Escalante) Tel: (638) 383-6760 Cel: (638) 100-6602 Worship Saturday 9:30am 2nd Location in Nuevo Peñasco Corner of 51st Ave & Aquiles Serdan (East side of Town) Adonai Comunidad Cristiana Lucero Viuda de Morúa #257 between López Mateos & Healy Col. Luis Donaldo Colosio Tel. 638.383.3865 www.adonaicc.net Assembly of God 383-3364 Ave. Luis Encinas & 27th Street Apostolic Church Constitucion Ave. & 15th Street Good Samaritan Callejon 25 and Ave. 65 (N. of Lazaro Cardenas) (638) 112-7035 Sunday Service 10:30 am Grupo Unidad Cristianos de Peñasco Pastor Ernesto Portugal 383-2240 North on Benito Juarez to Simon Morua, turn right (east), 1 blk. past Ace Hardware, turn right, church is on your left before Melchor Ocampo. English Headphone available Sunday Services 9:30am-11:15 & 11:30-1:30 Thursday: 7:30 - 9:00pm Church office hours Monday - Friday 9:30am to 2:00pm Peñasco Christian Fellowship 383-4513 ask for Stan or Becky Tedrow On Melchor Ocampo, 1/2 blk. E. of Blvd. Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez. Bilingual Services Sunday Services: 10am and 11:15am Wednesday Services: 7:00pm Family of God Christian Fellowship Non-Denominational Worship Services 383-3480 Blvd. Costero N 2000A, Fracc. Las Palomas English Services, Everyone Welcome Spanish Translation Offered Sunday Services: 9:00am Iglesia Sagrado Corazon de Jesus (Sacred Heart Church) Paseo V. Estrella in Old Port. Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall 388-6244 Stadium road, on the left side just before Blvd. Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, behind COFESA Sunday-English 9:30AM Mormon Church 18th St & Cuauhtémoc Ave Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe 383-2959 Calle 20 Simon Morua Sunday Services: 8:00 am and 10:00 am 1:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm Rocky Point Bible Church Iglesia Ev. Nuevo Nacimiento Pastor Manuel Agundez Blvd. Samuel Ocaña between San Luis and Guillermo Prieto Services in Spanish, but many English speaking groups attend to translate Services Sunday and Wednesday and Bible Study Groups Children’s Ministry every Saturday in Colonia Nueva Good News Club with Esperanza de Vida San Francisco Blvd. Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Sunday Service: 11:00 am San Jose Mission Church Bilingual 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. VETERINARY CLINICS Veterinary Medical Services 638-383-334 / 637-372-4717 Chochoy 638-380-9285 OTHER IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS dialed from Mexico AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE AirEvac......................001-880-321-9522 Sky Med...................001-866-805-9624 CLINICS...............see Clincs on this page HOSPITALS Community...............................383-4566 IMSS..........................................383-5186 EMERGENCY NUMBERS WHEN IN DOUBT DIAL 066 Electric dial...071 Fire Department dial...068 Marine Rescue dial...462,627 or 767 VHF Channel 26 is monitored by CBSC Police dial...060 WHEN IN DOUBT DIAL 911 or 066
FIRST AID Scorpion Stings First aid for any scorpion sting should involve cooling the wound, which allows the body to more easily break down the molecular structure of the venom. Cooling also reduces pain. Use ice or cool running water if available. On a warm night, a wet compress will help. Keep the victim calm and still. Panic and activity speed up the venom’s spread. Symptoms may include heavy sweating, difficulty swallowing, blurred vision, loss of bowel control, jerky muscular reflexes, and respiratory distress. These serious signs are cause for quick evacuation to a medical facility. Antitoxins are available in many areas where dangerous scorpions live. The doctors, clinics and Red Cross are experts at treating stings. Snake Bites Yes! We do have snakes in Puerto Peñasco. Not usually found in city areas. If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, or any other kind of venmous snake, seek medical attention immediately. Anti-venom is available here in Peñasco. Jellyfish They are usually bright blue and are present in our waters during June, July and August, although they are sometimes hard to see because of the clarity of the water. Some years we have a few, and other years we have tons. In some beach communities, you will find far less than others. A good test to see if they are present, is to look along the tidelines for any that have washed ashore if they’re up there then there’s a pretty good chance they’re in the water. Use caution when walking barefoot on the beach or digging through the sand with your hands, they can still sting you (I know from experience). If you are stung, get to a doctor or the Red Cross immediately for treatment. Stingray Stings Our Rocky Point doctors, clinics and Red Cross are well adept at treating stings. The best way to avoid a sting is by doing the “stingray shuffle!” To avoid stepping on a ray, shuffle your feet slowly as you move through the surf to scare the rays away. Round stingrays are very good at burying in the sand and will remain buried even as you approach. By shuffling your feet you will brush against them and they will scurry away. If you walk through the water as you normally do you will most likely step square on the back of them which causes their barbed tail to come up and sting you. Be extra careful in area where the sediment is silty/sand or where the water is particularly warm. What do you do if you get stung by a ray? Get out of the water and head to the nearest doctor. If you are stranded out where these facilities are not available follow these steps and seek medical attention as soon as you can. First, let the wound bleed - this will allow any toxins entered with the barb to get out. Next, immerse the wound in hot water, as hot as the patient can stand for approximately 45 minutes: This denatures the protein toxin and relieves a majority of the pain. Then treat wound as any other puncture wound or cut, keep clean and bandage: This reduces the chance of infection, promotes healing. If pain or bleeding persists, if wound is large or if patient shows signs of an allergic reaction, see a doctor immediately! If you are staying at a resort go to the desk or convenience store - they may have a first aid kit with a treatment.
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GENERALINFORMATION GENERAL INFORMATION 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
FM3 & IMMIGRATION IMMIGRATION OFFICE Open Mon.-Fri. 8:00AM - 12:00NOON (011-52-638) 383-2526 For more info on how to obtain your Visitor or Permanent Resident Visa go to http://www.inm.gob.mx/ index.php and click on the English tab, or you can go directly to the Immigration Office and they will be happy to help you. The office is located on Blvd. Fremont at Fremont Plaza, across from Banorte. There are many companies and individuals which can assist you with your immigration paperwork, please look in our Classified Section, under “Services” for suggestions.
GREEN ANGELS Angeles Verdes EMERGENCY DIAL 078 The Green Angels patrol the highway (Hwy. 8) from Puerto Peñasco to Sonoyta offering free roadside assistance to ve- hicles experiencing mechanical problems. Their trucks are green and white and clearly marked. They are on patrol from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week. What to do if you need help? If you need assistance on the highway, whether it be a broken fan belt, blown tire or empty gas tank, pull over to the side of the road and lift the hood of your vehicle. If it is at night, please use your flashers for safety and always move as far away from the highway as you can to avoid accidents. Lifting your hood signals the Green Angels, as well as other helpful travellers, that you are in distress and in need of help. The Green Angels do not charge for their mechanical services, but you will need to pay for your own auto parts, gas, oil, etc. The Green Angels offer the following services: Aide in the event of an accident Emergency radio communication Mechanical assistance Tourist Information
INTERNET SERVICE & WIFI There are many internet cafes where you can check your email or surf the net. Some have computer stations and some offer WiFi. Most of the larger RV parks, hotels and condos have wireless and/or computer centers for your use. Telefonos de Mexico (TelMex) offers Prodigy internet service for land lines.
LATITUDE & LONGITUDE
Latitude - 31°, 19 minutes N Longitude - 113°, 32 min. W Bird Island: 31°, 01.31 min., N by 113°, 14.93 min. W
MAIL SERVICES
Puerto Peñasco Post Office (011-52-638) 383-2350 Monday - Friday 8:00 am-6:00 pm Money Wires, Telegrams & Mail Located just off Blvd. Fremont next to Twin Dolphins. The post office does not offer U.S. postal services. To send a letter in Mexico, you need a Mexican stamp, which can be purchased at the post office. They do not sell U.S. stamps. You may receive mail at your residence, however it takes approx. 2-4 weeks to arrive and the system is not terribly reliable. U.S. MAIL DELIVERY TO ROCKY POINT Burrito Express U.S. mail dropoff and pick-up service from Peñasco to Lukeville. U.S. POST OFFICE Phone/Fax: (520) 387-6364 Located at the Lukeville border in AZ,
approx. 66 miles from Rocky Point. PO boxes and General Delivery available. Window Service: 8AM-12:30PM, 1-4PM M-F General Delivery Available free for a max. of 30 days. You must show ID at the post office and fill out a form. You are the ONLY one who can pick up your GD mail. PO boxes are available, approx. $22/6-mo. Post office will need 2 forms of ID and you will be required to fill out an application. Boxes are located in the post office and in the General Store.
METRIC EQUIVALENTS
Equivalents for Length 1” = 2.5 cm 6” = (1/2 ft.) = 15 cm 12” = (1 ft.) = 30 cm 36” = (3 ft.) = 90 cm 40” = 100 cm (1 meter) To convert ounces to grams, multiply the number of ounces by 30. Equivalents for Weight 1 ounce = 1/16 lb. = 30g 4 ounces = 1/4 lb. = 120g 8 ounces = 1/2 lb. = 240g 12 ounces = 3/4 lb. = 360g 16 ounces = 1 lb. = 480g Equivalents for Liquid Measurements 1/4 tsp = 1 ml 1/2 tsp = 2 ml 1 tsp = 5 ml 2 tbls = 1/8 cup = 1 fl. oz = 30 ml 4 tbls = 1/4 cup = 2 fl. oz = 60 ml 8 tbsl = 1/2 cup = 4 fl. oz = 120 ml 12 tbls = 3/4 cup = 6 fl. oz = 180 ml 1 Pint = 2 cups = 16 fl. oz = 480 ml 1 Quart = 4 cups = 32 fl. oz = 960 ml Gallons to pints x 8 1 US gallon = 3.78541178 liters Gallons to liters x 3.785 Gallons to quarts x 4
NOTARY PUBLICS (NOTARIOS) The Mexican Notario is a highly specialized lawyer authorized by the Mexican Government. They intervene in civil and commercial business. Your best interest is supposed to be the Notario Publico’s main concern. They give judicial advisement according to Mexican Law and their authority exceeds that of a lawyer and is similar to that of an arbitrator in the U.S. You should consult a Notario when: buying or selling property, foreign Investments, inheritance, wills, mortgages, contracts, private contracts, financial operations, credit titles, arbitration, bank trusts, etc. You should consult a Notary Public (Notario Publico) in Mexico before signing any contract or legal document.
