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
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rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
By Lannette Phipps
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper is Puerto Peñasco’s #1 Tourist Newspaper, family owned and operated since 1993 in Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico, and written entirely in English! We are, and have always been, dedicated to helping the community in which we live, as well as promoting our city and bringing tourism to Rocky Point. We are a TOURIST NEWSPAPER dedicated to promoting tourism! ROCKY POINT TIMES STAFF Thomas Nelson O’Hare III (RIP 1941-2013) Founder / Owner Sandra Jo O’Hare Owner / Managing Editor / Publisher Lannette Phipps Editorial / Contributing Writer Alicia Grajeda - Administrative Executive Marco Zepeda - Sales and Accounts Executive Beatriz Lumbreras - Freelance Graphic Artist Manny Sánchez Radical Gravity Media Web + Social + Video www.RadicalGravity.com MONTHLY CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION Our newspapers are hand delivered in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico and in the U.S. to Lukeville, Ajo, Gila Bend and Arizona. We bulk mail to over 600 monthly subscribers. The Rocky Point Times is printed in Mexico SUBSCRIPTIONS Go to our Website www.rptimes.com click on subscriptions or call us at or write us at P.O. Box 887 Lukeville, Az 85341 ADVERTISING IN THE ROCKY POINT TIMES For Information Email Us at rockypointtimes@yahoo.com. AD DEADLINE 10th of the month, preceeding publication MEXICO OFFICES: Pino Suarez No. 124, off of Calle 13 Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico 83550 C. P. U.S. MAILING ADDRESS Please send correspondence to address PO Box 887, Lukeville, Arizona 85341 TELEPHONE from the U.S. dial (011-52-638) 383-6325 Local dial 383-6325 from the U.S. dial (480) 463-6255 EMAIL ADDRESS & WEBSITE rockypointtimes@yahoo.com www.rptimes.com FACEBOOK See our Facebook Page at Rocky Point Times Newspaper CONTRIBUTING WRITERS See Page 66 PHOTO & ARTICLE SUBMISSION The Rocky Point Times is not responsible for the content of any advertising, nor has it attempted to verify any ad claims. Content contained in this publication is not authorized to be copied or reproduced without the permission of the Editor and Advertiser or Contributing Writer.
Welcome to 2017! We hope everyone made it safely into the New Year. Puerto Peñasco has been on the upswing, so this New Year should turn into a great one. I can safely say that the Home Port will not be completed this year and I don’t think we will mention it again until we see some kind of movement. I am writing this before Christmas, so I can’t say we had a splendid Christmas weather wise. Yesterday it felt like a perfect day in May and today it is a windy and chilly day in January or February. No matter what the weather is, the whales have arrived. If you have not been to Rocky Point during the whale season, then you absolutely must plan a visit. There are many vessels that get you up close and personal with these gentle giants of the sea. It is something to behold. You actually have to do it twice because the first time you are so busy taking photos that you forget to just stop and enjoy the beauty of it all. The second time you can put down the camera and just watch the whales…and wait for that perfect selfie. I read about this a couple years ago and have yet to do it so I thought maybe we could all start together. You take a jar (or box or whatever) and throughout the year, every time you are thankful for something you write it down on paper and put it in your jar. On New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day (or whenever you want) open the jar and share them with family or friends or use them to remind you how very blessed you are. They can be big or small. I can add a simple one now that says, “I am thankful that my dog has not peed on the Christmas tree today”. And, of course, a bigger one would be that I am grateful that I am able to live in Rocky Point full time, or that I can live near my Mother and enjoy her company far too often :). Maybe next December/January you can post some of yours to our Facebook page or date them and post to your own page. Brilliant! The great thing about most people that visit Rocky Point is that they are the adventurous type, and adventurous people like to go places and explore. If you are looking for a place to explore this year, you have got to take a trip to Alamos. It is still in the State of Sonora so you don’t need any special permits for your vehicle. Alamos is about an 8 to 9-hour drive from Peñasco (3.5 to 4 hours from San Carlos) and there are buses that frequent the city, if you do not want to drive. In December we had the pleasure of joining Mark Mulligan on his bi-annual trip to Hacienda de los Santos in Alamos. Hacienda
de Los Santos is a beautiful gigantic property in an equally beautiful small town with narrow cobblestone streets, people on horseback and neighbors waving at one another on their morning walk. The history of Hacienda de Los Santos is fascinating as is the history of Alamos. John Hibbert wrote a great story about Hacienda de Los Santos that I think Sandy is going to print this month or next month. It has taken the owners, Jim and Nancy Swickard years upon years and tons of money to rehab the 300 year-old property. Actually, I think it is five properties blended into one. The rooms are amazing, the patios are amazing, the common space is amazing, the grounds are amazing, the service is amazing. It is just an amazing place. I don’t think I have ever seen anything like it. No wonder it has won tons of awards. It feels like your own personal property even though you are sharing it with other people. So cozy, yet no one is in your bubble. Do yourself a favor and look it up online and book a trip to visit. We were fortunate to have Jim and Nancy on site during our stay and
were even treated to Jim singing acapella (I think that’s what it’s called) with Ramon and Mark. And also, lots of thanks to Jamie (Jim and Nancy’s daughter) for making everyone feel right at home. She is lovely and super cute. And, of course, to Mark Mulligan and Ramon Alcantar (Jamie’s husband) for entertaining us for the evening in the Hacienda’s own theater. Oh, this place is cool – stage and movie screen with leather couches and comfy throws to kick it and watch the shows. And popcorn too! I can’t wait to go back! From all of us here at the Rocky Point Times Newspaper, we wish you a Happy New Year! We hope to see more of you this year!
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
ADVERTISERINDEX & PHONENUMBERS DIALING INSTRUCTIONS from the U.S., Canada and Mexico
ALSO SEE OUR GENERAL INFO. PAGES FOR MORE INFO.
(52) Mexico’s Country Code (638) Puerto Peñasco’s City Code Call U.S. & Canada from Mexico Dial 001 + (area code) + 7 digit number
CALLING FROM THE U.S.
Dialing a Land Line dial 011-52-638 + last 7-digits of number listed Dialing a Cellular Phone dial 011-521-638 + last 7-digits of number listed
CALLING WITHIN MEXICO
dial 01 + area code + 7-digit number Mexico businesses outside of Peñasco are listed as 01 + area code + phone number in this Index.
LOCAL CELLULAR PHONES
from a land line dial 044 + 638 + 7-digit number from local cell to cell dial 638 + 7-digit number Local cellular phones start with 044+638 in this index.
CELL PHONES OUTSIDE OF PP
to dial a long distance cell from a local PP cell dial 045 + city code + 7-digit number to dial PP from a long distance MX cell dial 045-638 + 7-digit number
U.S. AREA CODES & VOIP LINES
U.S. numbers are listed with (brackets) around area code. Some businesses have U.S. offices and others may be using VOIP lines.
INDEX A
A bit of Shangrila RV........................480-225-6546 Ajo Chamber of Commerce.....................520-387-7742 Ajo Plaza..............................................520-387-5044 Ajo Print Shop......................................520-387-6858 Ajo Satellite Sales..............................520-387-4846 Aleman, Victor................................044-638-105-7839 Amazon Window Covering.....................623-925-8199 American Legion...........................................388-8841 Aqua Grande Towing.............383-5770/(520) 232-2149 Arizona Realty........................................520-387-8787 Art Stop & Plaza Gallery............................520-387-6858 Attorney At Law Maria Luisa Ortiz Hinojoza....388-0606
B Bacanora Grill........................................638-109-7235 Baja Autoservices...................................638-383-4925 Balboas Rest..................................................383-5155 Beauty Design Studio by Gloria.......................383-8500 Biosfera Dry Cleaners.....................................383-1667 Bonita RV Park...............................................383-1400 Bórquez, Ricardo, Atty............388-6110/520-407-6756 Brooks, Dee...................................................383-3919 Bryan’s.....................................................388-5365 Burrito Express..............................................383-8460
C Candy Cake.........................................638-383-2673 Canvas................................................638-383-1161 Chochoy Veterinary.......................................383-2338 C.H.O.P.P.S............................................480-648-7689 CIMA...........................................................383-1854 Coldwell Banker by the Sea...388-8999/602-425-5133 Colins Cantina...............................................382-8020
D D’Lucy Spa.................383-1471/044-638-105-8993 Del Mar Charters........................................383-2802
Dr. Grijalva, D.D.S...........................................383-3434 Don Julio Bar & Grill......................................388-0056 Duke’s Restaurant-Bar.................044-638-104-0338 or...................................................044-638-380-6650
Little Italy Pizza..................................(928) 683-2221 Living Stones Ministry...........................480-243-8452 Lourdes Rivera..........................044-638-380-3366 Lloyds Rocky Point Shuttle And Tours......(623) 551-1616
E
M
Ecofun Rentals.........................................388-9699 Eddie Wharez.....................383-8633/602-324-9328
Made in Puerto Peñasco................044-638-380-8233 Manny’s Beach Club......................383-3605/383-3215 Mar de Cortez Rentals....................................388-8747 Mare Blu Ristorante.......................................383-0605 Mayan Palace Golf Course........................383-GOLF Max’s Cafe..................................................383-1011 Max Jeweler...............................................388-5512 Mermaid’s Market.................................388-5004 Mexican Beach Developers.......................383-6099 or.....................044-638-384-7145/520-777-0018 Mexican Vistas Co..........382-5400/044-638-384-6445 or...........................................................623-698-0117 Mexico Insurance Center..................1-800-404-1088 Mirsa Tile........................................638-383-6770 Muebles Coloniales....................................383-6670 Muebles Imperiales......................................383-6480 or.......................................................714-395-4117
F Family of God................................................383-3480 Farmacias De Descuento..............383-3131/388-8280 Fish.............................................044-638-110-7137 Five Senses Spa...................................638-112-1652 Fit Vida Bistro.............................................383-1992 Fortaleza del Sol........................044-638-110-9519 Francis, Jonni..............................044-638-112-1197 Frenchy’s.......................................044-638-690-1472 Friendly Dolphin.......................................383-2608
G Galeria del Mar Bermejo...........................383-3488 Galeria Luis y Gaby.......................................383-7174 German Brats..............................044-638-110-4970 Gift Shop & Gallery..............................520-387-6858 Gila Bend Title and Registration Services..928-683-2577 Giuseppi’s Espresso...................................383-5181 Glorias Beauty Salon.................................383-5075 Green Point................................................383-2938 Gretchen Ellinger...............383-1425/602-317-3881 or................................................044-638-384-0458 Guardian Title and Escrow..............044-638-386-1445 or.........................................................623-910-2930
H Hacienda del Sol Furniture......388-0545/602-903-2112 Head Out to Rocky Point Shuttle Ser vice U.S. Toll Free.............866-443-2368/602-971-0166 Hotel Viña del Mar................................383-0100 or.....................................................602-606-7768 U.S. Toll Free...........................01-800-560-2123
I-J-K Imagen Oral..................................................388-7953 InnSuites Hotels and Suites U.S. Toll Free......................................888-INNSUITES INTERCAM..............................................388-1191 International Insurance....................623-551-8501 JJ’s Cantina...................................................383-2785 Jerry’s Banquettes............................638-115-0983 John Hibbert Realty Ex...........................638-380-5112 John Witt Realty Ex.................................623-523-2180 Joyeria Max...........................................388-5512 Kaffeehaus.............................................388-1065 Kord’s Auto Care...............................520-387-6962 Kyle Wood..............................................480-297-8079
L La Casa del Capitan Restaurant....................383-5698 La Cita Cafe.........................................638-690-1589 La Fondita...............................................383-8384 La Siesta Motel................................520-387-6569 Laguna Shores Golf & Country Club..................383-4670 U.S. Toll Free.........................................800-513-1426 Las Palmas.............................................800-671-2799 or.................................................638-690-2933 Latitude 31...............................................383-4311
N-O Nails Center................................................388-0434 Napa Auto (Ajo).................................24 HOUR TOW ....................................(520) 387-4TOW (387-4869) Optica Turati................................................383-4645
P Pablo Realty........................383-8657/602-288-8687 Pane e Vino Restaurant................044-638-105-7455 Pedro’s Restaurant.......................044-638-105-5166 Peninsula de Cortes Golf Course..................383-GOLF Peñasco Beauty Center...............................383-1086 Peñasco Marine.........................................383-3700 Petals & Perfums.....................................383-5758 Pink Cadillac........................................383-5880 Pizarrro, Rita..............388-8030/044-638-386-5203 Playa Bonita Resort....................383-2586/383-2199 Playa Bonita Resort RV Park.......................383-2596 U.S. Toll Free.......................................888-232-8142 Mexico Toll Free.............................01-800-426-6482 Pollo Papago.............................044-638-385-1301 Predador....................383-8787/044-638-110-1625 Premium Services...........383-5758/602-476-1187 Prestige Properties......................044-638-388-7777 ................................................(520) 505-7777 Pro Services...............383-6161/044-638-113-0446 Puerta Privada......................383-1020/480-445-9200
Rocky Point Realty Group.....383-4699/602-334-4134 Rocky Point Services............................638-114-8132 or..................................................520-303-3960 Rocky Point Times Newspaper.....................383-6325 or..........................................................480-463-6255 Fax...........................................................383-5193
S Salerno, Rosarie..........383-8417/044-638-384-7145 or.......................................................520-777-0018 Sanborns Insurance........U.S. Toll Free 800-222-0158 Sandy Beach Massage....................044-638-384-4418 Santiagos Ocean Services...........................388-5318 or.......................................................(602) 324-9558 Santo Tomas.....................................(480) 861-0355 Satellite Services................................638-103-5317 Satisfied Frog................................638-383-1743 Sea of Cortez Adventures...................(928) 380-8619 Seaside Window Coverings.........................383-5181 Sea Side Reservations.....383-7795/1-888-262-4508 Señorita Rita Sunset Cruise.............044-638-107-3727 Servicios Medicos Veterinarios..................383-3344 Shangrila RV Park................................480-225-6546 Sky Bar.......................................044-638-110-7137 Si Como No! Etc.....................................520-387-7080 Silva, Yolanda Insurance...............................383-6280 Sonoran Autoservice.......................602-909-4864 or.......................................................638-382-5423 Sonoran Grill...............................................382-8089 Sonoran Resorts.................................602-476-7511 Sonoran Resorts Sales Consultant Brenda Sabo..............................044-638-105-3157 Stegall Katz & Whitaker.........................602-241-9221 Su Casa...........................................638-690-1345 Sun Valley Services.....................................383-8891 Sushi Sun Restaurant...................................383-2772
T Tapia, Miguel......................................602-266-0225 Tekila Bar.....................................044-638-107-5863 Tequila Factory..............................................388-0606 The Print Shop....................................520-387-6858 Tommy Thomas Home Inspections..044-638-110-4728 or.........................................................602-748-4134 Towing Aqua Grande..(638) 383-5770 / (520) 232-2149 Turati Optical..............................................383-4645 Twin Dolphins Real Estate and Rentals......383-3919 or........................................................602-324-7241 T&T International Law Group..............602-465-6556
U-V
Q&R
U.S. Border Movers..................044-638-113-8365
Ramon’s Old Port......................................383-7475 or....................................................638-105-1732 Realty Executives...........................602-283-9800 or.................................................638-388-1295 Reincom..........................................638-102-0065 Repeat Performance.........................520-387-4948 Rey del Mar................................................383-5490 Richard Savino................................638-380-4272 or..................................................(480) 707-3822 Rocky Point Calendar..................see Mexican Vistas Rocky Point Chiropractic....................(638) 386-1306 or.............................................U.S. Cell (480) 263-3242 Rocky Point Home Builders................(638) 383-6524 or...............................................U.S. 815-553-2683
or.............................................480-232-3518 Victor Aleman..............................044-638-105-7839 Viña del Mar Hotel............383-0100/602-606-7768 Viva Mexico Taqueria...........................638-104-7252
W Western Outdoor Times......................(480) 947-6219
X-Y-Z Xochitl’s Cafe (Sally’s Cholla Cafe)..................382-5283 Yolanda Silva Insurance................................383-6280 ZaGas.......................................................383-8100 Zuquin Restaurant........................................383-3250 Zuq Deli & Salads.........................................388-5050
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
CHURCHES Phone Numbers
Assembly of God..........................................................383-3364 Adonai Comunidad Cristiana.......................................383-3865 Grupo Unidad Cristianos de Peñasco..........................383-2240 Peñasco Christian Fellowship.......................................383-4513 Family of God Christian Fellowship.........................383-3480 Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall.............................388-6244 Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.....................................383-2959 Templo La Hermosa...................................................383-7130
EMERGENCY & Important Phone Numbers dial 911 & 066 for EMERGENCIES AirEvac............................................................001-880-321-9522 SkyMed Air Ambulance.................................001-866-805-9624 AIRPORTS International.................................................................383-6097 CITY HALL (Municipal Building) H. Ayuntamiento de Peñasco.....................383-2056/383-2060 CLINICS Clinica San Jose............................................................383-5121 Clinica Santa Fe...........................................383-2447/383-4040 Clinica Santa Isabel (Maternity)...................................383-3645 Clinica Santa Maria.......................................................383-2440 Cruz Roja (Red Cross)...................................................383-2266 Desert Senita Community Health Center..........(520) 387-5651 Emergency dial...071
Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE).......................383-2684 FIRE DEPARTMENT
Emergency dial...068
Departamento de Bomberos.......................................383-2828 FISHIERIES DEPARTMENT Departamento de Pesca...............................................383-2116 Oficina de Pesca, San Diego, CA........................(619) 233-4324 GARBAGE/SANITATION DEPARTMENT Oomislim.......................................................................383-4909 GAS (Propane) Hidrogas........................................................................383-5650 Z’Gas..............................................................................383-8284 ZaGas.............................................................................383-8100 HOSPITALS (See Clinics also) Community...................................................................383-4566 IMSS (Social Security)...................................................383-2870 Municipal......................................................................383-2110 IMMIGRATION............................................................383-2526 MARINE RESCUE (VHF Channel 28) Port Captain..................................................................383-3035 Emergencies dial............................................462 or 627 or 767 POLICE
that DELIVER Benny’s Pizza 383-6001 7 days, 11am-10pm
Fit Vida Bistro 383-1992
Cheiky’s Pizza 383-3627, Closed Wed.
La Fondita 383-8384 9am-9pm
Cocina Express 383-8358 Mon.-Sat. 10am-8pm Sun. 12pm-7pm
Sushi Sun 383-2772
Domino’s Pizza 383-3838 7 days 10am-8pm El Condor Pizza 388-5383 7 days, 12pm-10pm FEDE’S 383-3419 (044-638) 100-5834 12pm-5pm, Closed Sun.
AIR AMBULANCE (dial within Mexico)
ELECTRIC
RESTAURANTS
Emergency dial...066
Puerto Peñasco Station..............................383-2626/383-1616 State Judicial Police (Policía Judicial del Estado).........383-2783 PUBLIC SECURITY DEPARTMENT Seguridad Pública Municipal......................383-2626/383-1616 RAILROAD Ferrocarril......................................................................383-2610 RED CROSS Cruz Roja.....................................................................383-2266 SOCIAL SECURITY (IMSS) Instituto Méxicano del Seguro Social.........383-2677/383-2777 TELEPHONE Teléfonos de México.....................................................383-2780 Towing................(011-52-638) 383-5770 / U.S. (520) 232-2149 U.S. CONSULATES (in Mexico) Nogales.............................................................01-631-313-4820 dial from the U.S......................................011-52-631-313-4820 WATER Oomapas.......................................................................383-6080 Organismo Operador....................................................383-6080 Piteco (water tank delivery).........................................383-3315
Figaros Pizza 383-8181
TIKI Fresh Foods (044-638) 105-8001 (044-638) 112-0996 9am-9pm, Closed. Sun. Tortas San Luis 388-6405, 7 days, 9am-9pm Yummi Salads (044-638) 113-8822 Zuquin Cakes 383-3250 (044-638) 105-4389 7 days, 9am-5pm
Pet Friendly
HOTELS
If you would like to bring your pet with you to Rocky Point, here are a few places you both will be welcome. Baja Hotel Matamoros and Campeche in El Mirador US dial (602) 559-1705 Local Phone (011-52-638) 383-6878 Local Fax (011-52-638) 383-7676 Fax Website www.hotelbaja.net Email bajahotel@gmail.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Bella Vista Condo US dial (775) 287-3830 Email julwitnan@aol.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Casa de Carolina Campeche in El Mirador US dial (602) 412-3565 Local Phone (011-52-638) 383-5482 Email cdecpp@prodigy.net.mx Mail: PO Box 589, Lukeville, AZ 85341 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hotel Viña del Mar In Old Port at the end of the Malecon Local 383-3600 or 383-0100 www.vinadelmarhotel.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------La Palapa Condos & Casitas Local 383-3866 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Madre del Mar (with permission) US dial (520) 407-6394 or (520) 303-7530 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Peñasco del Sol Paseo Las Glorias # 1 Mexico Toll Free 01-800-614-9484 Worldwide Toll Free 1-888-683-006 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Seaside Beach Home Rentals Blvd. Benito Juarez, next to Banamex at the north end of town US Toll Free (877) 629-5691 • Local 383-1545 Website www.seasidemexico.com Email seasidebhremails@gmail.com
VETERINARY CARE
Chochoy 383-2338 Guillermo Prieto & Melchor Ocampo Gallo de Oro (044) 638-112-3343 Samuel Ocaña La Posta 383-2574 Simon Morua & Guillermo Prieto
Servicios Medicos Veterinarios 383-3344 Blvd. Sonora & Galeana (west of Josefa)
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
EVENTS CALENDAR JANUARY 2017 EVERYDAY Al Anon Family Groups. Email to schedule a meeting; Marcia at marsupis@gmail.com. American Legion Post MX-15 open from 8am-8pm in El Mirador in the old Los Juanes Restaurant. MONDAYS 10AM Alcoholics Anonymous meets (English) (See Pg. 42). 12PM Horseshoe tournament at South Side Jillz, open to anyone who cares to play, and with happy hour prices! 1PM Horseshoe Tournament at South Side Jillz. Every Monday. 6PM Alcoholics Anonymous meets (Spanish) (See Pg. 42). TUESDAYS 2PM CEDO Free Public Talk in English and Tour of their facility in Las Conchas. Look for the giant Fin Whale Skeleton. Fun experience for the entire family. Phone 3820113 for more info. 4PM CEDO Nature Talk in Spanish CBSC – Cholla Bay Sportsmen’s Club meets once a month (on Tues. or Sat.). 4PM Peñasco Singles Happy Hour, every Tuesday at Playa Bonita Resort. 8PM Cinemartes - Art Film Nights at Cafe Puerto Viejo in Old Port. WEDNESDAYS SOBS – South of the Border Singles meet every Wednesday for Happy Hour at Playa Bonita Resort. First Wednesday of every month is business meeting. 10AM Alcoholics Anonymous meets (English) (See Pg. 42). 11AM – Horseshoe Tournament at the Pithaya in El Mirador. 3PM Shooter Bingo at Playa Bonita RV Park Social Club. $6.00 for 6 games with money payouts for each game. After each game, a shooter number is called, if you have this number you get a “shooter” of tequila or ?? Join us each Wednesday in our air conditioned club house. 5PM – AA meets (Spanish). 6PM Alcoholics Anonymous meets (Spanish) (See Pg. 42). PINK CADILLAC - swim up bar, open Wed. thru Sun. 2PM till close. Burgers, pizza and more. 7-8PM Salsa Lessons! At South Side Jillz. Come and learn how to dance like a pro! THURSDAYS PINK CADILLAC - swim up bar, open Wed. thru Sun. 2PM till close. Burgers, pizza and more during the summer months. 3PM Dart Tournament at the Pink Cadillac in El Mirador. All welcome. 4PM The Connection Happy Hour, now on Thursdays at Puesta del Sol Restaurant at Playa Bonita Resort. 4PM Bingo (Loteria) at Casa Hogar, Home for the Elderly. Everyone welcome to participate. 5PM-7PM Ladies Day at South Side Jillz, music, games and a “surprise” for all, happy hour prices and a good selection of wine. FRIDAYS 8AM Alcoholics Anonymous “Freebirds” newcomers/book study meeting. Call 382-5001 for more info (See Pg. 42). PINK CADILLAC - swim up bar, open Wed. thru Sun. 2PM till close. Burgers, pizza and more during the summer months. 7PM Eight Ball Tournament at South Side Jillz for the Pool players, double elimination, blind draw. 8PM - Pool Tournament at South Side Jillz. Every Friday. SATURDAYS 2PM CEDO Free Nature Talk in Spanish and Tour of their facility in Las Conchas. Fun experience for the entire family. Call 382-0113 for info. 4PM CEDO Nature Talk in English PINK CADILLAC - swim up bar, open Wed. thru Sun. 2PM till close. Burgers, pizza and more during the summer months. SUNDAYS 9AM Non-Denominational Worship Services with Family of God. Located on Blvd. Costera N 2000A. Everyone welcome. Church Office: 383-3480. 3PM Dart Tournament at the Pink Cadillac. Church Service at 10:00AM Bilingual Service with Peñasco Christian Fellowship located 1 blk east of Josefa Ortiz de D. on Melchor Ocampo. Experience worship with both American & Mexican Christians! Phone: (011-52-638) 3834513. San Jose Mission Church- in Cholla Bay. Bilingual Catholic Mass. At noon every Sunday. All our welcome.
CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST EVENTS! Sunday 1st Starting at 8am. • Happy New Year 2017! • St. Patrick’s Day. Sunday 14th Saturday 18th • 7:30PM RCPM at JJ’s • AZOP Rocky Point Cantina in Cholla Bay. Race. Come join us for this awesome race for Monday 16th bikes, utvs and atvs. NON POINT - NON • Martin Luther King MEMBERSHIP RACE Day at Sandy Beach area. Starting at 8am. Saturday 21st 3pm • 10am 3pm • 10am Mermaid’s Market at Mermaid’s Market at Shrimp Park (Blvd. Shrimp Park (Blvd. Benito Juarez & Benito Juarez & Fremont). Fremont) Sunday 19th Friday 27th • Festival del Globo (Hot • AZOP Rocky Point Air Ballon Festival) at Race. Come join us for Laguna Del Mar. this awesome race for bikes, utvs and atvs. Saturday 28th NON POINT - NON • Festival del Globo (Hot MEMBERSHIP RACE Air Ballon Festival) at at Sandy Beach area. Laguna Del Mar. Starting at 8am. • Chinese New Year Monday 21st th Sunday 29 • Natalicio de Benito Juarez • Festival del Globo (Hot Air Ballon Festival) at Tuesday 22nd Laguna Del Mar. • Happy Birthday Mario! FEBRUARY 2017 APRIL 2017 Wednesday 1st • Dia de la Constitucion Saturday 1st • CBSC Horseshoe Saturday 11th Tournament. • CBSC Golf Tournament. Sunday 9th • Palm Sunday. Tuesday 14th • Happy Valentines Day. Tuesday 11th • Passover. Sunday 19th • Las Conchas Yard Friday 14th Sale. All proceeds go • Good Friday. to local charities. To volunteer or donate Sunday 16th call 382-0029 or • Easter Sunday. email honlewis@ hotmail.com. MAY 2017 Monday 19th • Presidents Day. MARCH 2017 Wednesday 1st • Ash Wednesday. Saturday 4 • CBSC Game Night. th
Friday 17th • AZOP Rocky Point Race. Come join us for this awesome race for bikes, utvs and atvs. NON POINT - NON MEMBERSHIP RACE at Sandy Beach area.
Friday 5th • Cinco de Mayo. • 2nd Annual BBQ Contest at South Side Jillz.
Here we are in 2017. Wow! When I was a kid 40 years ago, that was a date far into the future. Science fiction books and movies said there would be telephones you could put in your pocket. You would push a button for
as many pretty women from Denmark as I possibly can. INGRID: I find many of you American men are ruggedly handsome.
pictures of the president’s third wife
CAP’N GREG: Something else you
would be on personal computer screens.
should find is a good ophthalmologist.
It took a while, but all that has actually happened. However, as life becomes more complex, simple pleasures are still the best. I was relaxing on the Malecón sea wall when a young and very blond woman approached me. INGRID: I am Ingrid from Denmark, and a first time visitor to your country. CAP’N GREG: Good to meet you, Ingrid. I’m Cap’n Greg and my country is north about 60 miles as the pelican
INGRID: Rocky Point is a smorgasbord of sensual delights, as all the while the ocean marches back and forth and the tides go up and down. Can you feel it, Cap’n Greg? CAP’N GREG: No, but I’m getting a little seasick. INGRID: I bet your girlfriend wouldn’t like it that I’m flirting with you. CAP’N GREG: I bet my wife wouldn’t
flies, but I am emotionally attached to
like it that I had a girlfriend.
this place, too.
INGRID: Where I live it’s often dark
INGRID: May I join you?
and cold. I hunger for beautiful days
CAP’N GREG: Please do. INGRID: Your captain’s hat makes you look like a man very much in command. CAP’N GREG: Absolutely. I command my dog to sit, and she bites my ankles. INGRID: Is your magnificent ship one of those at anchor? CAP’N GREG: The only ship I own is
Sunday 14th • Mother’s Day.
on it. But on a warm day it can smell a
Monday 29 • Happy Birthday Sandy! • Memorial Day.
CAP’N GREG: Yes. I pledge to visit with
instant heating of meals. And racy
Wednesday 10th • Dia de las Madres.
Sunday 28th • CBSC Fish Fry.