NOTARIO PUBLICOS Lic. Jesus Armando Ramirez Islas Prolongacion Coahuila No. 10 (next to post office) U.S. Toll Free (877) 832-8554 383-5460, Fax 383-5005 PO Box 100, Lukeville, AZ 85341 Lic. René Osvaldo Ortega Felix Ave. Alcantar in the Old Port 383-2006 Notary Publics in Sonoyta Lic. Fco. Javier Manzo Taylor from Mexico (01-651) 512-1747
PINACATE BIOSPHERE RESERVE Reserva de la Biosfera de El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar The Pinacate Biosphere Reserve is home to some of the world’s largest volcanic craters and is one of the most pristine and diverse areas in the Sonoran Desert. It has a large variety of plant and wildlife species that inhabit this sometimes hostile area. In the winter, you may see snow on the Pinacates. And in the summer, temperatures soar well over 110°. U.S. astronauts trained for their lunar landing mission in this area as the terrain mimics that found on the moon.
You can take a day trip and explore the Pinacate area and volcanic craters by vehicle, camp overnight (in designated) areas, walk or hike. You must register at the entrance to the Reserve (located in
Nayarit, approx. 20 miles N of Rocky Point). This will allow Biosphere personnel to make sure you are safe at all times.
• Speed Limit: 25 MPH • Terrain/Roads: Dirt, desert • Watch out for flora and fauna • Do not leave the road in your vehicle • Take enough drinking water with you • Respect all signs on roads and trails • Do not remove or damage plants, rocks, wood, animals or artifacts • Take all trash and waste with you • Do not enter the region from any unauthorized access road
CAMPING & CAMPSITES Red Cone, El Tecolote, Backcountry areas INTERPRETATIVE TRAILS El Elegante Crater Trail 1.2 mile linear trail Walk 0.6 miles on the border of El Elegante crater. Terrain is mostly flat. Mayo Cone Trail 1.2 mile linear trail Located in El Tecolote camping area Walk 0.6 miles to the top of Mayo Cone. You will climb 344 ft. to the top. This hike is rated as a medium difficulty trail.
RV PARKS DRY CAMPING There are a few places to dry camp on the beach north and south of Rocky Point, but really nowhere in city limits except on Sandy Beach next to The Reef, and Concha Del Mar at the other end of Sandy Beach. Almost all of the RV Parks in Puerto Peñasco offer tent camping. There are three oceanfront rv parks with services available and many more in town or with an ocean view. Oceanfront RV parks are: Cholla Bay - The Reef (638) 383-0650 El Mirador - Playa de Oro (638) 2668 Sandy Beach - Playa Bonita (638) 383-2596 Sandy Beach - Concha del Mar (638) 383-4273 Pets are allowed on the beaches and at the RV parks. Dogs must be leashed and please pick up after them. See “Pets” in this section for more information. Please call the individual park for their rates and reservations.
SEMAR (MARINE SEARCH AND RESCUE) SECRETARIA DE MARINA - ARMADA DE MEXICO Located in the Marina 638-383-1691 01-800-627-4621 Channel 16 VHF Frecuency 2182 MHZ sarmarina@semar.gob.mx
U.S. DMV (MOTOR VEHICLES) The closest U.S. Department of Motor Vehicles to Puerto Peñasco is in Gila Bend. Authorized Service Provider Registration, title, no original drivers licenses, copies/ duplicates only. M-F 9AM-6PM, SAT 9AM-1PM 606 E. Pima St. • (928) 683-2577
VIRTUAL CONSULATE The 1st Wednesday of every month, the Virtual Consulate is open to the American Community. Located at City Hall on the 1st floor facing Fremont Blvd. 10am-12pm.
TELEPHONES Puerto Peñasco’s phone company for home and business hook-up is Telefonos de Mexico (TelMex). Cellular service is available through TelCel and Movistar. U.S. carrier AT&T works pretty good here as long as you have the International Plan. DIALING INSTRUCTIONS Call Mexico from U.S. & Canada to dial a land line 011+52+638+7-digit number to dial a Peñasco cellular 011+52+1+638+7-digit number Call U.S. & Canada from Mexico dial 001+(area code)+7 digit number Call Collect from Mexico to U.S. dial 090 for a bilingual operator Call Overseas from Mexico dial 00+country code+city code+phone number Country codes and Mexico area codes are listed in the TelMex Phone book Call another City in Mexico dial 01+(city code)+number AT&T Operator dial 001-800-462-4240 TELEPHONE COMPANY Telefonos de Mexico (TelMex) Juan de la Barrera and Calle 18 Office open 8 am • 383-2288 Phone & Internet services available TelMex (Land Line) Prefixes 383, 382, 388, 102, 108 Phone numbers are written in a variety of ways, here are a few you may see around town. 3-6325 = dial 383 + 6325 638-38-36325 = dial 383-6325 (638) 383-6325 = dial 383-6325 52+(638) 383-6325 = dial 383-6325 Mexico’s Country Code = 52 Puerto Peñasco’s City Code = 638 LONG DISTANCE To make a long distance call, your best bet is to find a cafe or internet cafe with a VOIP phone. Second best is to purchase a prepaid phone card (LADATEL) from pharmacies or businesses, and use one of the many pay phones along the streets - follow the instructions on the phone. You can also use one of the long distance (larga distancia) calling services located around town.
U.S. CALLING CARDS If you use your calling card and dial an 800#, that is not toll free within Mexico, you will be charged twice for this call - 1 charge for calling the 800 #, and then a 2nd charge on your phone card. You may also use one of the long distance services to call the U.S. and Canada. CELLULAR PHONES to dial a cell phone from a land line dial 638 + 7-digit number to dial from local cell to local cell dial 638 + 7-digit number to dial out of city cell from local cell dial city code + 7-digit number Any number that does not start with a 383, 388, 382, 102 or 108 is most likely a cellular phone You cannot dial a U.S. 800# from your Mexican cellular phone.
The only U.S. cell carrier, we have found to work in Rocky Point 96% of the time, is AT&T’s International Plan. All services work - SMS, MMS, Blackberry, etc. Follow the instructions (left) for dialing the U.S. or Canada, and to dial a land line. To dial a cell phone, you may have to dial 044 + 638 + 7-digit number, or you may just need to drop the 044. Sometimes, when calling a local cell, I had to dial as if I were dialing a cell from the U.S. Check plans and where you spend the most time. TelCel’s Blackberry plan is much cheaper than AT&T’s, plus they have a reasonable International Plan for when I travel to the U.S. You can also get an unlocked phone, buy a SIM card, and switch chips as you cross the border. Mexico cell carriers are supposed to start fingerprinting everyone who purchases a cell phone or SIM card. AREA CODES FOR NEARBY CITIES Caborca.............................................637 El Golfo de Santa Clara.................................653 Guaymas...........................................622 Hermosillo........................................662 Mexicali, B.C.................................................686 Nogales.................................................631 Santa Ana.....................................................641 San Luis Rio Colorado..................................653 San Carlos.....................................................622 San Felipe, B.C...............................................686 Sonoyta...................................................651 Check phonebook for more area codes
VOIP LINES Local internet acccess enables you to use a VOIP line in Rocky Point. HOW TO DIAL 800’s U.S. 800#’s are not free of charge when called from Mexico. The charge for calling an 800# is approx. $1USD/min. 800 = dial 001+880+phone number 888 = dial 001+881+phone number 877 = dial 001+882+phone number 866 = dial 001+883+phone number 855 = dial 001+884+phone number 844 = dial 001+885+phone number
WEATHER Puerto Peñasco is known for having 362 days of sunshine! The wind does kick up, a few sprinkles will fall, and the humidity creeps in around July/August, but other than that it’s darn near perfect around here.
WEDDINGS Rocky Point offers a variety of perfect wedding settings - from a barefoot sunset wedding to a lavish wedding at a 5-star resort. Many of the hotels, resorts and restaurants offer wedding planning services and catering. LEGAL CEREMONY IN MEXICO To get married in a legal ceremony in Puerto Peñasco you need: Birth certificates, translated into Spanish, notarized in Mexico; Divorce Decree; Blood test (in Rocky Point); Visas (FMT’s); 4 Witnesses (w/Visas). Your wedding planner will help you plan your reinactment ceremony as well.