Year’s resolutions?
a rusted out Toyota with 250,000 miles lot like one of those shrimp boats. INGRID: Have you made any New
like this. CAP’N GREG: What I hunger for is Sonoran hot dogs from Chon’s on Constitución. INGRID: Would it bother you if I removed my swimsuit cover-up to feel the sunshine? CAP’N GREG: Go ahead. I already took my heart meds, so I should be fine. INGRID: Oh, Cap’n Greg. You make me laugh. CAP’N GREG: And you make me feel like it’s 1977.
th
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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Sonoran Resorts Owners Honor Employees with Quack Ups Thanksgiving Feasts and Christmas Posadas The Sonoran Resorts have always been more of a family than a business interest. That goes for our sales team, our corporate office, and of course, the individual condo owners and resort employees. Every year, each of our resorts celebrates and honors the employees that make it all possible. The Sun and the Spa each hold a grand Thanksgiving feast for employees, and the Sea and Sky have Christmas Posadas with a nice meal, live music, and gifts for all. For the 6th consecutive year Tony Ballesteros, and his growing group of volunteer “Pilgrims”, prepared and served a Thanksgiving feast to over 150 workers at the Sonoran Spa Resort on Sandy Beach, here in our little slice of paradise by the sea. Local owner and photographer, Tony Ballesteros, began this Thanksgiving gesture six years ago to thank the employees and families for their hard work and positive attitudes keeping the beach front condominium resort sparkling clean and smooth running throughout the year. At the Sonoran Sun, Janet Mooneyham coordinated the annual feast again this year. The Sun has had this running tradition for 9 years, or almost as many years as it has been in existence. This year the restaurant allowed the group to serve inside and set tables up in courtyard. Over 200 people attended the event including the Sun HOA employees and their families as well as Seaside Reservations Sun employees and family members. 11 turkeys, 4 hams, multitude of side dishes and entire dessert buffet were enjoyed. Approximately 40 owners, donated, cooked and served the meal. There were also two jumping castles, a mariachi band, piñata, storybooks in Spanish, and stuffed animals were handed out to all the kids. The Sun held their employee Christmas gift party early this year in order to include the many owners who
By Bob Snyder
were already in town for Thanksgiving. This event, which happened the day after the Thanksgiving feast, was coordinated by owner and long-time Sun HOA Treasurer, Melody Nelligan. Every employee received at least one gift from a wish list that they had prepared earlier. Volunteer owners selected unmarked envelopes with an employee name and their personal wish list. David Wilke, President of Sun HOA made a moving speech, letting the employees know how much their hard work is appreciated by the board and by all of the Sun owners, renters, and guests, and thanked them on behalf of all...After opening their gifts, an appetizer buffet was provided courtesy of further owner
donations. Approx 20 owners were there to hand out gifts and share in the fun. The Sonoran Sky and the Sonoran Sea hold Christmas Posadas for their employees. The Sky Posada is organized and provided by our Sonoran Resorts Corporate Office and it consists of an evening of live music, a great meal, and dancing that goes late into the night (early into the next morning). There are also many games and raffles for great prizes consisting of everything from gag gifts all the way to large screen TVs and appliances. Many of the Sky employees look forward to this party all year long. Rocky Point is such a great place to live and to visit at any time of the year but in December, the goodness in everyone really shines through. We really are a family at the Sonoran Resorts and we really do need each other to make everything run as smoothly as it does. Even though these Thank You celebrations may happen only once per year, we really are extremely grateful for our loyal, hardworking employees all year long.
This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
We have all done it at least a few times in our lives. “New Year’s Resolutions” Here are some of the best quotes and jokes to start out your 2017 with a smile. My New Year resolution is not to shovel snow. Since I moved to Rocky Point, I feel pretty good about it. I love when they drop the ball in Times Square. It’s a nice reminder of what I did all year. Every New Year I celebrate making it through another holiday season without killing my relatives. Women get a little more excited about New Year’s Eve than men do. It’s like an excuse: you drink too much, you make a lot of promises you’re not going to keep; the next morning as soon as you wake up you start breaking them. For men, we just call that a date. This New Year I resolved to lead a better life. Now all I have to do is find someone who will trade lives with me. This New Year I was going to make a resolution never to be late again, but I didn’t wake up until January 2nd. New Year’s is just a holiday created by calendar companies who don’t want you reusing last year’s calendar. A New Years Toast: May we live to learn well, and learn to live well. May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live. Happy New Year All
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Reasons to Invest in 2017
Puerto Peñasco Just Upped It’s Tourist Game
By Joseph Sanchez President, Rocky Point Home Builders
With the New Year upon us there is a lot to be excited about, especially in the real estate/home construction market here in Puerto Peñasco because the opportunity to purchase land and build a vacation home at a decent price is the best since the early 2000’s. It’s been nine years since the real estate crash of 2008 and back then, the real estate market in Puerto Peñasco was in a bubble just as it was in the United States. Prices to purchase existing homes were high, land was expensive and the dollar was on par with the peso. However, once that bubble burst, prices reduced dramatically and have been a bargain ever since.
New Home Construction - Now is the time to act and purchase that lot or build your dream home!
savings when buying materials to build a home, maintaining your cost of living or investing in property. If you own a lot and want to build your home, now is the time to make a move. Most experts believe that the Dollar will not rise much higher and now it’s time to lock in the savings. There is no better time than now to invest in Puerto Peñasco, and there are many great deals on lots available
panel technology is expensive and is not fully capable of running your home’s entire load so generators are necessary in this situation. Another important consideration is water and if it is supplied publicly or if you need to “truck-in” your water supply. All these things can be explained by your real estate agent professional and I would choose any agent who advertises in this newspaper. Finally, one last reason to consider investing in Puerto Peñasco in 2017 is the amount of investment taking place by the Federal Government here over the last five years. There has been heavy investment into infrastructure to include building of a convention center, construction of a cruise terminal set to open in the future, renovation of the main boulevards, total renovation of the Malecón and more. This will soon be the ultimate tourist destination for the entire world and with demand comes rising prices. Now is the time to act and purchase that lot or build your dream home! Make it your New Year’s resolution!
Vista-Interior - There is no better time than now to invest in Puerto Peñasco, and there are many great deals on lots available on or near the beach.
Let’s fast forward to 2017, and this is the best opportunity since 2008, to purchase land and build a home for a variety of reasons that include the current strength of the dollar, exceptional land prices and the current level of investment being made by the Federal Government to strengthen tourism and modernize the city. At the time of writing this article, one U.S. Dollar is equal to 20.45 Mexican pesos which is approximately a 13% difference than back in 2008. That 13% equates to a tremendous purchasing power and
on or near the beach. Some fantastic communities include Santo Tomas, Las Conchas, Playa Encanto, Playa La Jolla, Playa Dorada and Playa Paloma to name a few. Each community will offer different amenities than the others. When searching for a lot it is important to find a lot that is relatively level and does not require a lot of fill and grading. This will save you a tremendous amount of money when gong to build your home in the future. Another thing to consider is the availability of electric because some communities do not have electric. Solar
Interior Design - At the time of writing this article one U.S. Dollar is equal to 20.45 Mexican pesos, which is approximately a 13% difference than back in 2008.
About the author: Joseph Sanchez is president of Rocky Point Home Builders a design/build contractor specializing in custom home design, construction and renovations. He resides here in Puerto Peñasco with his wife and two children and is originally from Chicago. For more information email him at sales@ rockypointhomebuilders.com.
By Eric Brown
About 8 month’s ago I started talking with many North American zip line companies. I invited one of the best zip line companies owner & his wife to stay with Sarina & I at Esmeralda Resort & we drove them to comp hill & long story short Peñasco will now have a very nice 5 stage zip line course w/ one section being one of the longest in Mexico at almost a 1/2 mile long. A HUGE thank you to Gustavo Brown who is allowing this to happen on his land. Gus Brown as you know is a big promoter & developer in Peñasco & also has donated the land for the convention center & the cruise ship home port. The zip lines are expected to substantially help boost tourism here in Puerto Peñasco. The zip lines will be high above the ground so they will not impede any current usage of the mountain. Final paperwork is currently in the process of being drawn up for signatures. The zip line company is one of the best around & has constructed many zip lines in the USA & also in China, Costa Rica & the British Virgin Islands & they have a 100% perfect safety record. This company will build, manage, run & maintain the Peñasco zip lines. The owner told me that construction is to take place this December & January & grand opening scheduled for March 1st, 2017.
This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
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(a 501©3 non-profit Corporation)
by Nancy Phelan AKA “The Pack Leader” ‘Animals come into our lives as gifts from God, for companionship, to teach us, and to heal us. They deserve our very best efforts in caring for them’ Dr. Ihor Basko, DVM
Happy New Year to all our animal friends
Please consider getting a new friend this year. We have many puppies, kittens, cats and dogs for adoption.
How times flies
It was 2009 when we had our first free spay clinic in Puerto Peñasco. This group has been coming several times a year since then. Our goal was to help the Mexican people take charge of the animal overpopulation problem in Mexico. It is important for the Mexicans to be the answer. They are! Each major city in Northern Mexico has a Veterinarian that joins this group and travels to each city in Northern Mexico conducting free clinics. They come from Nogales, Caborca, Hermosillo, San Luis, Obregon, Tijuana and other cities. Please call the city for more details at 388-5152. The local Veterinarians have formed a local group and are now conducting free spay/ neuter clinics/ Call Javier at Chochoy’s for more information 383-2338.
FOOD
The cooler weather is finally here and we are ready! It has been one of the most uncomfortable summers that most of us have experienced. There were five rescue centers at the beginning of this year, and now there are two, Animal Adoption Center of Rocky Point and Barb’s. It has been very slow with donations, and bringing dog food into Mexico has been difficult. It is costly to keep the rescue going, so please help if you can. Even a small monthly donation will help. We do purchase Kirkland dog, cat and puppy food that is made in the USA
and distributed in Mexicali Costco and delivered here in Peñasco to Weltons just south of the Sante Fe market. Prices are similar but cost around $40usd for dog food. Please help if you can as we are spending over $1200.00usd a month on pet food. A big thank you to all that help.
DOGS, PUPPIES, CATS AND KITTENS
We have them all – big, small, young, older, male, female, fat, thin!!
So many, and they are ready for adoption. Martini is a beautiful little Lhasa Apso, Chico is a small white Chihuahua, several lab mixes…we are posting as many pictures as we can so you can see our special babies ready for adoption. Please stop by and find your new family member. It is always best to make an appointment, so call Nancy if you would like to see the babies. Visit us on Facebook along with the Rocky Point Times. 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
Movie Filming of La Ruta de los Caídos to Begin in Puerto Peñasco in March 2017 With the Pinacate and Grand Desert of Altar serving as principal locations, filming on the movie “La Ruta de los Caídos” is set to begin in Puerto Peñasco in March of next year. Mayor Kiko Munro met with film director Alejandro Springall to reiterate his administration’s commitment to promoting the project, which is to include the participation of figures such as Joaquín Cosío, Giovanna Zacarías, and Juan Manuel Bernal, among others. The filmmaker expressed they are currently in first the stage of development, visiting site locations to analyze logistics so that about 80% of the filming can take place at the Pinacate and Grand Desert of Altar. He explained filming will take place during March and April, followed by about seven months of post-production so that by the end of 2017 the film can launch its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, reaching theaters in Mexico, the U.S., and across Latin America by April of 2018. The film, he stated, will be done with resources from federal funds, private investment from both the Mexico and U.S., as well as from the
Tequila Gang production company of Bertha Navarro and Guillermo del Toro. This is in addition to support from both the Sonora State and Puerto Peñasco Municipal administrations. “The story is based on an original script by a man who knows this area and has tremendous love for it, that is Guillermo Munro,” detailed the filmmaker, “it is a story which I fell completely in love with as a director.” He added it is about an era that little is known about in Mexico, and particularly in its relationship with the United States during the Great Depression and historic closing of the border. “It is a grand Mexican film, as it doesn’t cease to be an epic story; 13 people traversing the area in a 1928 Ford, while we are also going to treat it as a modern Western,” noted Springall. Mayor Kiko Munro emphasized, “This project has all our support, particularly with respect to logistics, as it is a tremendous opportunity to showcase not just our history, but rather our unique landscapes on a global sphere.” Author Guillermo Munro Palacio expressed it is a great satisfaction, as well as a dream come true, to have one of his novels become a film.
This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
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Rocky Point Times Readers… A Community Challenge To Us All!!!
By Mark Paliscak
What an amazing and action packed year it has been in and around Rocky Point. There have been so many changes with new roads, buildings, amenities and my favorite new item in Rocky Point… our new friendships we have made in 2016! There is also so much to be thankful and grateful for…after all, we all have our woes, but we must first remember to count our blessings and in turn our downside usually does not seem so bad. There are so many things that I am grateful for in and around Rocky Point including an abundance of kind, fun-loving friends that never fail to deliver a good time and when needed, they come through to help those in need.
Last month, I made a good Ole West SHOUT OUT to my friends, enemies (just joshin’…no such thing as an enemy in Rocky Point) business associates, Rocky Point Times readers and anyone and everyone I could speak with to please do what you can to donate new PJ’s and blankets for the holidays for our needy children right here in Peñasco. We also opened it up to pre-owned items from clothing to housewares to tools to bikes to…anything! All of the used items were donated to the Thrift Store in Sonoyta which the proceeds go to support and run the orphanages in Sonoyta and Rocky Point. The response in a word… AWESOME!!! The amount of items donated this year was just super! I am so proud of you all and the LIVES YOU WILL HELP CHANGE…after all, change starts with you which was clearly evident
by the success of this year’s drive! There are far too many people to count and please forgive me if I forgot someone…the most important man will never forget what you have done…but a special THANK YOU to Amerifirst Financial, Inc of Arizona and the residents of Bella Sirena Resort here in Rocky Point who each had clothing drives that get bigger and better with each passing year. I am also so grateful for John and Michelle Freise who literally donated hundreds of blankets and PJ’s…just WOW! Another special young lady known around town as Maurina Pascale has worked tirelessly over the past YEAR gathering clothing, shoes and money from anyone she knows to help the children. Rumor has it she will “take the shirt off your back for the kids!”…LOL, seriously Maurina is a true mover and shaker and has done an amazing job and continues to impress me with what she is able to accomplish. More thank you’s are due to Mayne Niebla, Erin Princesa Poturalski, Rhett Laufenburger, Rebecca St. Thomas, Eric Wright, and Madonna Radiff who each organized and donated their time and efforts to help inspire others to donate new and old items for the kids. Other thank you’s go out to Laura Kramer, Roxy Pancake, Ken Bowlby, Greg Godleski, Steve Alonso, Ashley Leroux, Patricio Sullivan and Katy Duncan…you all are amazing and it could never have happened without you. And last but not least, thank you God for giving all of us the strength to help the children even if by prayer! If anyone is interested in helping the needy children in town, please email me at mpaliscak@amerifirst. us. What started out many years ago…I believe it has been 10 years now…as a holiday drive for the children has turned
Roger Clyne Brings January Jam to Rocky Point Again Next Month
In
2008,
RCPM
challenged
themselves to record 8 songs in 8 days in a makeshift Cholla Bay recording studio which eventually became the foundation for the Turbo Ocho album. They captured into a year round drive to continually help the children with education, clothing and food. There’s truly nothing better than seeing the children’s faces that you have helped create a better life. So this year, I challenge each of you to come up with one small aspect of our community that you would like to help make better. It starts with your mouth and reaching out to friends and those that you know. Funny thing is, most people are more than happy to help out and you can SEE the joy that making a difference makes in their lives. New friends, social groups, business acquaintances all end up resulting from reaching out and making a change. I would love the opportunity to help you with your 2017 Rocky Point Community Challenge…and I cannot wait to see the impact on Rocky Point that we all have the capacity to make! God bless each of you for an amazing 2017 and upcoming year. I read a funny quote recently that I think can help inspire us all. “Good things come to those who wait…greater things come to those who get off their ass and do anything to make it happen.” Unknown HAPPY 2017 ROCKY POINT!!! ADIOS AMIGOS.
the process with an HD video camera and uploaded the highlights daily on the band’s website. Much of that video is available today on the DVD side of the Turbo Ocho CD available at peacetimegoods.com. Excitement to perform those songs coupled with cabin fever fed the idea to announce an impromptu sunset concert on the patio at JJ’s Cantina on the 8th day. With very little notice, a few hundred fans dropped everything and headed for Mexico to hear those songs performed for the first time. Since then, January Jam at JJ’s has become an annual mainstay on RCPM’s touring calendar. Response from the greatest rock-n-roll fan base in the world has given RCPM a chance to create another weekend where the rock sizzles while much of the U.S. remains frozen. Here is the schedule for the 2017 shows: Friday - January 13 @ Banditos cover songs Saturday -January 14 @ JJ’s starting at 7:00pm Sunday - January 15 @ Wrecked acoustic show inside This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
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17 Secrets for a Happy and Lucky 2017
By Anita Kaltenbaugh
Happy New Year. We made it through another year. It’s 2017. I don’t know about you, but any year with a 7 in it has always been lucky for me. Lucky seven! So, with that said 2017 is going to be a lucky year. Here are 17 Secrets for a Lucky New Year. (Perhaps if you pick out seven that you would like to try you’ll luck will change). 1. Try something new- it’s a new year, and it’s up to you to make it different. If you do the same things, you’ve always done you will get the same results you’ve always had. If you’re in Rocky Point, try something you’ve never experienced. Perhaps it’s going sailing, or flying in the ultralight or even fishing. If you’ve never kayaked, what’s stopping you? The point is to look around, find something you have never done and give it a shot. We will have a new Rocky Point Zip Line…will you try it? 2. Plan a trip- look at the calendar of the year ahead and pick out a date to go to the destination you always been wanting to go. Maybe it’s not financially the year for a big trip, then pick a smaller destination you want to visit. Travel does not have to break the bank. Pick it, plan it and it will happen. 3. Be kind- make a point to do something nice for someone every day. It can be a co-worker, a family member, your spouse or even a stranger. Sometimes it’s as easy as giving someone a pat on the back or helping somebody carry something across the street or offering a ride. Make a conscious effort to be kind every day, and it will make you have a happier 2017. 4. Eat healthy-I know everybody writes down their New Year’s goal to lose X number of pounds, eat no carbs, no sugar but keep it simpler than that. Pick a day every week as your healthy day and for that one day make sure everything that goes in your mouth is healthy. If you like it, you might spread it out to more than one day.
5. Keep it moving- Jump. Run. Walk. Dance. Swim. Just do something to keep it moving in a forward motion. We now have apps on our smart phones and fitness bands to count your steps, even using a simple pedometer will work. While you’re in Rocky Point, make a promise to walk the beach every morning. There’s nothing like starting your day out with a little sweat and beauty from the Sea of Cortez. You’ll be amazed at dolphins jumping in the sea, sand dollars surviving in the sand, and children, dogs and people of all ages just enjoying the waves and the sun. 6. Download a simple app on your phone or try a fitness band and see how many steps you walk in a day. See if you double it or at least get it to 10,000 steps a day. 7. Get organized- whatever it is that you need organized, schedule 30 minutes a few days a week and just do it. Perhaps it’s cleaning out your closet or your inbox in your email. Perhaps it’s going through newspapers and junk mail that you been saving, shredding documents no longer needed, or reaching into your closet picking out 50 items to give away. A little organization will help you start the New Year off right. 8. Grab a few plastic bags after you get organized, stuff the items in the bag and donate to someone less fortunate. 9. Try one day a week to be meatless. I like to call it Meatless Monday. It helps the environment and even your wallet. 10. Plan runaway weekends- Yes, you heard me. Look at your calendar and pick a weekend each month where you can run away to the beach. Rocky Point is a great runaway town. It’s inexpensive, and an easy drive from Phoenix or Tucson. If you live in Rocky Point, then pick a run-away weekend to somewhere else, maybe it’s the mountains or to visit a friend. If you pre-plan now, it will be easier to manage it in your schedule. 11. Be thankful- the secret to happiness is being thankful for what you have; where you’re at in your life, your health, your friends, your family. Be
thankful. 12. Eat more shrimp. Why is that lucky? Well, we do have the luxury of the Sea of Cortez in our backyard with the most delicious shrimps, so enjoy it. 13. Watch more sunsets. During my summers in college, I lived in a little beach town that had this great restaurant on the water. Every night they would have sunset hour. They would offer a drink special and then play a classical song with a big ending, when the sun dropped in the water, the song ended. Take the time out of a busy day to watch a beautiful Rocky Point sunset; I bet you feel lucky. 14. Smile more. I know that might sound funny, but research states when you smile you feel better. So go ahead smile, do it right now while you’re reading this. Feel better? 15. Go Whale watching in Rocky Point. If the whales come back again in January-March, plan a trip and get out on the water to see these spectacular creatures. Trust me if you see a whale breaching out of the water, it will be your lucky day. 16. Stop doing things you don’t like to do. Why do we do the things that make us unhappy? Sometimes we have to, but maybe if you make a list of the things you don’t like to do and keep repeating year after year, you can figure out a way to eliminate a few this year. 17. Reconnect with old friends and make some new ones. Surround yourself with happy and lucky people. If you believe in the laws of attraction, their good fortune will be contagious. And, as a favorite saying of mine goes, “If you are lucky enough to live by the sea, you are lucky enough.” Even if you don’t live by the beautiful Sea of Cortez in Rocky Point--visit at least 17 times this year and make yourself lucky! ***And please, if you enjoy reading fiction, check out my debut book, A Deep Thing, by A. K. Smith, Official release date was 12-19-2016 and yes, I feel lucky! It’s now available in 9 countries (including amazon.mx in pesos) on Amazon, Nook, iTunes, Kobo, and Google Play.
“I believe in the ocean curing all bad moods. I believe in waves wiping away worries. I believe in seashells bringing good luck. I believe in toes in the sand grounding my soul.” Unknown
Anita Kaltenbaugh is the Mexico travel examiner at examiner.com and author of the book “Travel Secrets- Insider guide to planning, affording and taking more vacations” available on Amazon.com. Watch for her debut fiction novel, “A Deep Thing” being released in Summer 2016 by The Wild Rose Press.
A literary column By Marcia Diane
When I sat down last night to write this column, I started as usual with reading my backlog of poets that comes into my e-mail from Poets.org. I can’t say enough for them… everyday a poem! How cool is that. Anyway, I found the poets to be in a disturbed mood…well, that’s no surprise as these are fairly turbulent times. I read on and it only continued. I sat staring at the last poem and just knew I couldn’t start there. So I began to review who we’ve had the pleasure and honor to read in this column this year and remembered that we humans enjoy reviewing the year just passing. Still, I found little comfort there. Then I realized that the amazing gift of poetry and literature is that it is always there for us. If we need encouraging, many folks have those pieces of prose for us to search for and be set at ease…only as far as our bookshelves need we go. If we feel like being challenged by the dark or mysterious, no problem there are astounding works to examine. For today I’m going to leave us all with a poet who has brought us though many hard times and sweet ones as well…our very own Mary Oliver…and that timeless poem… >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Wild Geese You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body Love what it loves. Tell me about your despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on. Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers. Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again. Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -over and over announcing your place in the family of things. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Now then, that should set us right for the coming year. I look forward to hearing from you all and hope you will join us for our on-line writing group at: m.diane.writeon@gmail.com.
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Castle on the sand
By Mike Bibb
Rocky Point is home to more than Spring Break, Bike Week and Roger Clyne concerts. There are also other things to see such as our spectacular sunsets, horses on the shore and margarita consuming pirate boat patrons. And if a person really has a lot leisure time, he can trek over to Sandy Beach’s abandoned, half-completed Home Port pier project - adorned with hundreds of unsightly concrete blocks -pull-up a beach recliner, kick-back and scan the horizon for the much anticipated cruise ship to appear. An ample supply of cervezas might be a good idea to have on ice because it looks like it’s gonna be a long wait. (If a reader is interested, he/she can peruse the January, 2014 issue of the local “Rocky Point Times” newspaper to read the glowing reports and positive economic impact the highly touted facility was going to provide. Unfortunately, multiple work-stoppages, labor disputes and financial shenanigans have hindered the operation from the beginning. Now, three years later, we’re far from seeing the finished product). Or, they could simply take a short in-town drive to see a real castle built on sand. Located on the corner of Pino Suarez and Calle 20 - I believe these are the roads; not sure because street signs in Rocky Point are sort of sporadic -sits a Middle Ages looking stone castle, complete with circular towers, spiraling staircases, Gothic arches and defensive roof-top archer shooting positions. Lacking is the
obligatory drawbridge and protective moat. It’s the desert, remember? But there is an attractive tube steel and masonry fence surrounding the property. If I hadn’t taken the enclosed picture in Puerto Peñasco, it might be naturally assumed the structure was located in Old England or some other archaic European country. After all, what are the odds of seeing a lifesized King Arthur era stronghold rising out of the sand within a few meters of the northern extremes of the Sea of Cortez? Being a longtime visitor to Rocky Point, and witnessing the many changes that have taken place within the community, I also observed the irregular construction periods of the castle. Some trips would reveal a noticeable amount of progress had been accomplished during my absence while other visits didn’t appear to show much headway. Nevertheless, builders of the castle continued to intermittently toil; stoneby-stone, brick-by-brick and, I’m sure, blister-by-blister. After many years of tireless efforts, the structure has steadily expanded to include additional rooms, porches, doors and windows. Scaffolding and ladders lean against newly walled areas, a positive sign another section of the building is nearing completion. I’m uncertain what would possess the owner/builder of the castle to continue to spend time, money and enormous efforts in recreating such an unusual casa, but hey, that’s his choice. One thing for certain, he doesn’t have to worry which house along the street is his when returning late at night!
More than 300 Volunteers Take Part in Beach Clean-Up More than 300 volunteers, along with members of the local Clean Beach Committee, took part in beach clean-up efforts as part of the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup Day. The goal is to obtain a clean beach certification of 1,800 lineal meters of Puerto Peñasco’s coastline, reported Municipal Director of Ecology and Sustainable Development Tlacaelel Rivera Núñez. “It is very important for the municipal administration of Mayor Kiko Munro to achieve clean beach certification,” detailed Rivera Núñez, “which is why resorts, business leaders, service providers and non-governmental organizations, along with civil society, have joined this conservation effort and clean beach campaign.” He detailed during the recent clean-up effort, volunteers collected 300 kilos of trash ranging in items from cigarette butts, glass, and coal, among other inorganic materials. Marcia Ortega, Operative Manager of the local Clean Beach Committee, noted the International Coastal Cleanup Campaign of the Ocean Conservancy began in 1987 and includes participation of approximately 100 countries across the globe. Puerto Peñasco awaits Clean Beach Certification In coming days, Puerto Peñasco may find itself listed as one of the Mexican Beaches Certified by the Mexican Institution of Standardization and Certification (IMNC) given 85% of evaluated
criteria has been approved, reported Municipal Director of Ecology and Sustainable Development, Tlacaelel Rivera Núñez. Rivera Núñez explained from Nov. 14th - 18th, two evaluators from the IMNC audited 1,520 meters of beach stretching from Playa Bonita to Las Palomas. Their evaluation included 68 requirements, of which 61 were approved with only 7 that did not meet goals. The Ecology Director expressed appreciation for the efforts of the local Clean Beach Committee, as well as all the volunteers who have participated in clean-up campaigns for months with the goal of seeing Puerto Peñasco become the 14th beach to be certified by the IMNC. It would also become the first certified beach in Sonora, making it the ninth state to be listed as having Certified Clean Beaches in Mexico. Marcia Ortega, Operative Manager of the local Clean Beach Committee, indicated they have been given a month to address the 7 remaining requirements. She noted these will be reevaluated on December 18th, therefore called on the community to continue with efforts to conserve the beaches currently under consideration for certification. “The beach certification process takes quite a bit of time, as well as efforts of numerous participants and volunteers. This is why we call on residents and tourists to help us in conserving the beaches clean while abiding by ordinances for the use of beaches and the federal zone,” she emphasized.
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Potpourri - Short Shorts of All Sorts!
Sometimes so much is going on in our little slice of paradise by the sea that we can’t address the many short subjects with proper attention. To handle the hodgepodge of dangling subject matter, we invented the Potpourri Page. Here are a few “short shorts” to keep you up to date.
Sonoran Resorts 2017 Wall Calendars are Here! Stop in at one of our sales offices, or come to my office at the Sky to pick this year’s high quality Sonoran Resorts wall calendar, showcasing our beautiful resorts and fantastic Sandy Beach. Quantities are limited so when they’re gone, they’re gone. These calendars have become very popular over the past few years and they do go quickly, so stop by as soon as you can.
First International Skateboarding event at Pinacate Skate Park The first international skateboarding event at the Pinacate Skate Park, built by Levi’s Strauss & Co, was held Nov. 12th, reported Municipal Social Development Coordinator Víctor Mazón Muñoz. Mazón Muñoz detailed the event, entitled “Atomic’s Pinacate Skate Fest” with the participation of more than 120 skateboarders from the states of Sonora, Chihuahua, Baja California, Mexico City, Veracruz, and Tabasco, as well as from Arizona and California on the U.S. side. The Social Development Coordinator recalled the Levi’s Skate Park was built to necessary standards for professional skateboarding competitions. The skate park itself was made possible through a $130,000 USD investment from Levi’s, making it the sixth park the company has built across the globe, joining Bolivia, the U.S., New Zealand, South Africa, and India. Atomic President Braulio Castro detailed the skating competition has taken place in Puerto Peñasco for the past 8 years, though this is the first time it would be held at a skate park that meets international standards. This will allow for the discovery of new talents and put Puerto Peñasco on the international map. Castro added he was grateful for the support and attention received from event sponsors, including the municipal administration of Mayor Kiko Munro, Skate Boarding Collection, Cowtown Skateboards, and Skate After School.