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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
By Lannette Phipps
W
elcome back to the Eats! I think it’s been years since I’ve written this column and I’m happy to be doing it again. There are so many places to eat in Peñasco now, and a lot I haven’t been to, so I welcome your input – write up a paragraph or two about your favorite place to eat, your favorite dish or cocktail, or even your favorite waiter, and I’ll be happy to include it in this article. I’m certainly trying to eat everywhere, but there’s only so much stretch left in my jeans after 2020. I am looking forward to getting back to some of my alltime favorites like Blue Marlin shrimp tacos, Chili Colorado Chimi at La Curva, Tacos al Pastor at El Rey, California Rolls at Sushi Sun, Spinach Omelet at Xochitl’s, Shrimp Sampler at Chef Mickey’s, and so many more. When my Uncle Pat was down, he did bring home chicken from Martin’s El Pollo Papago and Pollo Lucas, which are consistently great. And my good friend and “Eats” partner, Mary Snyder, gave me her leftover Cheiky’s Pizza recently which I threw in the freezer and ate for days (maybe next month I’ll tell you how to order ‘Pizza Done Mary’s Way’ from Cheiky’s Pizza – it’s very good). I order Pane e Vino pizza in duplicate since one is never enough – sausage, onions and black olives is my staple order. I love Luca’s crust – so light, crispy, and delicious. I have a few pizza places to try and will get back to you with some more good eats. I also really like the BBQ Chicken Pizza at Capone’s as well as their
Shrimp Dogs. Hopefully, we (The Rocky Point Times) will have a “Best Of ” this year and do some random draws for gift certificates that would be fun. Watch the paper and our social media for details. City sanitary protocols are still in place as of this writing, and probably will be for the foreseeable future, so let me remind you – and for you new folks – that most restaurants will take your temperature, have you wipe your shoes on a sanitizing mat, and issue you a squirt of hand sanitizer at the front door. You do need to wear a mask until you are seated and then put it back on if you move about the restaurant. A small price to pay for eating indoors when other places in the U.S. (like California, where I’m from, and Nevada) are making patrons eat outdoors and, the places that do allow you to eat indoors, they make you keep your mask on until your food arrives in front of you. If you order a cocktail or wine with dinner, you have to mask, unmask, sip, mask, unmask, sip, repeat! I know having to follow protocols are a pain for a lot of people, but just try to remember that we are extremely fortunate here in Rocky Point, so please do your part to follow our city rules so our businesses can remain open and their employees can remain employed. You can take our masks off once seated and you don’t have to eat in a cold parking lot – so that’s worth the small inconvenience! If you’re not one wanting to dine indoors or dine out at all, many restaurants do offer outdoor (heated) seating as well as take-out, curbside delivery and home delivery. Restaurants are still operating at a fraction of their capacity, and they do not make the rules, they just simply have to follow them, so please be kind to
the wait staff and tip as much as you can. We are all extremely grateful that you are choosing to spend your time in Rocky Point and patronize our businesses and many establishments are making upgrades for those of you who can work remotely like offering WiFi, accessible charging for your devices and even installing USB ports. And did you know we have electric vehicle charging stations? Nothing to do with The Eats, but you do usually drive your car to get to the restaurant, so it’s not totally irrelevant.
Lobster tail and creamy risotto at Mare e Blu
I kicked off 2021 with a fantastic lobster dinner at Mare Blu, which never disappoints. They have a nice selection of entrees and their food is always good, and they’ve really upped their service and presentation game. They have a good wine selection, and if you like a heavy red, the Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon is always a good, safe choice. They are featuring specials for Valentine’s Day and reservations are recommended. They are located on Sandy Beach, down at the end by Wrecked at the Reef and The Reef – see their ad in this issue. Speaking of Wrecked at the Reef – I just can’t get enough of their nachos. I don’t think they do anything special to them, but they are really, really good. Maybe it’s the atmosphere, the live music, or the ocean – not sure, but they are delish as are the jalapeño poppers, which are HUGE. Wrecked has
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a large menu with lots of seafood baskets and bar food. One of my Mom’s favorite places was always Colin’s Cantina, which is located at Princesa de Peñasco Condominiums on Sandy Beach. If you want to feel right at home, get some great food at great prices, and run into a bunch of locals, Colin’s is your spot They have specials on certain days like 2 for 1 bacon cheeseburgers and $1.50 BBQ short rib tacos – check out their ad in every issue of the RPTimes. I met Mary for dinner and drinks one night and by the end of the evening we had a mini-Astoria Cruise reunion going on. The staff even played the DVD of our cruise trip – good times! A new favorite of mine is pozole on Sunday’s at the Boo Bar, which is located on the Malecon in the Old Port. It is SOOO good! It’s thick, more like a stew and the flavor is phenomenal – it reminds me of a really, really good birria, especially after you add the onions and cilantro – delish! They only serve it on Sunday’s and when it’s gone, it’s gone. I now have 3 reasons to get out of bed before noon on Sundays (the other two involve 4x4ing). Boo Bar has a big menu, great food, and indoor and lots of outdoor seating with great views of the Sea of Cortez and Sandy Beach. You can grab some great sunset shots from the back patio. They support a lot of local charities and put on a lot of fun activities throughout the year like their Poker Run (4x4 through the desert) the day AFTER the Superbowl on Monday, February 8th – hands are $25, you get some swag and proceeds go to charity. Stop by the bar to sign up. At the end of the Malecon, next to the Viña del Mar Hotel, you’ll find the best Southern Fried Chicken in town at Margarita Mermaids, formerly the Satisfied Frog, but still owned by Rick and Krissy Nichols. For a few bucks they serve up a mountain of crispy delicious fried chicken, mashed potatoes and coleslaw. They have a big menu featuring, among other CON'T ON PAGE 36
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
CLUBSAND CLUBS ANDORGANIZATIONS ORGANIZATIONS AACORP (ANIMAL CENTER)
AMOR MINISTRIES
CANACO-SERV Y TUR
Founder: Nancy Phelan: 383-1012 Leon de la Barra (Calle 15), 3 blocks east of the main blvd. Benito Juarez nancy_phelan@yahoo.com AACORP Tax Deductible Donations PO Box 1031, Lukeville, AZ 85341 CATS & KITTENS NEED TO FIND FOREVER HOMES NOW as the animal center will be closing this year. We have been dedicated to helping the stray animals of Rocky Point for 15+ years, but it is time to close our doors. Donations are still needed and welcome: We are a 501(c)3 non-profit so your donations are tax deductible. See this issue for current needs or call the above number.
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.
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
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
AIM PEÑASCO Kathleen Duncan - Founder Non-profit Organization, to improve the lives of children in need in Mexico. Address - Avenida Francisco I Madero & Comonfort www.stepsoflove.org 638 388 5434 carolina.pacheco@aimpenasco.org
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Welcome Open AA Meetings at South of the Border Passport Club Location: Directly across from Granada del Mar Hotel South of Sinaloa st., where the road ends and the sea begins at the office of Oc3an View Ministry. Schedule: M-W-F 10AM Women's Recovery AA/Al-Anon Open Meeting Thursday at 11AM Contact Conrado at MX Cell (638) 109-8017 Marcia: marsupis@gmail.com
AMERICAN LEGION POST MX 15 141 Chihuahua & Matamoros (Calle #1) Across from Pink Cadillac Open daily and the Public Always Welcome 2017 OFFICERS: Commander: Mike LaBarge Vice Commander: Jerry Clackler 2nd Vice Commander: Mike Williams Adjutant: Gary May General Meetings 1st Wednesday of month at 10:00 a.m. (from October thru June) Contact Food & Beverage Manager Danny Anderson for information regarding special events, celebrations & dinners throughout the year. Bingo: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 2:00 p.m. Telephone Numbers: U.S. (602) 539-2047 Mexico 011-52 (638) 388-8841 Magic Jack (602) 539-2047 ALL VISITORS WELCOME!
AMPI The Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios (AMPI), or the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals, Puerto Peñasco 51, represents ethical professionalism in real estate practice and promotes education among real estate professionals. A sister organization to National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the United Estates, AMPI works closely with the State of Sonora to provide education for real estate licensure, which is required in the State of Sonora for all agents who represent any type of property transaction including sales, rentals, property management, and promotion. Active in the community, AMPI promotes Puerto Peñasco as a vacation and retirement destination, members donate generously to local causes, and AMPI works with other organizations to sponsor community activities. AMPI operates the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) on behalf of our real estate clients. Board members: President: Joseph Toland Vice President: Jorge "George" Bravo Secretary VP Communications: Robin Miller Treasurer: John Thompson Legal: Lic. Leticia Marquez VP Education: Cathy Poturalski VP Events: Martin Martinez VP Ethics: Kyle Woods For inquiries, please contact: Blanca Valdez, AMPI Administrator Email: penascoampi@gmail.com AMPI phone: 638-388-0006
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. Agustin Melgar, Off Of Blvd. Samuel Ocaña Puerto Peñasco, Son. Mexico 83550 Col. Nueva Esperanza Phone: 383-6325: Mon.-Wed. 9am-5pm www.rptimes.com Free Book, VHS and DVD exchange for all Rocky Point residents and visitors.
(Please note that our Chamber of Commerce is not like
those that you find in U.S. cities and do not provide the same services and information.)
CASA HOGAR (ELDERLY HOME)
Director: Father Abraham Garcia Lopez Phone: 383-2599 Ave. Miguel Hidalgo (Calle 13) and Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Casa Hogar is supported solely on donations and they always welcome visitors to sing and play games. Take Blvd. Fremont toward Las Conchas, make a left at the Pemex station, cross over the rrx tracks and they are on your left. If you would like to make a donation you can make a check to: Patronato Pro Asilo de Ancianos de Puerto Peñasco A.C. and drop it off at the home. You may drop checks or donations off at the Rocky Point Times office.
Help to pay their electric bill, especially during the summer months, is always needed. You may also make a donation at a local grocery store for the purchase food and items.
CEDO
Center for the Study of Oceans & Deserts Phone: 382-0113 or (520) 829-4501 Located in Las Conchas, look for the Fin Whale skeleton Mon. - Sat. 9AM-5PM; Sun. 10AM-2PM PO Box 1579, Lukeville, AZ 85341 info@cedointercultural.org www.cedointercultural.org CEDO is the Intercultural Center for the Study of Oceans and Deserts. Home to a giant fin whale skeleton and a desert botanical garden, CEDO is a field station for researchers and school classes, an education center with library, laboratories, book store and gift shop - An Intercultural Experience. CEDO is a nonprofit organization dedicated to research, education and conservation of the planet’s last great frontiers: the Sea of Cortez. LOTS OF FUN AND GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS! FREE PUBLIC TOURS Every Tuesday 2PM; Saturday 4PM CEDO ADVENTURES FOR EVERYONE Kayak Capers Explore beautiful Estero Morua with expert guides. Local ecology talk, kayak rental, picnic feast,drinks all in an environment rich with shore birds, crabs and halophytes. Estero Excursions Oyster farms, fiddler crabs and the “shrimp dance” are part of this walking tour of a pristine upper Gulf wetland. Kayak Estero Morua and/or tour with CEDO experts. Tidepool Explorations Explore the tidepools with CEDO experts. Explore the Sand Dunes Spectacular Gran Desierto de Altar. This sea of natural dunes is the world’s largest. An experience you won’t forget! Pinacate Adventure Explore the geologic wonders of the Pincate Biosphere Reserve on a tour with CEDO experts. Isla San Jorge Snorkel with the sea lions in their natural habitat at Bird Island or just enjoy the scenery from the boat and take photos. A must do trip!
BOOK & EXCHANGE
Rocky Point Times Office Ave. Agustin Melgar, Off Of Blvd. Samuel Ocaña Puerto Peñasco, Son. Mexico 83550 Col. Nueva Esperanza Phone: 383-6325: Mon.-Wed. 9am-5pm www.rptimes.com Free Book, VHS and DVD exchange for all Rocky Point residents and visitors.
CENTRO COMUNITARIO PALABRAS DE ESPERANZA
(Words of Hope/Rocky Point Medical Clinics) Our mission is to promote the holistic development of the local Puerto Peñasco community's families through the education, health, personal and spiritual growth programs that are offered here. Address - Cjon. Juan Aldama entre Av. 68 & 69 #668, Col. San Rafael Hours: Monday - Saturday 9 AM-5 PM penascowordsofhope@gmail.com Phone: 638 690 1531
CHOLLA BAY CHRISTMAS PARTY Donations payable to: Cholla Bay Christmas Fund Please send to: Nancy Schmidli 10645 W Connecticut Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351
An organization that celebrates a Christmas party for their fellow Cholla Bay Mexican neighbors in early December. Santa shows up for pictures with the kids, children get to pick a gift for their mother, take a crack at the piñata, have a group sing-along and munch on hot dogs and chips. After all the fun, Santa delivers gifts for the children and food boxes for the families.
CLUBSAND CLUBS ANDORGANIZATIONS ORGANIZATIONS CONNECTION CLUB
Meet every Thursday at 4pm at Puesta Del Sol Restaurant at Playa Bonita Resort. Want to meet folks in Puerto Peñasco? Come to The Connection, a happy hour gathering where you can meet a great group of people. Married? Single? Full-time or part-time resident? Mexican, American, other nationality, young, mature? It doesn’t matter. Everyone is welcome.
COORDINACION DE SALUD MUN.
Puerto Peñasco Animal Control Dedicated to prevention and disease control Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Phone: 388-5152 Coordinator: Dr. Erick Gastelum Pacheco Canine Tech.: Mario Lopez Sub-Director: Jesus Bejarano Social Worker: Marina Soto Siqueiros We always welcome donations of dog food, supplies and medicine.
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.
BOARD MEMBERS Pat Goodin, Rhea Dugan, Nancy Schmidly, Chuck Blair, Marlene Blair, Dave Heath, Connie Horton, Billie Crumbley, Theresa Orcutt The CBSC provides an invaluable service for those at sea and promotes good relations between American visitors and our Mexican neighbors.
CHOLLA CHARITIES FOUNDATION
Sally Dalton: 382-5283 (Xochitl’s Cafe) Donations payable to: Cholla Charity Fund Send to: Kathy Barnard 1547 E. Royal Palm Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85020 Organization that helps Mexican families, who live and work in Cholla Bay, with unexpected expenses such as medical, living, funeral, etc.They also collect and distribute blankets and warm clothing for children in Cholla Bay. Donations may be dropped off at Xochitl’s Cafe in Cholla Bay.
C.I.D.A
Director: Joaquin Celaya Rendon Phone: 638-102-0514 Cellphone: (044-638) 091-65 Call for directions Shelter providing housing, food and care for those addicted to drugs and alcohol. Donations needed all year long.
Funeraria Santa Cecilia 383-2522
GOD'S GRACE FOUNDATION Founder: Robert Gutiérrez (480) 273-7141 Facebook/www.godsgracefoundation Feeding. clothing and first aid Christian Ministry.
GREEN ANGELS
Angeles Verdes Hwy. 8 Patrol: Sunrise to Sunset Pull off shoulder and raise vehicle hood EMERGENCY DIAL 078 Provides assistance, tourist aid, information and emergency radio service for travellers on Hwy. 8 from Sonoyta to Rocky Point. Bilingual “Green Angels” provide protection service, medical aid and basic mechanical aid. There is no charge for mechanical service, you will only pay for auto parts, gas, oil, etc.
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.
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.
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.
EL GOLFO RUN
I.R.A.D.
Also referred to as the CBSC Dues: $40, Payable to CBSC P.O. Box 77152, Tucson, AZ 85703
OFFICERS President: Mike Dugan: 638-382-5237 Vice-President: Lew Felton Secretary: Barb Baird: 638-384-2281 Treasurer: Enedina Otanez: 638-382-5142 Membership: Eamonn O'Callaghan: (602) 394-9879
FUNERAL HOMES
Funeraria Renacimiento 383-1233
HELPING HANDS
CHOLLA BAY SPORTSMENS CLUB
The Cholla Bay Sportsmens Club is responsible for maintaining, monitoring, and staffing the VHF Marine Channel 28 for the northern Sea of Cortez as well as CB Radio Channel 3. The CBSC pays the salary of the operator, aides in search and rescue operations. They also publish the Cholla Chatter and put on numerous events during the year such as the CBSC Fishing Derby, Horseshoe Tournament and other fun stuff held in Cholla Bay.
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CHILDREN’S HOME
Rocky Point Times Newspaper 383-6325 or from U.S. 480-463-6255 rockypointtimes@yahoo.com
The El Golfo Run is a fun bi-annual 4x4 trip (May and Oct) to El Golfo de Santa Clara through the desert, salt flats and onto the beach - even the coastal hwy. All 4x4’s welcome to join. There is no charge, fee, etc., you pay for your own motel and food when you get there. (Must have a sense of humor and be very patient).
ESPERANZA PARA LOS NIÑOS
Children’s Home: I.A.P., Casa Hogar para niños desamparados 383-2378 Off of Hwy. 8, 15 mi. N of Rocky Point PO Box 1024, Lukeville, AZ 85341 Secretary: Jose Manuel Barrera Sanchez Treasurer: Florencia Lucila G. Miron The children’s home is located outside of town, apx. 15 miles, and houses anywhere from 10 to 40 children. It provides temporary housing for families that cannot afford to take care of their children or are having a hard time. This is not an orphanage - these children are not up for adoption. They are always in need of cleaning supplies and fresh food (not canned items).
ESPERANZA DE VIDA Darlene Laura and Carole Fields Ave. Pino Suarez No. 143, Col. El Ferrocarril, Playa “F” Provides clothes, food, toys and medicine to the children/families in Colonia Nueva area.
Director: Julio Alberto Lucero Arreola 044-638-109-2566 Located off of Cholla Bay Road I.R.A.D. is the institute for the recovery of drug addicts and alcoholics. The shelter houses, feeds and cares for those persons addicted. They rely and operate solely on donations and often sell candy to raise money to keep the centers open. They will always present their identification.
KNOX TRAIL COUNCIL BSA Yvette Lavin yvettelavin1212@gmail.com (508) 667-4031
LA ESPERANZA PARA NUEVA VIDA The Community center is located on Lazaro Cardenas #538 (Eastern part of RP) The Association is created to give Hope for a change in the way of life for those in the community who desire improvement. Contact rpbarbo@gmail.com for more info or to help.
LAS CONCHAS HOMEOWNERS ASSOC. Phone: 382-0050 / (602) 476-1454 Guard Gate: 382-0095 President: Ginger Beauchamp Executive Vice President: Naoma Leader Vice President: Bart Stockton Treasurer: Randi Alcott Secretary: Raylene Pavlicek
LIONS CLUB Phone: 383-2488 Ave. Niños Heroes and Juan Aldama President: Ramón Ramos Rodríguez Women’s Committee President Lupita de Ramos Some of their programs include info. & action for the prevention of hypertension and diabetes, prescription glasses, eye surgery, supply wheelchairs, braces, crutches, etc. Donations of eyeglasses, or any other items may be dropped off at the office of the RPTimes.
MEN’S SHELTER Centro de Rehabilitación para Adultos y Jovenes La Esperanza A.C. Local Director: C. José de La Cruz Bravo 044-638-106-4079 identificacruz@live.com.mx On Simon Morua behind the new cemetery The center helps men in need by providing clothing, housing, job training and food. They run solely on donations.
MEXICO CHILDRENS FOUNDATION
Founder: Steve Schwab Established 2003 520-232-2241 7655 E Redfield Rd. Suite 3 Scottsdale, AZ, 85260 www.mexicochildrensfoundation.org Email: info@mexicochildrensfoundation.org A non-profit organization in Puerto Peñasco dedicated to enriching the lives of the children and their families. The organization provides medical assistance, assists families, offers education and assists in the general enrichment of children’s lives. The group holds many events during the year including golf tournaments, a children’s walk, triathlon, concerts and a New Year’s Eve Bash.
MISSION VILLA GRANADA (Weekend Missions) Be part of something bigger than yourself! We provide a 3-day international missions trip for less than $150 per person. Includes lodging and all meals. We are a Christian Ministry. However, anyone is welcome to join us in serving the RP Community. Volunteers needed at Mission Villa Granada for maintenance, cleaning, cooking, church building upkeep, marketing, or anything you love to do. We are located at the former Villa Granada Hotel, 2 blocks east of El Pollo Lucas. Visit Weekendmissions.com, email pva@cox. net or call Carmen (638) 103-4336 or Vincent (602) 696-3288.