30,000 tourists visit Puerto Peñasco over weekend filled with International events Municipal Tourism Director Luis Altamirano indicated from November 10th - 13th area hotels reported 100% occupancy with the arrival of approximately 30,000 tourists who had come to enjoy athletic, recreational and music events of international caliber. Altamirano detailed tourism over the weekend increased 27% over the same period a year before, with events including: the 16th Annual Rocky Point Rally, the 2016 Rocky Point Air Show, 2016 Pinacate Skate Fest, as well as concerts featuring Mexican artist Javier Batiz, along with talents of DL Marble, Matt Farris, Mogollon, and Latino Rebel Band, among others. The Municipal Tourism Director estimated more than 9000 motorcyclists took part in the 16th Annual Rocky Point Rally, including the increasingly popular Bike Show. Altamirano noted in addition to the full calendar of events, November 11th also marked commemoration of US Veterans’ Day, which also drew thousands of visitors to the area for the weekend. He emphasized the administration of Mayor Kiko Munro will continue to promote special international events within the community every two months, noting this year saw the celebration of the 2016 Fiesta & Culture Carnaval, the International Jazz Festival, as well as the late summer Salsa Festival, and the XLIV International Cervantino Festival, among other important events.
Taste of Peñasco Returns on February 18th The 2017 “Taste” will be held at the Peñasco Del Sol Hotel from 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Saturday, February 18th. Participating restaurants will compete for the “Culinary Favorite Award.” Participants in our Salsa Contest will compete for the “People’s Choice Award.” Voted on by attendees themselves! Come enjoy local artists, live music, and great raffle prizes, as well as a full bar, wine garden and more!
Municipal Administration to Put 32 Million Pesos into Parks and Recreational Spaces The administration of Mayor Kiko Munro will invest more than 32 million pesos into building and rehabilitating parks and recreational spaces across the city, reports Public Projects Coordinator Terencio Gutiérrez Valenzuela. Gutiérrez Valenzuela detailed that, thanks to steps taken by the Mayor, they were able to obtain federal funds of more than 100 million pesos, which will be put into important road projects as well as the construction and rehabilitating of parks and recreational spaces. Work at the park in the Brisas del Golfo neighborhood, for an investment of 2.8 million pesos,
will include a youth soccer field with synthetic grass, open air gym equipment, children’s playground, protective fence, public lighting and bathrooms, as well as maintenance to green areas. Similar work will be done to parks near the community centers in the San Rafael, Obrera, and Nueva Esperanza neighborhoods, for an investment of 5.87 million pesos. An additional 3.45 million pesos will be put into the park in the Obrera neighborhood at the intersection of Ave. 35 and Plutarco Elías Calles, and 5.5 million pesos for what is known as “Pencil” park. Federal funds along the lines of 4.5 million pesos will be put into the Jesús Cota Miranda Athletic Unit, with an additional 4.1 million pesos going toward work at La Milla Athletic Grounds, and 3.15 million pesos into the Lázaro Cárdenas Park in the Luis Donaldo Colosio neighborhood. Work to renovate existing spaces will include 3.4 million pesos for the park in the Bondojo neighborhood and 2.25 million pesos for the recreational area best known as “Gallo” Estrada.
Puerto Peñasco to help provide 267 chemotherapy sessions for children The local administration, in coordination with schools, businesses, the Boy Scouts, and Ecology clubs as well as civil society, managed to gather enough plastic tops to provide 267 chemotherapy sessions to children facing cancer, through the program entitled “Tapas para Sanar” (Tops for Healing), reported Alma Yanes Leyva, Deputy Director of Ecology and Sustainable Development. Yanes Leyva remarked through support of Mayor Kiko Munro, Puerto Peñasco was able to form part of the Sanar Foundation’s project to help children of limited means with costly medical treatments in the fight against cancer. During the plastic top recycling campaign, a total of 267,655 tops were collected by individuals, schools, organizations, businesses, and the community in general, “providing our own grain of sand in helping to save lives through the Sanar Foundation,” added Yanes. On October 31st, staff from the Municipal Department of Ecology and Sustainable Development visited Hermosillo to present the collected tops to the Sonora State University, as well as the Safety and Social Services Institute for Workers of the State of Sonora (ISSSTESON).
Thousands enjoy 2nd Day of the Dead Altar and Catrina Festival The 2nd Day of the Dead Altar and Catrina Festival was a resounding success, during which thousands of people were able to enjoy processions, pre-Hispanic cuisine, contests, exhibits, music, and theater from Nov. 1st - 5th, along the “Rodeo Drive” artisans market. The activities also included participation of 13 different ethnic groups from across the country. Mayor Kiko Munro stated, “Day of the Dead is an exemplifying piece of cultural heritage, declared as such by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2003. We are proud to resume our deep-rooted traditions and turn them into special events so that thousands of people can enjoy them.”
On the festival’s final evening, the Mayor, accompanied by his wife as well as the Judging panel made up of filmmaker Alejandro Springall and Film Head Luis Salinas, as well as author Guillermo Munro Palacio, awarded prizes to the first three places both for altars and catrinas. “I am pleased to see the wonderful response our invitation had this year,” furthered the Mayor, “as we had 34 altars in the competition along with 42 catrinas. This shows us that traditions remain alive within our community.” Mayor Kiko Munro emphasized over the five days people were able to enjoy art exhibits, traditional food from different regions of Mexico, the exhibit of altars for Day of the Dead, as well as various pieces from the Guaymas Festival de la Calaca.
Jill Mitchell’s Consign and Design, Resale Furniture Store Finally Finds a New Home As those of us who know Jill Mitchell can attest that giving up is not one of her attributes. Jill has been searching for a new and more accessible location for her popular furniture and decor business, Consign and Design, for several months now. She had overcome a few hurdles and finally thought that she had secured the perfect place when she worked out an arrangement with the owners of the old Casa Bonita store right on the main Boulevard. Casa Bonita had been closed for several years and the large, visible building was just waiting for a business like Jill’s. Then, before Jill could set up shop, the building burned down during the night, sending Jill on the search once again. Well, she has finally found a home and she couldn’t be happier. The location is very visible and accessible and Jill is excited to get started. Above is the “before” photo of her new location. It is located on Plutarco Elias Calles Blvd, which, to the vast majority who don’t know street names, is the back road to Sandy Beach. It is the road that goes from Calle 13, past Duke’s, Seaside Reservations, Frenchy’s, and comes out on Sandy Beach Road. You will be able to find Consign and Design in the very near future, on the East side of the road near Frenchy’s Bar and Grill. Good Luck Jill!
Rocky Point Rally Toy Run - January 7th. Toy Donations Gladly Accepted! As your packing up to head to Rocky Point, remember a toy or two may fit well in your bags! In preparation for our 3rd KINGS DAY TOYS RUN to be held Jan. 7, 2017 (like you needed another reason to come down in the Winter sun?) - the Rocky Point Rally folks will have a Toy Run. For two years now, they’ve kept the holiday season alive straight through the traditional “Kings Day”, celebrated as the day when the 3 wise men (kings) bring gifts to children. Each year has surpassed expectations, delivering more than 700 gifts the first year and more than 800 presents this past January. Let’s see if we can make that 1000 for 2017! January 7th - 3rd Annual “Moto Jugueton” - Rocky Point Rally Toy Run! Toys can be dropped off beforehand at Playa Bonita Resort or offices of Rocky Point 360 (Plaza Pelicanos) Contact Sami: info@rockypoint360. com or rockypointrally.com@gmail.com.
This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
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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
TRAVELINFORMATION TOURIST ASSISTANCE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO REMEMBER
If you dispute any incident or infraction, need help or have questions, please go to the Police Station, located north of town. Pay any and all fines ONLY at the station. IF YOU ARE PULLED OVER ALWAYS: • Write down the Name of the Officer • And the Number on the back of the vehicle that pulled you over • Record the location you were pulled over and the exact time
POLICE EMERGENCIES
DIAL...066
Nationwide: from ANY PHONE. TelCel users can also dial *112 to go directly to the Peñasco Police Station
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REPORT ANY ATTEMPT OF BRIBES BY CALLING INTERNAL AFFAIRS AT 388-6552
YOU MUST FILE AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT!
If you feel you have been wronged by an officer(s), you MUST make an official complaint so that the police department can take action. If they have no record of the incident, then they have no proof. Telling your friends and complaining to others will not get the problem solved - it only creates more problems and allows the officer to go on “doing business as usual”. File a complaint and save others the same grief you have gone through and make our city a better place.
DO NOT PAY OR OFFER TO PAY ANY OFFICER DIRECTLY WHEN PULLED OVER.
All fines are to be paid at the main police station
PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED Passports are required for re-entry into the U.S. when travelling by vehicle into Mexico. You may also present a Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License, SENTRI or NEXXUS Cards when leaving Mexico. Children under the age of 16 need to present their Birth Certificate. This applies to any port of entry when driving into Mexico.
ABOUT PUERTO PEÑASCO Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, is located in the State of Sonora on the Sea of Cortez. It is approz. 66 miles from the U.S. border at Lukeville, AZ and the Mexican border at Sonoyta, MX. Rocky Point is located within the “Free Zone”, so no vehicle permits are required for you to visit, but you will need your Passport or other ID (see above) to re-enter the United States. Rocky Point offers a variety of land and sea activities for every age and is very family oriented. It also offers a variety of dining and lodging choices as well as beach camping and RV Parks. Rocky Point is known for its warm weather, beautiful sunsets and gorgeous beaches. Relax and enjoy a day on the beach or at one of our many spas. Head out for a day of shoppingm to find everything from one-ofa-kind fine art to curious. Plan a day of golf on some of the most beautiful and challenging courses around. And when the sun has set, head out for some local night time entertainment.
DRIVING TO ROCKY POINT
take you all the way to the U.S./Mexico border at Lukeville, AZ and Sonoyta, MX. The Maricopa Hwy. will lead you right into Gila Bend, exit left once you come to the stop sign and follow the above directions.
COMING FROM TUCSON You will take the old Ajo Hwy. (Hwy. 86), which will lead you through Sells and end at Why, AZ. At the stop sign take a left onto Hwy. 85 (at Why) and head to the border (see above). Gas stations, restrooms, ATM’s & convenience stores are located in Gila Bend, Ajo, Why and Lukeville. AZ before reaching the border.
COMING FROM CALIFORNIA The Crossing at San Luis (south of Yuma, AZ) is the fastest and easiest point to cross. Head East on I-8 and take Hwy. 95 S towards Yuma. You will cross at San Luis Rio Colorado. Continue straight for a few blocks, turn left at the signal on to Ave. Obregon. That is the main road through San Luis. You will go all the way through town and see a sign for Puerto Peñasco and El Golfo de Santa Clara off to your right. Exit right at the bridge and follow the signs to Puerto Peñasco. Theres is a toll booth you will go through (currently $110 pesos). The road is smooth and free of potholes and has plenty of places to pass and pull over. Just outside of El Golfo, you will turn left onto the Coastal Highway (003) and follow that all the way to Rocky Point. Signs are clearly marked. Look on our facebook page for pictures of the signs, roadway, stops and scenery.
ENTERING MEXICO Hwy. 8 from the Lukeville border to Rocky Point is a good 2-lane road with plenty of emergency parking and places to pass. It is an open range (watch out for wildlife) and is patrolled by the highway police as well as the Green Angels (roadside assistance). Please see Crossing the Border in this section for more info.
YOU MUST HAVE MEXICAN VEHICLE INSURANCE...IT’S THE LAW A minimum of liability is required. COMING FROM PHOENIX Take either I-10 (west side) or the Maricopa Hwy. (east side). Take the Gila Bend/Mexico exit off of I-10 and head toward Gila Bend. Once you pass through Gila Bend you will exit onto Hwy. 85 (south) toward Ajo/Mexico. Hwy. 85 will
ACCIDENTS If you are involved in a (nondeath) accident in Mexico, you are considered at fault until proven otherwise. All parties are taken to the police station where you
ACCIDENTS CON’T and your vehicle may be detained until restitution is made. If a minor is involved in an accident, the parents are responsible for the child. Parents must pay fines and/or restitution. Minors are usually detained but not jailed in non-death accidents or traffic violations. You need to file a police report and phone your Mexican insurance adjustor immediately in the event of an accident. You (most likely) will be held in jail if you are in an accident in which a death occurs.
AIRLINE SERVICE & AIRPORTS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Mar de Cortes International Airport (011-52-638) 383-6097 www.aeropuertomardecortes.com Airport Administrator: Alonso Dominguez Ruiz Libramiento Carretera Sonoyta-Caborca 71 Ejido Miramar, Colonia Miramar
PERSONAL AIRCRAFT To fly your own plane you must have your: pilots license, medical certificate, registration, air worthiness certificate, and Mexican airplane insurance. GENERAL AIRPORT INFORMATION Airport ICAO ID: MMPE Location: 17 miles East of downtown Elevation: 88 ft. Mar de Cortes Radio Tower Frequency: 118.85 Website contains complete info. on Airport loanding, parking other fees Type of Services: RS: Int’l regular flights RFF Category: 7 Airport Coordinates: 31° 21’ 6.836” LN113° 18’ 19.44” LW Runway Center Runway Designation: 18-36 Runway 18 THR Elev.: 84 ft./Runway 36 Elev.: 88 ft. Airport Reference Number: 4D Runway Lengths: 8,100 ft. Airport Size: 1,482.6 Acres U.S. AIRPORTS (CLOSEST)
Phoenix, Tucson & Nogales, AZ
BUS STATIONS (MEXICO) ABC - Phone: 383-1999 (Auto Transportes de la Baja California) Located on Constitucion, just N of the signal at Blvd. Benito Juarez Albatros - Phone: 388-0888 E side of Benito Juarez, N of the Stadium Norte de Sonora - Phone: 383-3640 E side of Blvd. Benito Juarez, S of No. Releccion (Calle 26) and N of Pemex TAP - Phone: 383-6761 (Transportes y Autobuses del Pacifico) W side of Blvd. Benito Juarez, N of the signal at Constitucion
FOR U.S. - SEE SHUTTLE SERVICES
CAR RENTALS Some major rental companies do permit their vehicles to be driven into Mexico. Call their AZ offices directly instead of their national offices. You may be required to carry their Mexican insurance. Mexico law requires that you must carry a minimum of liability insurance. Arizona (Phoenix Area) Enterprise, Advantage, Dollar, Saban’s Puerto Peñasco (from the U.S. dial 011-52-638) Alamo Rent A Car 102-0277 Bufalo 388-9999 M.G. Rentals 383-3814 Pro Rent-A-Car 388-5823 Rio Car Rental 383-8181 The Point Rent-A-Car 388-5823
CONSULATES MEXICAN CONSULATES Tucson: 553 S. Stone Ave., 85701 (520) 882-5595 • Mon.-Fri. 8 AM - 2 PM Phoenix: P 320 E McDowell Rd Ste 320 Phoenix, AZ 85004 • (602) 242-7398 Nogales: 480 Grand Ave., 89562 • (520) 287-3175 Douglas: 541 10th St., 85607 • (520) 364-3107 U.S. CONSULATES Nogales, Mexico from Mexico (01-631) 311-8150 Fax: (01-631) 313-4652 from the U.S. (011-52-631) 311-8150 Fax: (011-52-631) 313-4652 http://travel.state.gov Email: NogalesASC@state.gov What the Consulate CAN DO if you are arrested in Mexico • Visit you in jail after your arrest • Provide you a list of local attorneys • Inform you of judicial procedures • Notify family and friends • Relay requests for aid or monetary support • Protest abuse/mistreatment to authorities What the Consulate CANNOT DO if you are arrested in Mexico • Demand your immediate release • Get you out of jail or out of the country • Pay legal fees w/U.S. Government money • Pay fines w/U.S. Government money
CONTRALORIA SONOYTA Dear traveler, when crossing the border of Sonoyta, Sonora you suffer any abuse by any police authority, make sure to file a Complaint. The Mayor’s office is here to help with any problem you may have, make sure to contact us to: (651) 512-1172 or ( 651) 100-9530 or email contraloriasocialsonoyta@hotmail.com We are available 24 /7, every day of the week.