NUEVA CREACION
Rehabilitation Center and Shelter for women, teens, and children suffering drug addiction, abuse or violence. The Center is a legally stablished Non Profit Institution. Director: Guadalupe de Soto and Guadalupe de Soto (638) 105-9804 taviita_07@hotmail.com Juan Aldama #527 (52 & 53 Streets) Colonia Nuevo Peñasco.
OC3AN VIEW MINISTRY
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS WOMEN
www.oc3anviewministry.com
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.
We are a Mexican non-profit hosting mission groups; bringing aid and comfort to families and the displaced. Our Community Center is located on Kino Blvd at Francisco Madero. We accept clothing, current dated dry food items, new children’s toys, school supplies, household goods, furniture, tools and construction materials. From our thrift store sales we fund all aspects of our ministry; these include: our dinner, fun free family events, community construction opportunities, and ministries at rehab centers. Hours of Operation at our Community Center: Thrift Store: Tues. thru Sat. 12-5 Our Dinner, serving free food: Tues. & Thur. 1-2 Free Fun Family events: scheduled throughout the year watch for them on FBoc3anviewminisry Please come join us. For information about serving opportunities at Our Dinner, Thrift Store, Mission Groups, Fun Free Family events, construction projects and rehab center ministries go to: www.oc3eanviewministry.com Conrad Flores, President and Founder oceanviewministry@gmail.com US: 480-264-1172 MX: 638-109-8017
OLD BOYS SOCIAL CLUB President: Lew Felton Fun group that hold meetings every month and puts on a variety of fun activities such as the Bash every year and donates to local charities and organizations.
PEÑASCO SINGLES (PS) A group of local singles, both full and part time residences. All singles are invited to join (no fee) this laid back group for the happy hours each Tuesday at 4 pm at Puesta del Sol restaurant at Playa Bonita Resort. The location for the Saturday breakfasts will be announced at this happy hour. For more information contact any of the following: Marti 812-3191463 (U.S. cell works locally), or Dick 638-1050615 (local cell) or 602-321-8106 (U.S. cell works locally) or just show up at the Tuesday happy hour and introduce yourself.
PINACATE BIOSPHERE RESERVE 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.
PUERTO PEÑASCO SCOUTING PROJECT Contact: Deb Turner (638) 386-8645 (520) 906-3096 trnrrck@yahoo.com Barbara Olszewski rpbarbo@gmail.com (602) 324-9529 / (638) 114-2406
RED CROSS (CRUZ ROJA) EMERGENCY DIAL 911 OR 060 Business Phone: 383-2266 www.cruzrojapenasco.org.mx
Monetary donations can be made in person, to the Red Cross people with their cans out when you see them in the street or you may deposit directly into their account: Banamex Acct# 7661161 SUC. 472 Located on Blvd. Fremont, across from the Fire Department (Bomberos) SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE The Red Cross offers its services free of charge to the general public. They handle a number of minor injuries such as stings, bites, cuts, sprains, broken bones, etc. They have ambulance service and offer their services 24 hours a day. They work with local doctors and clinics to provide emergency care for patients with more serious injuries. They operate solely on donations, so please donate when you can. They are always in need of medical supplies, crutches, wheelchairs, etc. You may drop off donations at the Red Cross or at the office of the Rocky Point Times. The Red Cross can fill Portable Oxygen Tanks with prior notice.
REHABILITATION CENTER Unidad Basica de Rehabilitacion Therapy for the handicap and those with special needs. Consultations accepted. Coordinator: Esperanza Lopez Trasviña Phone: 383-1918 Juan Aldama & Marcelo Pino
ROCKY POINT CHRISTMAS Tab Gray: tab@rockypoint.com Family of God Christian Fellowship PO Box 738, Lukeville, AZ 85341
ROTARY CLUB PUERTO PEÑASCO MAR DE CORTÉS 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.
SANTA CLAUS CLUB Organizer: John Fowler: 602-840-1528 PO Box 5, Lukeville, AZ 85341 Delivers food boxes, bikes, toys and clothes to needy families all year long. Donations are accepted and transported to Rocky Point year round. If you have a donation pickup in the Phoenix area, call John Fowler or email santaclausclub@hotmail.com.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Thrift Store open Monday - Saturday 9am-4pm Run solely on donations Turn W on Samuel Ocaña, go to the first 4-way stop and turn left, go 1 block and turn right, then go 2 blocks and turn left. Thrift store is the light green building located at the end of the street on the right hand side. St. Vincent de Paul helps needy citizens by furnishing clothing, food baskets, medical assistance and basic needs.
STEPS OF LOVE
Steps of Love's mission is to help youth in Mexico break the cycle of poverty by facilitating access to quality educational opportunities. www.stepsoflove.org (480) 420-8141 contact@stepsoflove.org
TOURISM BUREAU (OCV) Puerto Peñasco Convention & Visitor’s Bureau 388-0444/US Toll Free 877-843-3717 Mexico Toll Free: 01-800-552-2820 Ave. Coahuila 444 Int. 1a Fremont & Víctor Estrella www.cometorockypoint.com Mon-Fri: 9am-2pm & 4-7pm, Sat 9am-3pm President: Hector Vazquez Lic. Ana Laura Saens: 383-7025 Rafael Gonzales V.: 388-0444
WOMEN REHAB CENTER
A group of a variety of community members who volunteer their time and efforts to raise money, purchase supplies and provide food bags, shoes and toys at Christmas time for the less fortunate. Every year thousands of children, men and women flock to receive their goodies, take pictures with Santa Claus, play games, eat hot dogs and have a great day. Volunteers spend all year collecting donations and then coordinate efforts a few weeks prior to the big event, which usually takes place mid-December.
Centro de Rehabilitacion para Mujeres La Esperanza A.C. Directora: Hna. Ana Krause: (638) 102-0869 anaycruz@live.com From. Blvd. Samuel Ocaña, turn north at sign on Pto. Ensenada. Go 10 blicks and the Women's center will be on your left, just before the last cross street.
YOUTH SPORTS FOUNDATION
Rick Busa: rbusa1972@gmail.com Promotes youth sports in Puerto Peñasco. Donations of sports equipment, uniforms, etc. always welcome. Call for sports schedule and come out to watch the kids play.
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items, a variety of appetizers, seafood dishes, BBQ ribs, pizza, burgers, salads, and deserts like Apple Pie Tacos. They have Happy Hour specials on drinks and appetizers as well as Early Bird Specials. Stop by for their Thursday Night Wine Night showcasing featured wines, wine flights, and appetizer/tapa specials. They offer indoor and outdoor patio dining as well as curbside delivery for take-out orders. Mark Mulligan will be performing live on Friday, February 12th and Saturday the 13th, so make your reservations early as there is limited space. His shows fill up fast as they are always entertaining and lots of fun. I did stop by El Tapeo Wine Bar and fell in love with their giant-sized wine barrels out front. I have yet to enjoy a glass of wine and tapas in these hollowed out barrels but look forward to going back and giving you a full report. I was impressed with their wine list and, even though they didn’t have a single Malbec on it, they did have the Santo Tomas Tempranillo/Cab blend, which is a favorite of mine from the Baja’s wine country, Valle de Guadalupe.