CROSSING THE BORDER CLOSED MIDNIGHT - 6:00 AM
Arizona (Lukeville) Border Mexico (Sonoyta) Border As soon as you pass the chainlink fence, you are entering into Mexico. There are two lanes going into Mexico. Wait for the vehicle ahead of you to pass all the way through the lane before proceeding. VEHICLE INSPECTION There are two means of inspection: 1) Fiscal Traffic Light Nothing to declare/items under allowed limit
2) Integral Inspection
Voluntary declaration/items over allowed limit
As you cross the Mexican Border there are two narrow lanes with a (traffic) light at the end of the lane. As you proceed ahead, the light will flash RED (alto - stop) or GREEN (pase - go). 1) FISCAL TRAFFIC LIGHT STOP (alto) - RED LIGHT If the light turns red you will pull off to the left where an officer will ask you some questions such as where you are going, how long you are staying, and what you are bringing into Mexico. The officer will most likely look through your vehicle and belongings. Do not leave your vehicle unattended and do accompany the officer during his search. If you incur any problems be sure to get the name and badge number of the officer. GO (pase) - GREEN LIGHT If you get the green light you can pass through without any inspection. Please note that you still may be pulled over and inspected even if you get the green light. 2) INTEGRAL INSPECTION This is the voluntary request for the examination of your articles, if you have items to declare which exceed your allowed
limits. Before you enter the lanes to cross into Mexico, you will pull off to your left and park in the assigned spaces against the chainlink fence. You will need to go to the small building, which sits in the middle of the two lanes, and tell the officer what items you have to declare and the value of each item. When you are finished filling out the form, the import tax (impuestos) will be assessed and you will be handed two forms to take to the bank and pay. (The bank is at the side of the brick building, past the fountain.) If it is after hours, you will pay your impuestos to the agent who will stamp your form and issue you a receipt. An agent may want to come and inspect your load. The taxes you pay are in pesos and you can now pay with a credit card (they will accept dollars) and are to be paid directly to the bank and you will be issued a receipt. You will need that receipt to cross the border. (If you are pulled over by Aduana after leaving the border, you will need the receipt as proof of payment.) After you have paid your taxes, you will need to cross the border and go through the Fiscal Traffic Light. If you get the red light you will need to pull over and show your receipt to the officer. If you come through the fiscal traffic light, and merchandise is found, which was not declared, you could have to pay a fine of 4x the commercial value of the articles plus your vehicle and belongings may be seized. If you choose the Integral Inspection the fine will be 1½x the value. In both cases you forfeit the right to the tax exemption. Your vehicle and personal belongings can be confiscated if you do not stop and declare merchandise over your limit allowed by Mexican Law.
DUTY FREE ITEMS You are allowed $300 USD tax free in new merchandise per person. Merchandise must be in same vehicle as person(s) declaring. The following is a list of items which you may bring into Mexico tax free. • Items for personal use such as clothing, shoes and toiletries according to the length of your stay. • 1 photographic or motion video camera, including a power source and rolls of film or video cassettes. (No professional equipment.) • Books and magazines. • 1 used sports article or piece of equipment for individual use. • 1 carton of cigarrettes. • 3 liters (approx. 3 quarts) of wine, alcohol, beer, etc. if the passenger is an adult. You may import an additional 2 liters and pay the corresponding tax. • Medicine for personal use (with your prescription). • Suitcases to transport your items.
If you are legally a resident of another country, in addition to the items listed, you may also bring the following items: • Binoculars • Camping equipment • Portable television, radio and 20 cds • Laptop computer • 5 used toys if the passenger is a child • Fishing tackle • Pair of skis • 2 tennis rackets • A non-motorized boat up to 5½ meters in length or a surfboard with or without a sail
If you are traveling by a camper, trailer, motorhome you may also bring in: • VCR • Bicycle with or without a motor • Household linens • Kitchen utensils • Livingroom & bedroom furniture You may import additional merchandise valued up to $1,000 per vehicle by paying the corresponding tax without the intervention of a customs broker. Over $1,000 USD requires a broker, which are located just across the border.
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TRAVELINFORMATION FIREARMS & DRUGS Firearms, illegal drugs and ammunition are NOT allowed into Mexico. Hunters may bring their firearm with the proper paperwork/ clearance. Possession carries a pentalty of 5 to 30 years.
IMPORTING You are allowed to bring in $300 USD per person worth of new merchandise - this does not include your personal items such as clothing, toiletries, etc. If you have new merchandise in excess of $300 per person you will need to declare your items and pay the impuestos (taxes) before crossing into Mexico. You may import up to $1,000 USD in new merchandise per vehicle without the assistance of a Customs Broker. To declare items you are bringing into Mexico, turn left as you cross the border, just beyond the chainlink fence. Park in the designated spot and go into the Aduana Building in the middle of the two lanes. See Crossing the Border for more information on declaring merchandise. If your merchandise totals more than $1,000 USD per vehicle, you will need the assistance of a customs broker. Customs brokers are located on the Mexican side of the border. Park on the U.S. side and walk across to one of their offices. Customs Brokers in Sonoyta, Mex. Agencia Ibarrola (011-52-651) 512-1878 Aserco Imp. (011-52-651) 512-0009 MultiServicios Sinaloa (011-52-651) 512-1593 or 1599
INSURANCE Medical Insurance Family or personal trip/ vacation medical insurance can be purchased by some providers in the U.S. Check your existing policy to see what coverage is offered while visiting Mexico. Most clinics in Rocky Point do not accept U.S. insurance as payment. Vehicle Insurance Mexican Law states that you MUST HAVE MEXICAN INSURANCE while driving in Mexico. A minimum of liability is required though full coverage is recommended. You can insure your driver’s license if driving a buggy, quad, rail, etc., but the vehicle cannot be insured for theft. If your vehicle is stolen, you must immediately file a local, federal (state) and U.S. police report. The insurance companies usually pay low blue book and extras such as rims, tires, stereo, etc. are not covered. Most U.S. policies ARE NOT recognized in Mexico. You may purchase insurance over the internet, phone, mail or stop at a number of places on your way to Rocky Point. Look in this issue for Mexican Insurance.
MILEAGE FROM ROCKY POINT TO Agua Prieta, Mexico......345 miles Ajo, Arizona......................................90 miles Caborca, Mexico.............................154 miles Ciudad Obregon, Mexico...............491 miles Guaymas, Mexico...........................408 miles Hermosillo, Mexico........................321 miles
Kino Bay, Mexico............................393 miles Las Vegas, Nevada..........................514 miles Los Angeles, California...................540 miles Lukeville, Arizona..............................66 miles Nogales, Mexico.............................287 miles Phoenix, Arizona............................217 miles San Carlos, Mexico.........................407 miles San Diego, California......................366 miles Santa Ana, Mexico.........................217 miles Sonoyta, Mexico..............................62 miles Tucson, Arizona..............................208 miles Yuma, Arizona................................260 miles Coastal Highway 003
This highway will run from Baja, California through Rocky Point to San Carlos. It is completed from El Golfo de Santa Clara to Rocky Point and from El Desemboque to Puerto Libertdad. Southern California visitors will be able to cut their driving time by using this beautiful, safe new highway! It is a nice, wide, 2-lane highway with rest stops, plenty of passing and wide shoulders for emergencies. See Driving to Puerto Peñasco at the beginning of this section.
PETS Only domestic animals (dogs & cats) are permitted into Mexico and you are allowed only two (2) animals per vehicle. You need to carry a copy of your pet’s current rabies vaccination certificate as you may be asked for it as you cross the border. Mexico has many stray animals roaming the streets so please keep an eye on your pet. Many pets are lost in Rocky Point each year due to unfamiliar surroundings and firework noise. If your animal is lost while visiting Rocky Point, we have found the best thing to do is scour the area where he/she was last seen. You can also pass out flyers to taxi drivers and water truck delivery men and post them all over town. Putting an announcement on the local AM and FM radio stations are also a good idea. Be sure you have a collar and tag on your animal as well as a current photo. Contrary to popular belief, your pet is not welcome at most establishments, especially where food is served. Please check with the staff before bringing your pet inside as the business can be fined for health violations.
RE-ENTERING THE UNITED STATES CLOSED MIDNIGHT - 6:00 AM Have your I.D. or Passport ready Bureau of Customs and Border Protection PO Box C, Lukeville, AZ 85341 (520) 387-5671, Fax: (520) 387-5309 Passports
On June 1st, 2009, U.S. Citizens reentering the United States (via vehicle) from Mexico will be required to show their Passport, Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License, NEXXUS or SENTRI card. Everyone in the vehicle needs to provide one of the above forms if identificaton. Parents bringing their babies, who have not received their official birth certificate, may bring the temporary one issued by the hospital. Children 16 and under will be required to show a copy of their birth certificate. Wait Times Traffic is greatly increased during holiday and busy weekends. Please plan your trip accordingly. A good idea is to arrive a day early, and stay a day later. You can check border wait times on the internet at http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt Permitted Items 100 cigars, 200 cigarettes 1 liter (39.8 fl. oz.) of alcohol, per person, 21 yrs. or older. You are NOT permitted, at the Lukeville Port of Entry, to pay duty and import additional alcohol. This is a Pima County law, not an Arizona or U.S. state law, so check with the individual border crossing. Fruits and Vegetables: bananas, blackberries, cactus fruits, dates, dewberries, grapes, lychees, melons, papayas, pineapples, and strawberries. (Most citrus such as oranges and grapefruit are NOT permitted.) Vegetables are permitted, except for those on the prohibited list. Okra, however, is subject to certain restrictions. Nuts: acorns, almonds, cocoa beans, chestnuts, coconuts (without husks or milk), peanuts, pecans, pinons (pinenuts), tamarind beans, walnuts and waternuts. Seafood: 50 lbs. of fish or shrimp per vehicle. Avoid customs penalties by declaring all articles acquired in Mexico, and in your possession at the time of your reentry into the United States. If in doubt whether an article should be declared, always declare it first to the Customs Officer on duty. If you understate the value of an article you declare, you may have to pay a penalty in addition to the payment of duty. If you fail to declare an article, acquired in Mexico, not only is the item subject to seizure, but you will be liable for a personal penalty. You are entitled to a $800 exemption in a 30 day period. Articles totaling $800 may be entered free of duty, subject to limitations on liquor, cigarettes & cigars. Prohibited Items Agricultural items are prohibited if they can carry plant pests or animal diseases. Cuban Cigars Medicine requires a prescription, carry a copy of your U.S. prescription with you. Fruits and Vegetables: sugarcane, potatoes, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams. (Exceptions: Cooked potatoes and avocados without seeds, except in California.) Plants, Seeds and Soil: plants and seeds require special permits. Soil and some plants are prohibited. Check in advance with agricultural inspectors. (Exception: some dried plant parts for medicinal purposes are permitted.) Meat and Game: pork, raw and cooked, including sausages, cold cuts, skins, and pork tacos is prohibited. (Exceptions: shelf-stable, canned pork and hardcooked pork skins (cracklings) are permitted.) Poultry: raw meat from both domesticated and game fowl is prohibited. (Exception: thoroughly cooked poultry is permitted.) Eggs: prohibited. (Exceptions: boiled and cooked eggs are permitted.) Game: check with agricultural inspectors in advance.
Live Birds: wild and domesticated birds, including poultry are prohibited. To import personally owned pet birds, contact agricultural inspectors in advance. Straw: generally prohibited. This includes wheat straw, seeds, animal feed, and all articles made from this material. In addition to the excepted items listed above, many agricultural items are permitted if they pass inspection to be sure they are free of pests, soil and sand.
SHUTTLE SERVICES Daily shuttle service is available from the Phoenix and Tucson areas to Rocky Point and cities inbetween. Please contact the companies directly for their schedules and rates. If you need door to door service, clarify that they offer that service and if you need to be picked up at the airport make sure that the shuttle has a permit to pick up passengers at the airport. Head Out to Rocky Point (602) 971-0166, Toll Free 866-443-2368 www.headouttorockypoint.com Lloyds Rocky Point Shuttle and Tours (623) 551-1616, Toll Free 866-568-9001 info@lloydsrockypointshuttle.com www.lloydsrockypointshuttle.com www.lloydsgrandtours.com Nena’s Transportation 388-7089 or (602) 442-6802 Located on Benito Juarez, N of the Baseball Stadium by Coffee Point Transportes Superior 383-3640 Calle Lazaro Cardenas, Esq. Benito Juarez Bus Station TNS/Estrella Blanca Sonoyta: Across the border on the west side of the street. 01-651-512-3374 At the Bus Station: 01-651-512-0784 Phoenix: 29th & VanBuren: 602-455-9522
SPEED LIMITS SPEED LIMITS FOR PUERTO PEÑASCO STREETS 10 KPH / 6 MPH in School Zones 30 KPH / 18 MPH on City Streets 60 KPH / 37 MPH on any Blvd., unless posted ortherwise 60 KPH / 37 MPH on the Resort Rd, from Playa Bonita to Cholla Bay
TRAVEL BEYOND THE FREE ZONE Puerto Peñasco is located in the Free Zone, where you do not need vehicle/tourist visas to visit. If you plan to travel beyond the Free Zone you will need the following: FMT (personal tourist visa) and your vehicle permit if you plan to drive. Personal Visa (FMT) Available at the I m m i g rat i o n Office in Sonoyta, on your right as you cross the border. They are open from 8:00 AM until Midnight. You will need to bring your birth certificate and/or valid driver’s license. You can either park on the U.S. side and walk across or you can go through the border and park. You will need to show your ID and fill out the necessary paperwork (it is in English and Spanish). Once you have filled out the paperwork you will take it over to Banca Serfin, pay approx. $195 pesos (per person) and return to the office to give them a copy.
At this time you cannot obtain your FMT in Peñasco, but the Immigration office can stamp your FM3 or FM2 for travel beyond the free zone. If you are flying into the airport you can obtain your FMT when you arrive at the Peñasco airport. By law, anyone who stays in Mexico for more than 72 hours, is required to have an FMT, whether you stay within the Free Zone or not. Automobile Visa The Free Zone covers most of Sonora, but if you plan to drive past Guaymas, Sonora, you will need to obtain a permit for your vehicle. This can be done in San Emeterio, about 20 miles south of Sonoyta on Hwy 2 or at the check point outside of Guaymas. The cost for this permit is approx. $44 dlls. You cannot get a permit in Rocky Point. You will need the original and 3 copies of: • Registration, Title and the valid driver’s license of the vehicle owner • Credit card in the vehicle owner’s name • FMT, FM3, FM2, Passport or birth certificate • Leasing contract (if the vehicle is rented or leased), which must be in the name of the person importing the vehicle. If the vehicle belongs to a company, the papers certifying the employee works for the company. If you do not have a credit card you can post a bond payable to the Federal Treasury issued by an authorized bonding company in Mexico. As an alternative to posting bond you may make a cash deposit at Banco del Ejercito in an amount equal to the value according to the “Table of Vehicle Values for Bonding Companies.” At Banco del Ejercito your credit card will be charged approx. $30 USD. A cash deposit will also be accepted if you do not have a credit card. Your deposit plus any interest will be returned to you when you leave Mexico. You may choose to obtain a bond through an authorized Mexican bonding company located at all border crossings. The bonding company also assess taxes and processing costs for this service. The vehicle permit is good for 6 months and for any type of vehicle weighing under 3 tons. When departing Mexico, and if you are not planning to drive the vehicle back into Mexico, the permit must be canceled with Customs. If your car is found in Mexico, beyond the Free Zone, and beyond the authorized time, or without the appropriate papers, it will be confiscated. Always carry the importation permit with you when driving your vehicle into Mexico. Take it with you when you exit the vehicle - do not leave this document in your car. Make a copy and leave a copy in the car - same with your insurance. The sale, abandonment or use of the vehicle for financial gain, a criminal act, etc. will result in its confiscation. The vehicle may be driven by the spouse or adult children as long as they have the same immigration status. It is a good idea to get a notarized document, if you are driving a vehicle beyond the free zone that is not registered in your name, nor the owner is in the vehicle. It should simply state that the owner has given you permission to drive the vehicle, you may want to include the make, model, year, color and VIN number. The Rocky Point Times Newspaper strives to keep the information up-to-date. Laws, rules and info. change constantly, so if you notice an error, or have additional info., please let us know so that we may change the info. Contact us with questions or corrections at rptimes@ prodigy.net.mx or phone (480) 463-6255 or local 383-6325.
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
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INAPAM: Mexico’s Discount Card for Seniors Getting Your Documents
Apostilled for Mexico
One of the most popular programs that senior citizens in Mexico enroll for is the INAPAM (Instituto Nacional para las Personas Adultas Mayores) discount card. This is offered to all Mexicans and foreign residents who are 60 years of age or older and enables them to enjoy worthwhile discounts on a whole range of goods and services including food, medicines, transport, clothing, as well as recreation and leisure activities. Increasing numbers of firms and businesses are actively advertising the fact that they offer discounts to INAPAM card holders, and even those who don’t may well give a discount on goods and services you buy, if you present your card to them. Many organizations in Mexico are pleased to give seniors a discount, and this card is the means by which prove your residency and age qualification status. Once enrolled you receive a plastic card that you can present at various stores, businesses, and government service agencies across Mexico to claim discounts of between 10% and 50% on goods and services you buy. The City of Puerto Peñasco also offers discounts on property taxes and water bills to senior citizens with this card. Here are some examples of the services that offer discounts: Healthcare: Many pharmacies give discounts on medications (medicines are already much less expensive in Mexico than the US, and these discounts are in addition to the lower prices Americans enjoy here), and some dentists and doctors and other medical specialists will also give seniors a discount when they present the card Public Transportation: Bus companies, airlines, and some local taxi firms offer discounts on fares; Food and Groceries: Local food stores, convenience stores, and specialist food emporiums offer discounts on your grocery shopping, saving you more money on your basic living costs Leisure: Many hotels and travel agencies in Mexico offer discounts to senior citizens who present the card. If you plan a party, many of the festivity halls (salon de fiestas) offer a discount on rentals to seniors booking the facilities Eating Out: Many cafes and diners, including the big-name national diner chains, offer discounts to INAPAM card holders Culture: Many museums, archaeology parks, art galleries, and bookstores offer
discounts to card holders Miscellany: A whole raft of businesses offer seniors a discount when they present their card, for example: legal firms, art & craft stores, car service and repair centers, computer sales and repair stores, clothing and apparel stores, accountants, construction firms, hardware stores, florists, printers, locksmiths, jewelry stores, beauty salons, home DIY centers, stationers, plumbers, electricians, dry cleaners, veterinary services, etc. Discount on Property Taxes and Water Bills: Puerto Peñasco and many municipalities are offering seniors a discount on their annual property taxes (Predial) and their water bills. Discounts, where offered, vary by municipality. Check locally for details in your area. How to Apply for the Card: The INAPAM card is available to all seniors who are 60 years or older. It’s simple and free to apply for the card. You will need to present some official identification, like a passport or driver’s license, your birth certificate and, as a foreigner, you will also need to present your old FM3/FM2 or your new Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente residency permit. You will also be asked for a utility bill or some other document that shows your current address in Mexico. Most people use their telephone bill. You take these documents (as well as 2 photocopies of each) along with three passport-sized photographs of yourself to your local government office dealing with INAPAM applications (check locally where you live) and, when the application is completed, you will be presented with a card that you can use to obtain the discounts. The government also staffs a helpline that is open from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekdays to answer questions you may have. The call is free from inside Mexico, dial (01-800) 0073705. You can find additional information online about the program and the application process on the INAPAM web site. The page is in Spanish so you may want to ask someone who reads Spanish to help, or you may be able to get the needed information by using Google Translate. Basic living costs in Mexico are already lower than those in the US, Canada and Europe, but with the INAPAM card, seniors can enjoy even more discounts, thereby helping to make their fixed incomes stretch even further in retirement.
This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
Apostille for Legal Documents For certain legal procedures, usually related to immigration, residency, investment, or marriage (or a combination of these) it may be necessary to present Mexican authorities with foreign legal documents as part of application procedure - Real Estate purchase documents and Power of Attorneys are among the most common. Before the Mexican authorities will receive foreign-issued legal documents for processing, it’s necessary to get these Apostatized. The Apostle Convention, as it’s known, is an international treaty which many countries are signatory to. The convention sets out a procedure through which a document issued in one of the signatory countries can be certified for legal purposes in all the other signatory countries. Mexico signed up to the treaty in 1995, making it far simpler for foreigners to present their legal documents here. The US, Mexico, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, India, South Africa, and Japan are among major countries signed-up to the treaty. If your country is not a signatory, alternative certification procedures may exist, and you should contact your consulate for advice. US Documents: If the documents that you need to get apostatized emanated in the United States, Apostle. net offers a useful guide of procedures for all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. If you need help (including assistance if you’re overseas and/or if you need someone to do the legwork for you) you can get them to take care of it for you. They will ship the Apostatized documents within the US and internationally. This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
Note for Canadians: Canada is not signatory to the convention, and these procedures do not apply there. Canada has instead a notarization procedure for legal documents. In practice, when you need to submit legal documents in Mexico which were not issued in Mexico-such as POA, birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates, diplomas, certificates of company incorporation, etc, you need to go to a “competent authority” in the country where the document was issued to have any certified copies Apostatized. Each country has its own procedures for doing this and you should look online for more information: search for “Apostle of documents in [country] or [state]”. If you show up at the application center in Mexico (most usually a Real Estate closing, an Immigration or Registrar’s office) without these types of documents having been Apostatized they will not honor your paperwork as legal in Mexico.
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
New 2017 Tide Calendar
One Tequila! Two Tequila! Three Tequila! Floor!
By Stephanie Wood
What beverage immediately comes to mind when you think of Mexico? Tequila of course! Aside from all of the great times you may or may not remember…tequila has a rich history and is a unique product of Mexico.
By Vince Deadmond
I look forward to the new Puerto Peñasco/San Felipe tide calendar. The photos are always top notch, and it gets me thinking about planning future trips to Rocky Point. I keep a trailer at Playa de Oro RV Park, so it’s easy for me to throw together an impromptu quick trip, whenever I have the time. When other friends or family are involved, they usually think traveling to Mexico is a bigger deal than it really is, and they need more time to prepare. As a fly fisher the tide chart is a useful tool. A tide cycle takes a little more than a 24 hour day. It takes 24 hours and 50 minutes, that’s why the next day the high and low tide are almost an hour later. I like to be able to plan my day around an incoming tide. If the high tide is early in the day, even better. I have found that I generally catch more fish on an incoming tide. The neap tides, the smaller ones twice a month, are easier to control your pontoon boat, and it’s easier to detect strikes if you are not distracted. Neap tides are usually only 5-6 feet of difference between high and low tide, spring tides, the big ones, can have as much as a 20 foot difference between the high and low tide. I have caught my largest fish on incoming spring tides, fishing from shore. I usually go through a new calendar and highlight the tides
that I would like to fish. You can get your tide information online, and the Rocky Point Times is always good about having a tide chart. It’s nice to have the whole year laid out so you can think about holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other important dates. My wife Debi reminds me that I usually forget about the important dates and go fishing anyway. There are certainly better times of the year than winter to plan a fishing trip to Puerto Peñasco. Yes, you can fish year round, but January-March can be a bit off until the water starts to warm up in the spring. April-July are usually good fishing months, but the wind can play havoc with your fishing plans. Summer fishing July-September is usually good, but you need to plan your fishing day for an early sun rise start, then to get out of the sun before noon. A favorite time of the year to fish is the fall, October-December. Usually not as much wind and storms, the water is warm, and the fish are hungry. Several local businesses have the Puerto Peñasco/San Felipe tide calendar for sale, including the Rocky Point Times Newspaper offices. Hope I see you on the water soon. Vince Deadmond the Fly Fishing Hardware Guy can be reached at Best True Value Hardware 237 N Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ. vince@ajbest.com and at 480 982 7461.
Vince Deadmond the Fly Fishing Hardware Guy can be reached at Best True Value Hardware 237 N Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ vince@ajbest.com and at 480 982 7461.
A fun activity, that I highly recommend making the time to do in Rocky Point, is to go tequila tasting at the Tequila Factory. You are guided through the history and making of tequila by Fernando, who also pours samples of each tequila as he educates. First, Fernando is awesome! It doesn’t matter if there is one person in the Tequila Factory or a tour bus full; Fernando entertains, educates, and pours samples –a smidge, a sample, or a “crawl out” shot depending on your preference. You can come in to sample one, or a few tequilas, or you can sample the entire inventory. I won’t give you his whole presentation, because it’s definitely something to experience live, but I’ll give some highlights so you can appreciate what you are drinking from silver to supremo tequila. Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the state of Jalisco. Mexican laws state tequila can only be produced in five (5!) states: Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit and Tamaulipas. Tequila is recognized as a Mexican designation of origin product in most countries. The process of turning the agave plant into tequila is a centuries old art form that is unchanged and remains largely a manual effort passed down through the generations. Jimadores are the workers who cultivate the blue agave plant
and have to know when to harvest the piñas, or hearts (corazónes), of the plant (usually around 8-10 years). The piñas are cooked in ovens for 30-40 hours until the blue agave is caramelized into sugar. This sugar is fermented and distilled for varying amounts of time to produce different tequilas: silver or blanco tequila is the youngest member of the family. Young being relative, since it took almost 10 years of manual labor for that bottle of blanco to be produced. Next you have Reposado, which has been aged in a wood barrel for at least 3 months. Then you have Añejo, which has been aged for a minimum of 16 months. Finally, there is Supremo, which is aged for at least 36 months. At the Tequila Factory you get to taste the unique differences in these distillery processes. Manny’s Beach Club tequila, their signature brand, comes from Jalisco. In addition, tequila can be mixed with flavored extracts to create liqueurs. Tequila Factory offers flavored tequilas: coffee, caramel, chocolate, mint, piña colada, almond, raspberry, apple, pomegranate, watermelon, and peach. Fernando has created signature shots layering flavors and a dash of “silver” which are crazy delicious! If there is a mixture you love but don’t want to buy multiple bottles, he will mix a custom flavor for you to take home…that’s customer service! In addition to their signature brand tequila, they sell other local brands including Tequilito, which was a house brand served at Mickey’s restaurant in the Old Port. When Mickey passed away, his customers would come in asking for it, so Tequila Factory was able to track down its origins and sells this piece of Rocky Point history as well. You can also buy agave syrup, souvenirs made from tequila barrels by local artists, and actual small barrels full of tequila. Now what are you going to do with your tequila? You can sip it “neat” and chilled. My aunt and uncle mix tequila, lime, ice and Fresca for a low carb margarita. My favorite margarita is the Barefoot Contessa’s “Real Margaritas” which combines fresh lemon, lime, white tequila and triple sec. (I usually substitute Blue Curacao for triple sec because who doesn’t like a blue drink) and it doesn’t have any added sugar, so a splash of agave syrup would be a perfect touch. I also favor a Bloody Maria (tequila instead of vodka) over an everyday Bloody Mary. And of course...there’s always the tequila shot... Arriba! Abajo! Al Centro! Por a’dentro!