Brayan, Moo's Mixologist making a smoke bubble on top of a custom order martini
And now we come to the Mooest and hottest spot in Rocky Point – MOO Steakhouse and Grille. OMG! The food is…TO…DIE… FOR! They have some very unique and tasty eats and drinks from the Adult Grilled Cheese Mooburger
MOO Steakhouse & Grille
served on a donut bun to the boozy milkshakes. I’ve been there several times since their soft opening on New Year’s Day – and it is definitely my new favorite place. Owners, Julio Jr., Sara and Lance have done an amazing job on the décor and menu and they have more in the works – like new menu items, drinks, and an amazing upstairs planned. I swore I wouldn’t “spill the beans” on what’s to come, but I am sooo looking forward to every inch of progress they make and will definitely be keeping my eye on them. If you haven’t been yet, I highly recommend you put it on your list. They are located on the Malecon in the Old Port in what used to be Lily’s (for us old-timers) and Julio’s more recently - on the corner of Calle Ignacio Zaragoza – up the side street is the Blue Marlin. They are having Valentine’s Day specials so check out their new ad in this edition of the RPTimes. Mary and I went, for the first time, on New Year’s Day (Friday). We started with the Tower of Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings, served with a creamy jalapeño dipping sauce, and on a bed of homemade ribbon fries, which are also very good – even heated up the next day. The rings are exactly how they sound and are as delicious as they sound. The appetizer choice was relatively easy – we had a tougher time trying to decide what burgers to share. I was sold on the BB Mooburger, which is slow cooked, shredded baby back
BB Mooburger and Adult Grilled Cheese Mooburger
rib meat, topped with onion rings and mozzarella cheese served on a seared, homemade, caramelized donut bun. Yes, you read that right – a donut bun! Then you have your choice of sauces – buffalo, barbeque, or honey mustard – we opted for the barbeque sauce. For Mary’s burger, we were going back and forth between the Gordo
Tina Elliott, Chef Edgar, Sara Lambert, Partner, and Patti LaDue (left to right)
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Burger and the Boozy Burger and even considered the Adult Grilled Cheese Mooburger but were confused whether or not it was an actual “meat burger”, which it is not – I explain later in the article. We finally settled on the Gordo Burger, which is a custom patty stuffed with mozzarella, cheese and mushrooms and topped with bacon, onion rings, lettuce, and tomato. This was on a custom baked bun and we swapped out the ribbon fries for the homemade macaroni & cheese. Both were fantastic and completely different “burgers”. (I suggest you go to MOO with someone who likes sharesies.) The Mooburger was a delicious blend of gooey, sweet and tangy and the donut bun did not overpower with sweetness. The Gordo Burger meat patty was handmade from quality beef – definitely not a pre-made patty. The burger is huge and delicious. If you want a straightforward hamburger with a little something extra, then this one is for you. If you want a plain burger then you will order the Boring Burger, which has lettuce, tomato, onion and mozzarella cheese. We didn’t try any of their custom cocktails this first time, but I did have a nice Cabernet. The next day, Saturday, Mary went without me (the nerve!) and had the Poke Nachos, which is cubed fresh tuna mixed in lemon and sweet chili sauce with avocado, tangy cherry tomatoes and served with savory crisp chicharrones. She said the Nachos were excellent. On Sunday, we went again and ordered take-out because we had just come from eating pozole at the Boo Bar and then after take-out at Moo we were hitting Margarita Mermaids for take-out southern fried chicken. (Yes, it is true… and now you know why my pants don’t have any stretch left in them.) I did order a Cab and some fries, because, after all, we did have to wait for our take-out Mooburgers and macaroni and cheese. Both times we scored the comfy couch and chairs right by the entrance – great people watching spot with center firepit table. Actually, the CON'T ON PAGE 38
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long outside bar that faces the Malecon and Sea of Cortez, is also great for people watching. On our next trip to MOO we were with Tina Elliott and Patti LaDue and boy did we order a lot of food though I don’t remember what Patti ordered. I ordered the Tower of Onion Rings again, of course, and the Baby Back Rib appetizer. OMG! So delicious! The meat just slid off the bone and it was really enough for a meal, but we were sharing – hah! Tina and I ordered the BB Mooburger and the Adult Grilled Cheese Mooburger. I really didn’t think anything could top the BB Mooburger…until I bit into the Adult Grilled Cheese Mooburger, which is pure deliciousness. It’s not actually a burger, but comes on a donut bun, so technically, it’s in the shape of a burger. This masterpiece is a three-cheese blend of gouda, mozzarella and sharp cheddar grilled with crispy (thick) bacon, topped off with an (optional) egg and then slathered with blueberry reduction sauce and served on a caramelized donut bun. It is one of the best things I have ever tasted. As soon as Tina and I tasted it our eyes got really big and we refused to share with Mary or Patti. It is the guiltiest of guilty pleasures – breakfast for dinner – pure decadence! Next time I am going at noon, in my pajamas, and ordering the AGCMB with a bottle of champagne and a pitcher of orange juice…if I sit there long enough, I may be able to eat two of them! So delicious! Oh, and Mary had the filet and said it was excellent. Tina was the only one ordering custom cocktails and Brayan (pronounced Bryan) is one hell of a mixologist and entertainer – they have some cool gadgets there - love the smoke bubbles. I didn’t get to taste Tina’s martini, but her 2nd drink was made with blackberry moonshine, and was not on the menu, but I’m assuming it will be soon – it was delicious. They have lots of clever cocktails like the Nut In The Moo-D which is peanut butter whisky, black raspberry
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liquor and cream and the How Now, Brown Cow? Moo Shake, which is chocolate ice cream, vodka, chocolate liquor and Baileys served with whipped cream and chocolate. The drinks seemed to be a big hit. Everyone is raving about MOO’s food, décor, ambience and coolness factor.
Tower of Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings
MOO also has other burgers on the menu such as the Boozy Burger, the Oink Oink Moo, the Cluck Cluck Moo and the Sweetn-Sassy Mooburger as well as a filet and beef ribs. They were still on their soft-opening menu so you can expect additions and changes as they perfect their dishes and cocktails. Their service has been great – very attentive and courteous staff. I love the fact that they installed USB ports and plugs under the bar and offer free wifi to customers. They’ve added unique touches throughout and have lots of TVs for PPV special events and sports. I’m really looking forward to seeing what they have in store for us and think MOO is a great addition to the Malecon. I will whisper one hint…valet parking. Woohoo! Congratulations Julio Jr., Sara and Lance – great job!! If you’re going for dinner, I would highly recommend reservations as this is destined to be the hot spot. Get a look at their menu items, cocktails and photos on their website at www. eatsteakatmoo.com. They are also on all the socials. Call (638) 1143595 for reservations and info or email them at moopenasco@gmail. com.
BARB’S DOG RESCUE NEWSLETTER SORRY, NO VACANCY
I
By Bo & Linda Bernard
t’s a cold February night. Winter holds on stubbornly as another cold front pushes through. The absence of food, water and shelter has driven a mama dog to temporarily leave her eight newborn pups to search for something that will sustain her as she does her best to care for her brood. But the search is futile this night. She wearily returns to her tiny puppies in hopes that her body heat and the little milk she can manufacture in her dehydrated state can comfort them. Sleep comes slowly as hunger and anxiety grip her skin and bone frame. She will search again tomorrow. In normal times, chances are a good Samaritan would see this incredibly sad situation and take action. But these are not normal times, and the combination of Covid-19, poverty, and the everchanging rules at the border have exacerbated a crisis for the street dogs of Peñasco. Not only has their population increased as more families have had to release them, the beacon of hope for these animals, Barb’s Dog Rescue, is now, in many cases, unable to help. If it were just a question of food supplies, Barb could rely on the donations of her generous supporters. If it were just the need for blankets, beds and dog sweaters to stave off the cold, the people of Rocky Point or Facebook friends would answer that call. But you can’t manufacture space when there is simply none left. Once again, Barb’s is out of room. Every pen, every enclosure, the kitchen, the office, the bathrooms, and bedrooms have reached and now exceed capacity.
If you can help us transport a dog to his/her new owners, contact Barb or stop by the Rescue between 10 and 2 for more information. Our adoptive dogs have had all vaccinations, been spayed or neutered, and have the appropriate documentation to cross the border. Additionally, if you are a Rocky Point resident, please consider fostering a puppy or two in your home. The socialization and care you provide them is so valuable. Better still, adopt one of our adult residents. Rescue dogs make wonderful companions and will reward your generosity with undying love and affection. Each of these options opens up much needed space for other puppies and dogs who desperately need our help.
Meet Coco
Coco was undernourished, pregnant and wandering the streets of Peñasco when she came to us. Under Barb’s care, her pups were delivered safely, nurtured, and adopted. Now it’s Coco’s turn. This three-ish year-old female is a compound favorite. She is sweet, affectionate, and would make a wonderful addition to any home. Come out and meet her, fall in love, and make her yours!
How Can You Help?
We are limited by current border restrictions on the number of dogs we can transport each week. Consequently, we have many dogs that have been adopted and are simply waiting for transportation to their forever homes in Arizona. 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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Black Pepper the King of Spices
B
By Rosarie Salerno
lack pepper is said to have changed the course of history. For thousands of years, Old World traders traveled to India, China and Southeast Asia for it; creating great fortunes for the countries who controlled the trade routes: wars were fought over these passageways. Peppercorns were even found in the nostrils of the mummified body of Ramesses II, placed there as part of the ritual after his death in 1213 BCE. In the Middle Ages, only the very rich could afford to buy it. Pepper was such a valuable commodity that it was used for money and as collateral. There is an expression in the Dutch language, "pepper expensive", used when referring to something that costs a great deal of money. The discovery of the Americas was due to the search for a safer and a shorter westward way to India by sea instead of the costly and dangerous way east. Black pepper comes from a slow growing smooth woody climbing vine. The vine can grow up to 30 feet on supporting trees or trellises but is usually trimmed to about 12 feet. The plant produces small white clustered flowers after 3 or 4 years of growth. The berries are known as drupes and contains one seed. Pepper plants thrive in hot, humid tropical climates and grows best in moist, well-drained, organically rich soil. The color of black, red, green, and white peppercorns depends upon when it is harvested. Green peppercorns are from drupes that are unripe. Black peppercorns are made by picking the berries just about the time they are starting to turn red, cooked briefly in hot water and then dried; turning the appearance of the peppercorn dark and shriveled. White pepper comes from very ripe seeds that have been soaked in heavily salted water to remove the outer shell. For maximum flavor and potency, black peppercorns should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container, in a dark, cool and dry place; peppercorns can be kept almost indefinitely in this manner; ground pepper will stay fresh for only about 3 months. Peppercorns will lose their flavor when exposed to light. Once the peppercorn is crushed, it will lose its aromatic properties,
so it should by ground fresh for each use. Organic pepper should be used because commercial black pepper may be irradiated. The use of black pepper is not just to flavor food, but it's used as a medicine, as well. It has been used in dentistry as an antiseptic for toothdecay and swollen gums. Black pepper improves digestion by stimulating salivation and increases hydrochloric acid in the stomach; both are needed for proper digestion. An insufficient digestive process may cause food to sit in the stomach and cause heartburn or pass to the intestines, causing gas. It also helps inhibit bacteria that are responsible for the formation of gas, at the same time, it may cure infections in the digestive and the excretory system. Black pepper may help to prevent earaches and in the treatment of hoarseness and bronchitis, because of its expectorant properties. Ground black pepper can be used to repel ants. White pepper maybe helpful against malaria and cholera. Black pepper is also recognized for its antioxidant properties. Black pepper has been used to promote sweating and urination. The outside of the peppercorn stimulates the breakdown of fat cells. It is also an excellent source of vitamin K, manganese, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, iron, vitamin C and A, chromium, and calcium. The beneficial oil of black pepper increases the absorption of B-complex vitamins and beta-carotene. Black pepper oil may help decrease cravings for cigarettes when inhaled. It may also help in stimulating mental energy and improve emotional states of wellbeing. When the oil is used in a messaging application, it is effective in the relief of cramps, hernia and muscle spasms. Its warmth gives relief from rheumatism and arthritis and promotes the elimination of toxins in the blood such as uric acid. Be aware large amounts of black pepper oil taken internally may cause uneasiness, vomiting and irritation of the intestines. Keep the oil away from eyes and nose to avoid irritation and sneezing. This article is for information purposes only and not to be taken as medical advice. As with any herbal remedy, you should consult with your health care professional. You should never stop taking prescribed medications without instructions from your physician.
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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Tony’s Mystic Whale Tours
The Experience of a Lifetime Continues… (During whale season Tony spends most of his time over in Guerrero Negro since he has back-to-back excursions, but he does try to make it back to Peñasco for the Mermaid’s Market.)
By Lannette Phipps
N
ow that you know all about Grey Whales and Laguna Ojo de Liebre from reading Part I of my story in last month’s RPTimes, I can get on with my adventurous tale. Just as a reminder - whale watching season began mid-January (and runs through mid-April) and this story is about my trip LAST February. I have no idea what effects Covid will have on whale watching this year, but I’m going again this month so will let you know. I’ll be posting some photos on our Facebook and Instagram pages while I’m over there so look out for those. Okay, now we start our trip at Peñasco’s International Airport. We were the only ones flying out that morning, so everything was a breeze. Our luggage was checked on both ends – via Belgian Malinois on this end and a hand search on the other end. When we walked out onto the tarmac, and I saw how small the planes were (6-seaters), I was preparing for a
Nanook of the South
Grey Whales come to visit
very exciting ride over to Guerrero Negro since that’s how most of my other puddle-jumping experiences have been. I can’t remember if my row-mate told me before, or after, we boarded the plane, that she is gets motion sick…super fantastic! Needless to say, I was quite pleased when we landed on the Baja, about an hour later, vomit free and nary a bump the whole flight. The scenery was beautiful, on both sides of the Baja, and it’s always fun to see Peñasco from the air. We landed in Guerrero Negro around noon: Our plane held me, Mary, Bob, Annie, a co-pilot (or someone just hitchin’ a ride), and the pilot. The other plane held Candy, Dan, Patti (Mary’s sister) and Mark (aka The Flying Nun) as well as the pilot. After our luggage was inspected, we jumped into the waiting cabs that were taking us to our motel. I must’ve been the last one inspected – or they found mine extra interesting due to the travelling bar I had packed – because by the time I got to the parking lot, everyone was gone. Poof! Vanished! There I was, solo, left on the tarmac halfway down the Baja, somewhere in Mexico, hundreds and hundreds of miles from home, not a friend in sight and had I checked, probably no cell service either. But, as my luck would have it, there sat one cabbie and two handsome guys that also needed a ride to town…some days you just win life’s lottery! :) The cab ride was fun and by the time I got to the motel my fellow groupies were ready to roll, so we jumped in the van with Tony and off to the lagoon we went.
Me making a salt angel
Tony Ballesteros taking photos in the salt flats
The weather was darn near perfect when we landed so we didn’t delay getting to the lagoon because you never know when it will turn. Tony Ballesteros may be the “Whale Whisperer”, but he can’t control the weather. Tony does watch the weather and a few of us were monitoring it on our various phone apps: We weren’t so much concerned with the temperature as we were about the wind. We did have some Mystic Whale Tour swag to keep us warm and I think most of us were prepared to get at least a little wet, so we packed appropriately for the most part. (Mary Snyder turned me on to the WindFinder app which seems to be very accurate so you might want to download it before you go.) I would highly recommend a hooded, mid-
weight, water-resistant jacket, shoes that you won’t mind getting wet and dirty, gloves, scarf, beanie, and a dry bag for your personal items. (I just picked up 3 today and the 10L looks to be ample size for all the stuff you would need to carry for the day including a light or compact jacket.) The bottom of the panga usually gets wet and the whales do like to spray in your face. Tony’s website, www. mysticwhaletours.com has an FAQ section that covers all of this and you should give it a read.
Patti stealing salt rocks
Giant dump trucks hauling salt to the processing plant
Lucky for us we had pretty good weather the entire time, which is why my weekend trip turned into a week. It did sprinkle one day, but there was no wind, so we all opted to go out anyway. Once you see CON'T ON PAGE 44
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how the salt is collected, processed, and loaded to where it goes and how it gets there. From the backside of the mountain, it’s fun to watch the bulldozers mess around on top of the hill and come down because they look like Tonka Trucks from the bottom. Those guys look like they have a fun job.
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the whales up close you want to go out every possible chance you get because, as we found out, every time out is a different experience: Some days the whales are super friendly and surround the boat, and other days they just ignore you. Mary claims that the last day (I had to leave at 6am, but more about that later) was the absolute best day of the whole entire trip! I wouldn’t have believed her if it weren’t for the video she took – and let’s just say that she went out of her way to mention my name and say how it was the absolute best day of all. I have to admit, I would’ve done the same to her. What are friends for?
Mario and Alicia...what! Where did they come from?
One of the many benefits about going with Tony, besides not worrying about anything, is that your group is purposely kept small and private. There’s always plenty of room in the panga so everyone is not tripping over one another and, believe me, you’ll appreciate it once the whales start showing up and you’re trying to get from side to side as fast as you can. After seeing boats crammed with like 18 people last year (pre-pandemic), I know everyone in our group very much appreciated the private charter experience. I must throw in a disclaimer here: Our group opted to pay extra to double-up on our excursion time and to take additional trips, which were not included in our original package. In order to get to Laguna Ojo de Liebre, you must go through miles and miles of salt flats first, which just so happens to be the site of the world’s largest commercial salt company, Exportadora de Sal, SA de CV. I guess you call it a commercial
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Restrooms with a view at the Lagoon
plant since the majority of its salt is designated for commercial use like salting the roads, but they do also produce table salt. The company was founded in 1954 by Daniel K. Ludwig, a shipping magnate and businessman, who wanted to supply the demand of salt to the U.S. It was then sold to Mitsubishi and the Mexican Government jointly in 1973. During our trip we toured the plant and got to see the entire process. The salt is scraped out of the salt beds, loaded onto these giant dump trucks and then dumped onto conveyor belts where it is washed and sorted and eventually shot out of a giant tube onto a ginormous mountain of salt. You walk along a catwalk, mere feet above a dozen or more large conveyor belts where the salt is separated, washed, crushed, and processed. After the tour, if you’re super sneaky, you can run over to the giant mountain of salt and make salt angels and possibly pocket a rock or two (ssssh, I didn’t tell you that). Some of the salt flats you pass through are a pristine white and some have a light pink tint to them…Himalayan sea salt, huh?
They are all so sad...no whales wanted to visit them. This was actually Saturday when we had Candy and Tony, two Whale Whisperers. Mark, Mary, Patti, Annie and their captain.
Not only does Tony know everything about the salt plant, but he also knows everything about everything else! Every trip out to the lagoon we were peppering him with questions about the whales, salt flats, restaurants in town, where to get this or that, and just general history of the area. He is truly a wealth of information. You do have some free time and there are some great restaurants in the area – lots of lobster! Guerrero Negro has some of the best birria I’ve ever had and the shrimp tacos, that you just stand on the sidewalk and eat, are phenomenal. Not to mention that every restaurant carried the same Malbec, which was pretty good – so I was a happy camper since I was only able to fit a couple bottles in my luggage. I am almost as excited to go back for the food as I am the whales…not quite, but close. Once you arrive at the lagoon, you can’t really see the whales, but
you can catch some spouting and the occasional breach. There are a few palapas set up for day use and along with a place to check-in and get your life vests, there is a small restaurant, gift shop, info on the Grey Whale, and a whale skeleton, as well as a cool patio carving in the cement floor of a Grey Whale. But probably the most interesting thing, besides knowing the whales are not far away, are the restrooms. Yep, the restrooms – the views are amazing! The elevated huts
Whale eye looking up at us from just under the surface
are roomy and have a largepicturesque window…there you sit (gentlemen, I recommend you do the same) looking out onto this fabulous lagoon, with Grey Whales spouting, thinking WTH? A million-dollar view with no modern conveniences or
Me, Candy, Dan, Mark (The Flying Nun) and Gil, our Captain
After touring the processing end, you drive around the mountain and get a look at the barges where the salt is loaded onto. Tony knows everything about the plant - from
Mary holding a cannonball jellyfish
Tony, Mary and Patti
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electricity! They are very primitive, and ecological, meaning that you have to fill a pail with water to “manually” flush the toilet. If this doesn’t appeal to you then you can use the standard port-a-potty down by the dock, which no one seemed to complain about.
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around to see if anyone else was freaking out. Nope, no one else, just me. Gil was trying to tell me that a “VERY HAPPY” calf was making all the ruckus. WTH? This is what a happy baby does? I hate to see what a pissed off one does. What about a pissed off mama? OMG! Once I calmed down and realized that we were not all going to go overboard, I got to see and enjoy this wonderful little baby splashing around having fun. I think it was trying out some new moves, obviously not having quite mastered them yet – these are the teaching grounds after all.
Lobster tail at Restaurant Mario's
Adorned with our life jackets and lunch, down the docks we went to our awaiting pangas and captains. Some of us were just coming off the first 11-day cruise aboard the Astoria where we swam with whale sharks in La Paz: A pretty awesome experience that I thought would be kinda hard to top. Hah! Gil was our captain that day and in our panga was me, Dan, Candy and The Flying Nun (aka Mark). Dan and Candy have been out with Tony before, so they knew what to expect. Me, not so much. This was only my 2nd experience with ocean going semi-trucks and my swim with the whale shark was a bit cloudy and the instructor held my hand the entire time, so there’s that. Oh, they’re so gentle, they said. They will just lay there and look up at you, they said. They just swim around the boat, they said. So, imagine my surprise when out of nowhere our boat starts rocking and something is going crazy under and all around us. I happened to be recording at that exact moment so needless to say, some expletives spilled from my mouth as I was almost crapping myself. I looked
Mitch, last seen aboard the Astoria, made an appearance in Guerrero Negro
Mary, Patti, Bob, Annie and Tony were in another panga and, for the most part, the two pangas hung close by one another. The captains are constantly on the move trying to get their passengers the best whale watching experience possible. Gil has been shuttling whale watchers, season after season, for a number of years and told me he lives right there on the property during the season. You could clearly see that he loved his job, and he was even recording us on his own phone – he sent me a couple videos of my interaction with a calf, which was very cool. That first Friday out, even though we didn’t have Tony “The Whale Whisperer” in our panga, we did have Candy “The Whale Whisperer”: The whales were coming to her one right after the other. We had so many
Barbara the Bartender
whales come to our boat that I’m pretty sure the other boat got a bit jealous. Even when they moved into our area, the whales still came to our boat. Hah! Eventually we felt sorry for them and Candy started sending the whales over to their boat. Tony had told us that the mama whale usually checks us out first and if we pass inspection, she then will then go down and push her baby up to the surface to interact with us. This did indeed happen a few times. He also told us that we would never see a baby alone – it might look like it is alone, but you can bet mama whale is nearby. This also happened a few times – a little freaky when you see her “appear” out of nowhere under the boat. A lot of times mama and baby stayed at the surface interacting with us – having the two of them together was always a treat. The calf, that Gil took the video of, was so sweet: It just laid alongside our boat looking up at us while we rubbed its smooth skin. I think that baby stayed with us the longest out of all of the babies that we saw. Anytime the whales came right up to the boat was a treat since it didn’t happen every time we went out. Some days we would just see them “spying” or breaching off in the distance and other days they seemed to toy with us, coming super close to the boat, but always staying just out of our reach. I leaned over the panga so much last year, putting my arm into the water trying to touch them, that I think I bruised
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my armpit - if that’s even possible. Even though the whales looked like they were close to the surface, they remained out of reach. Blanca was a huge, almost completely white whale that did this to me forever one day. I swear she knew exactly how long my arm was – down to the mm – so she would come up just far enough to get my hopes up and then swoosh! down under she went. I am happy to say that she did eventually come up out of the water so that we could touch her, and I swear we saw her on multiple outings…or Blanca was a “him” – I don’t know how to tell the difference. The coolest thing is when they come up and look you in the eye. So soulful.
Dan and Patti enjoying a game of pool
That first trip on Friday was such an awesome experience and so much more than I was expecting. I had seen the photos of past trips but being there in person was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. (After that first day, Guerrero Negro went on my yearly “To-Do” list.) Needless to say, we were all very excited and sharing stories on the can ride back to the motel and we all decided that we wanted an extended trip on Saturday as well. Back at the motel we all had time to shower, relax and have a glass of wine before heading to dinner at Restaurant Mario’s out on Highway 1. Mario’s is a cool restaurant with a sand floor, whale museum and interesting décor with ocotillo columns and accents. Tony has donated various photos to their whale museum/lecture arena. CON'T ON PAGE 48
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Tiburones sobre ruedas
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T A Grey Whale comes to visit Mario and me
Good variety of food, though I didn’t make it past the lobster tail, guac and Malbec, of course. They have a neat little selection of salt souvenirs for sale and out front we took shots around the colorful Guerro Negro tourist letters that you see all over Mexico now.
Dan gets some whale action
Our motel seemed to be within walking distance of pretty much everywhere we wanted to go and offered nice, clean accommodations. Housekeeping even did Mary’s laundry for her – I opted to wear the same pair of jeans whale watching for 3 days in a row – ewww. I figured they were just going to get wet and dirty again and I had a clean pair or two to wear out to dinner every night. Remember, Mary and I packed for a weekend, not a week, so after everyone flew back home, we were back and forth to each other’s room – do you have this? Did you bring
this? Can I borrow this? Tony, where is the pharmacy so I can buy this or that? From here on out I’m pretty sure I will get most days and events mixed up as so much happened on our trip and I didn’t take notes. Like I do know Mary was the first one to get hosed by a whale, but not sure if it was on Friday or Saturday. And we saw hundreds and hundreds of blue cannonball jellyfish floating by on Friday, but not sure when we actually caught one. Some things are very clear – like the Saturday night we went to the “hoochie-mama” bar after dinner and hung out with the local talent and Barbara, the bartender. Patti and Dan played pool while Candy, Mary and I hung out with Barbara. That night there was karaoke, line dancing and an attempt at pole dancing on the way out the door – I won’t mention any names (you’re welcome, Patti). Good times! I’ll wrap this trip up next month and you’ll find out why Mario and Alicia are in the photos but weren’t on the flight over and how Mary got home. If you haven’t booked your trip with Tony yet, you had better get on it – whale season only goes until April 13th! Call Tony Ballesteros at (520) 249-2337 or email him at tonyballesteros2@ msn.com, website www. mysticwhaletours.com. It will be one of the best experiences of your life!
iburones Sharks on Wheels Local Wheelchair Basketball Team Gets New
Wheels! Congratulations Sharks on Wheels! Our local disabled basketball team is now traveling in style in their new van. “Traveling all over Mexico to compete in tournaments has been a huge challenge”, says team spokesperson and founder Francisco Bercovich. Through the efforts and generosity of many friends, the Tiburones now have their own van that seats up to 16 players. The Tiburones can now travel throughout Mexico representing Puerto Peñasco in basketball tournaments. Francisco Bercovich has been working for years with sponsors, along with many friends of the Tiburones, such as Indalecio Penuelas from The Larry D. Large Foundation, Charlie Muratore, Partner of Tequila Peñasco, Rick & Krissy Nichols and Larry & Jackie Ilg of Margarita Mermaids Seaside Restaurant & Patio, Jorge Valdes of Garufa’s Steakhouse, Raul Castro of Chango’s, and Eliseo Alvarez of Magueyales.
Bercovich shared his thanks, “On behalf of our team, I want to thank everyone for all the support and time to help our players and our families. I especially want to thank Mr. Larry for helping us reach our goals to get a safe vehicle to go to tournaments and cover the travel costs. Other good friends like Mark and Barb Olszewski, Memo and Willie Zepeda of Coffee Point and so many others. We also want to thank the local people who have always been there for us! MUCHAS GRACIAS.” Bercovich also said, “Our new goal is to get a small, enclosed trailer to put our wheelchairs and equipment in to go to the tournaments. Estimated $2,000 USD. We appreciate any help you can give. For donations contact us through our Facebook Page: Tiburones SOBRE Ruedas or call me, Francisco at 638-112-9964.” Local businesses and many friends of Peñasco have supported the Sharks on Wheels. If it wasn’t for the unwavering kindness and support from Larry Large, Managing Partner of Tequila Peñasco and DIVA Tequila, the team would not have had the equipment, wheelchairs, uniforms, gasoline and traveling costs to attend the tournaments. Congratulations Tiburones Sharks on Wheels! You make our town proud!
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(a 501 © non-profit Corporation)
By Nancy Phelan AKA “The Pack Leader”
"Making Rocky Point a better place to be an animal" Quote By Lannette Phipps
H
appy Valentine’s Day to all. Please take a look at the cats we still
have here at the center. We are feeding over 50 cats and kittens and still need your help. Cats are abundant in Rocky Point though not as noticeable as the dogs and there are no other centers to care for abandoned, sick and hurt cats and kittens. We currently use 12 to 15 bags of dry cat food per month and
stopped eating. If you can help with food or veterinary costs, your donation would be greatly appreciated. And if you are interested in adopting a cat or a kitten, please message or contact me (Nancy) for an appointment. Donations can be made via Paypal at: nancy_phelan@yahoo. com or mail a check to our nonprofit corporation: AACORP, PO Box 1031, Lukeville, AZ 85341. Any amount will help and thank you in advance. Hope you all are enjoying Rocky Point and the cooler weather...from Nancy and. "The Gang".
4 cases of canned food. If you can donate food to help feed the cats and kittens, it can be purchased locally. We are also in need of vaccines. I can order a quantity of 50 for about $300 USD. And some of our residents need a visit to the veterinarian such as Marmaduke, an orange tabby that has been here for a few years – he is sluggish and has
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
2021 YSF Baseball Clinic Postponed Due to Covid
H
a p p y N e w Year to
everyone as we are all trying to get through these difficult, rough times and hopefully put this all behind us soon. With that being said, the 2021 YSF Baseball Clinic of Puerto Peñasco has been cancelled due to the Covid -19 pandemic. Coaches, sponsors, and officials met mid-January in Rocky Point and decided, for several different reasons, particularly the safety of everyone involved, that the best result would be to cancel the Clinic this year. The last thing we want is to put anyone at risk of their own safety. There are too many unknowns and with the rules and regulations changing almost weekly, we thought out of the best interest for the staff, families, and most importantly the kids, this was the most viable option. In the past, our camp was for kids ages 8-18, but with all the new restrictions this year due to Covid, that wasn’t going to be allowed to happen. The most important age for kids to learn, comprehend and retain the information given to them about the game of baseball, is from ages 10-12. That’s when the child’s motor skills, listening skills, and athleticism start to understand what has to be done in order to practice and maintain good fundamentals
and mechanics in order to carry them through their teenage years, get them ready for high school, and hopefully beyond. It’s a very important aspect of the game. As we continue to move forward, this is a small bump in the road, and we will continue to adapt and overcome to what is thrown our way and stay strong and positive together. Baseball is similar to life and a perfect example of what we are all going through now ......make good choices, work hard, be consistent, learn from your mistakes, adapt and overcome as nothing is going to be handed to you on a silver platter, and earn another chance by producing. Believe In yourself and continue to practice, practice, practice so that you can be the best you can be. Continue to follow your dreams as we all look forward to getting together next year for a bigger and better Baseball Clinic to help kids be the best they can be at playing this fine game of baseball. The sun will shine tomorrow!!
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