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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
GENERALINFORMATION ATV’s ATV’S ARE NOT PERMITTED ON CITY BEACHES Please follow these rules when riding ATV’s in Rocky Point. • Helmets recommended • Only 2 persons per ATV • No riding after dark • Driver’s must be 16 yrs. of age • Do not race, jump, do wheelies, etc. • Do not drink and drive DO NOT RIDE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS Main Blvd. Benito Juarez Blvd. Fremont or in the Old Port
You will be fined if riding in these areas. Fines are to be paid only at the police station.
$$ BANKING & MONEY $$ Typical Bank Hours Mon.-Fri. open 8:30 or 9 AM, close 4 or 5 PM Saturday 9 or 10 AM - 2 PM Banks do not offer Safety Deposit Boxes BANKS IN PUERTO PEÑASCO BANAMEX Sucursal Pinacate Blvd. Benito Juárez & Campeche 383-3943 or 383-4830 Blvd. Benito Juárez & Blvd. López Portillo 388-5842 or 388-5844 BANCOMER 383-2947 or 383-2430 Blvd. Benito Juárez & V. Estrella and in Plaza Fremont BANORTE 383-5955 • Blvd. Benito Juárez 388-6901 • Blvd. Fremont & Sinaloa SANTANDER SERFIN 383-2091 or 383-4288 Blvd. Benito Juárez & Calle 13 Hwy. 85, north of town ATM MACHINES ATM’s are located at the banks and have 24 hr. access. They give pesos only. The only one that gives dollars is the Banorte ATM on Fremont. When the machine prompts Pesos? Dollars? you must select pesos or your transaction will be aborted. There are U.S. ATM machines in Ajo, Why and Lukeville, AZ. CHECKS & CREDIT CARDS Most merchants do not accept U.S. checks and they are not cashable at banks or money exchanges. Some merchants do accept credit cards, but check first and ask if there is an additional charge. MONEY EXCHANGE All merchants accept USD. If you would like to exchange your dollars into pesos you can do so at one of the banks or at the money exchanges. Depending on the exchange rate, sometimes you are better off paying in USD or pesos, you will have to do the math. TRAVELERS CHECKS Travelers Checks are accepted by some merchants, but are not cashable at any bank in Puerto Peñasco. U.S. BANKS Closest U.S. bank to Puerto Peñasco National Bank 101 La Mina Avenue, Ajo, AZ 85321 (520) 387-7616 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)
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
Adonai Comunidad Cristiana Lucero Viuda de Morúa #257 between López Mateos & Healy Col. Luis Donaldo Colosio Tel. 638.383.3865 www.adonaicc.net
WEDDINGS: You need the proper documentation to be legally married in Mexico. Please see the “Weddings” section for more information
Assembly of God 383-3364 Ave. Luis Encinas & 27th Street
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
Apostolic Church Constitucion Ave. & 15th Street Grupo Unidad Cristianos de Peñasco Pastor Ernesto Portugal 383-2240 North on Benito Juarez to Simon Morua, turn right (east), 1 blk. past Ace Hardware, turn right, church is on your left before Melchor Ocampo. English Headphone available Sunday Services 9:30am-11:15 & 11:30-1:30 Thursday: 7:30 - 9:00pm Church office hours Monday - Friday 9:30am to 2:00pm Peñasco Christian Fellowship 383-4513 ask for Stan or Becky Tedrow On Melchor Ocampo, 1/2 blk. E. of Blvd. Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez. Bilingual Services Sunday Services: 10am and 11:15am Wednesday Services: 7:00pm Family of God Christian Fellowship Non-Denominational Worship Services 383-3480 Blvd. Costero N 2000A, Fracc. Las Palomas English Services, Everyone Welcome Spanish Translation Offered Sunday Services: 9:00am Iglesia Sagrado Corazon de Jesus (Sacred Heart Church) Paseo V. Estrella in Old Port. Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall 388-6244 Stadium road, on the left side just before Blvd. Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, behind COFESA Sunday-English 9:30AM Mormon Church 18th St & Cuauhtémoc Ave Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe 383-2959 Calle 20 Simon Morua Sunday Services: 8:00 am and 10:00 am 1:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm Rocky Point Bible Church Iglesia Ev. Nuevo Nacimiento Pastor Manuel Agundez Blvd. Samuel Ocaña between San Luis and Guillermo Prieto Services in Spanish, but many English speaking groups attend to translate Services Sunday and Wednesday and Bible Study Groups Children’s Ministry every Saturday in Colonia Nueva Good News Club with Esperanza de Vida San Francisco Blvd. Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Sunday Service: 11:00 am San Jose Mission Church in Cholla Bay
EMERGENCIES
Clínica San Jose 383-5121 English Speaking Doctors Blvd. Benito Juarez Clínica Santa Isabel (Maternity) 383-3645 Puerto Peñasco Clínica Santa María 383-2440 Puerto Peñasco CLOSEST U.S. CLINIC Desert Senita Health Center 401 Malcate, Ajo, AZ 85321 Off main blvd. at curve, N of the bank (520) 387-5651 CRUZ ROJA (RED CROSS) EMERGENCY DIAL 065 383-2266 Cruz Roja Mexicana Services are absolutely free 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week Red Cross does not receive any funding and operate solely on donations. Your contributions will be welcome at any time in their office on Blvd Fremont or stop when you see them on your way into town. Red Cross has Technicians and Instructors available in case of a disaster in Puerto Peñasco. They treat non-life threatening wounds and can prepare patients for ground or air ambulance service to U.S. OTHER IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS dialed from Mexico AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE AirEvac......................001-880-321-9522 Sky Med...................001-866-805-9624 CLINICS...............see Clincs on this page HOSPITALS Community...............................383-4566 IMSS..........................................383-5186 EMERGENCY NUMBERS WHEN IN DOUBT DIAL 066 Electric dial...071 Fire Department dial...068 Marine Rescue dial...462,627 or 767 VHF Channel 26 is monitored by CBSC Police dial...060 WHEN IN DOUBT DIAL 911 or 066
FIRST AID Scorpion Stings First aid for any scorpion sting should involve cooling the wound, which allows the body to more easily break down the molecular structure of the venom. Cooling also reduces pain. Use ice or cool running water if available. On a warm night, a wet compress will help. Keep the victim calm and still. Panic and activity speed up the venom’s spread. Symptoms may include heavy sweating, difficulty swallowing, blurred vision, loss of bowel control, jerky muscular reflexes, and respiratory distress. These serious signs are cause for quick evacuation to a medical facility. Antitoxins are available in many areas where dangerous scorpions live. The doctors, clinics and Red Cross are experts at treating stings. Snake Bites Yes! We do have snakes in Puerto Peñasco. Not usually found in city areas. If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, or any other kind of venmous snake, seek medical attention immediately. Anti-venom is available here in Peñasco. Jellyfish They are usually bright blue and are present in our waters during June, July and August, although they are sometimes hard to see because of the clarity of the water. Some years we have a few, and other years we have tons. In some beach communities, you will find far less than others. A good test to see if they are present, is to look along the tidelines for any that have washed ashore if they’re up there then there’s a pretty good chance they’re in the water. Use caution when walking barefoot on the beach or digging through the sand with your hands, they can still sting you (I know from experience). If you are stung, get to a doctor or the Red Cross immediately for treatment. Stingray Stings Our Rocky Point doctors, clinics and Red Cross are well adept at treating stings. The best way to avoid a sting is by doing the “stingray shuffle!” To avoid stepping on a ray, shuffle your feet slowly as you move through the surf to scare the rays away. Round stingrays are very good at burying in the sand and will remain buried even as you approach. By shuffling your feet you will brush against them and they will scurry away. If you walk through the water as you normally do you will most likely step square on the back of them which causes their barbed tail to come up and sting you. Be extra careful in area where the sediment is silty/sand or where the water is particularly warm. What do you do if you get stung by a ray? Get out of the water and head to the nearest doctor. If you are stranded out where these facilities are not available follow these steps and seek medical attention as soon as you can. First, let the wound bleed - this will allow any toxins entered with the barb to get out. Next, immerse the wound in hot water, as hot as the patient can stand for approximately 45 minutes: This denatures the protein toxin and relieves a majority of the pain. Then treat wound as any other puncture wound or cut, keep clean and bandage: This reduces the chance of infection, promotes healing. If pain or bleeding persists, if wound is large or if patient shows signs of an allergic reaction, see a doctor immediately! If you are staying at a resort go to the desk or convenience store - they may have a first aid kit with a treatment.
FISHING & BOATING PERSONAL WATERCRAFT You do not need to obtain a boat permit for your persona watercraft. However, if you plan to fish from your boat, each person fishing must have a fishing license which can be purchased here in Puerto Peñasco. As with vehicles, it is a good idea to carry two copies of your title and registration for your watercraft and trailer. DO NOT BRING THE ORIGINALS! One copy should be kept on your boat/watercraft and the other shoud be carried on your person or put in a safe location during your stay. FISHING PERMITS You MUST have a fishing license for everyone onboard a boat, even if they are not fishing, permits are checked. You do not need a permit if you are fishing from the shore. Permits can be obtained locally at the Capitania de Puerto, M-F, 8AM to 3PM or at the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix. Fishing Permit Rates (approx.) Pesos Daily - $106.00; Weekly - $220.00 Monthly - $315.00; Yearly - $410.00 CHARTERS Many charter boats and pangas are available for hire by the hour/half-day/ day, or organized trip. We do not have any companies that rent boats for your personal use. Charter boats are located all over town and at the docks and on your way into Old Port (right hand side) as well as at Safe Marina and in Cholla Bay. Reputable charters are always the best choice. Please make sure there is enough safety gear on the boat for all persons in your party and that the captain has a marine radio in the event of an emergency. Fishing en Peñasco: Seasonal Fishing Calendar FISH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Trigger Fish Corvina Dolphin Fish Dorado Flounder Grouper Mackeral Pinto Bass Pompano Red Snapper Rock Bass Sea Bass Sea Trout Sierra Skipjack Yellowtail
FISHING & BOATING CON’T SEASONAL FISHING Spring: March, April, May Yellowtail, Grouper, Snapper, Whitefish, Pinto and Bass Summer: June, July, August Sailfish, Dolphin Fish, Marlin, Skipjack, Sierra Fall: September, October, November Sailfish, Dolphin Fish, Marlin, Skipjack, Sierra Winter: December, January, February Yellowtail, Grouper, Pinto Bass, Snapper
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GENERALINFORMATION FM3 & IMMIGRATION IMMIGRATION OFFICE Open Mon.-Fri. 8:00AM - 12:00NOON (011-52-638) 383-2526 For more info on how to obtain your Visitor or Permanent Resident Visa go to http://www.inm.gob.mx/ index.php and click on the English tab, or you can go directly to the Immigration Office and they will be happy to help you. The office is located on Blvd. Fremont at Fremont Plaza, across from Banorte. There are many companies and individuals which can assist you with your immigration paperwork, please look in our Classified Section, under “Services” for suggestions.
GREEN ANGELS Angeles Verdes EMERGENCY DIAL 078 The Green Angels patrol the highway (Hwy. 8) from Puerto Peñasco to Sonoyta offering free roadside assistance to 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 entrace to the Reserve (located in Nayarit, approx. 20 miles N of Rocky Point). This will allow Biosphere personnel to make sure you are safe at all times.
• Speed Limit: 25 MPH • Terrain/Roads: Dirt, desert • Watch out for flora and fauna • Do not leave the road in your vehicle • Take enough drinking water with you • Respect all signs on roads and trails • Do not remove or damage plants, rocks, wood, animals or artifacts • Take all trash and waste with you • Do not enter the region from any unauthorized access road CAMPING & CAMPSITES Red Cone, El Tecolote, Backcountry areas INTERPRETATIVE TRAILS El Elegante Crater Trail 1.2 mile linear trail Walk 0.6 miles on the border of El Elegante crater. Terrain is mostly flat. Mayo Cone Trail 1.2 mile linear trail Located in El Tecolote camping area Walk 0.6 miles to the top of Mayo Cone. You will climb 344 ft. to the top. This hike is rated as a medium difficulty trail.
RV PARKS DRY CAMPING There are a few places to dry camp on the beach north and south of Rocky Point, but really nowhere in city limits except on Sandy Beach next to The Reef, and Concha Del Mar at the other end of Sandy Beach. Almost all of the RV Parks in Puerto Peñasco offer tent camping. There are three oceanfront rv parks with services available and many more in town or with an ocean view. Oceanfront RV parks are: Cholla Bay - The Reef (638) 383-0650 El Mirador - Playa de Oro (638) 2668 Sandy Beach - Playa Bonita (638) 383-2596 Sandy Beach - Concha del Mar (638) 383-4273 Pets are allowed on the beaches and at the RV parks. Dogs must be leashed and please pick up after them. See “Pets” in this section for more information. Please call the individual park for their rates and reservations.
U.S. DMV (MOTOR VEHICLES) The closest U.S. Department of Motor Vehicles to Puerto Peñasco is in Gila Bend. Authorized Service Provider Registration, title, no original drivers licenses, copies/ duplicates only. M-F 9AM-6PM, SAT 9AM-1PM 606 E. Pima St. • (928) 683-2577
VIRTUAL CONSULATE The 1st Wednesday of every month, the Virtual Consulate is open to the American Community. Located at City Hall on the 1st floor facing Fremont Blvd. 10am-12pm.
WEDDINGS Rocky Point offers a variety of perfect wedding settings - from a barefoot sunset wedding to a lavish wedding at a 5-star resort. Many of the hotels, resorts and restaurants offer wedding planning services and catering as do these wedding specilaists:
Si I Do! - (011-52-638) 383-0700 www.siido.com
Wedding Music by Pablo 602) 288-8687 LEGAL CEREMONY IN MEXICO To get married in a legal ceremony in Puerto Peñasco you need: Birth certificates, translated into Spanish, notarized in Mexico; Divorce Decree; Blood test (in Rocky Point); Visas (FMT’s); 4 Witnesses (w/Visas). Your wedding planner will help you plan your reinactment ceremony as well.
TELEPHONES Puerto Peñasco’s phone company for home and business hook-up is Telefonos de Mexico (TelMex). Cellular service is available through TelCel and Movistar. U.S. carrier AT&T works pretty good here as long as you have the International Plan. DIALING INSTRUCTIONS Call Mexico from U.S. & Canada to dial a land line 011+52+638+7-digit number to dial a Peñasco cellular 011+52+1+638+7-digit number Call U.S. & Canada from Mexico dial 001+(area code)+7 digit number Call Collect from Mexico to U.S. dial 090 for a bilingual operatorCall Overseas from Mexico dial 00+country code+city code+phone number Country codes and Mexico area codes are listed in the TelMex Phone book Call another City in Mexico dial 01+(city code)+number AT&T Operator dial 001-800-462-4240 TELEPHONE COMPANY Telefonos de Mexico (TelMex) Juan de la Barrera and Calle 18 Office open 8 am • 383-2288 Phone & Internet services available TelMex (Land Line) Prefixes 383, 382, 388, 102, 108 Phone numbers are written in a variety of ways, here are a few you may see around town. 3-6325 = dial 383 + 6325 638-38-36325 = dial 383-6325 (638) 383-6325 = dial 383-6325 52+(638) 383-6325 = dial 383-6325 Mexico’s Country Code = 52 Puerto Peñasco’s City Code = 638 LONG DISTANCE To make a long distance call, your best bet is to find a cafe or internet cafe with a VOIP phone. Second best is to purchase a prepaid phone card (LADATEL) from pharmacies or businesses, and use one of the many pay phones along the streets - follow the instructions on the phone. You can also use one of the long distance (larga distancia) calling services located around town.
U.S. CALLING CARDS If you use your calling card and dial an 800#, that is not toll free within Mexico, you will be charged twice for this call - 1 charge for calling the 800 #, and then a 2nd charge on your phone card. You may also use one of the long distance services to call the U.S. and Canada. CELLULAR PHONES to dial a cell phone from a land line dial 044 + 638 + 7-digit number to dial from local cell to local cell dial 638 + 7-digit number to dial out of city cell from local cell dial 045 + city code + 7-digit number Any number that does not start with a 383, 388, 382, 102 or 108 is most likely a cellular phone You cannot dial a U.S. 800# from your Mexican cellular phone. The only U.S. cell carrier, we have found to work in Rocky Point 96% of the time, is AT&T’s International Plan. All services work - SMS, MMS, Blackberry, etc. Follow the instructions (left) for dialing the U.S. or Canada, and to dial a land line. To dial a cell phone, you may have to dial 044 + 638 + 7-digit number, or you may just need to drop the 044. Sometimes, when calling a local cell, I had to dial as if I were dialing a cell from the U.S. Check plans and where you spend the most time. TelCel’s Blackberry plan is much cheaper than AT&T’s, plus they have a reasonable International Plan for when I travel to the U.S. You can also get an unlocked phone, buy a SIM card, and switch chips as you cross the border. Mexico cell carriers are supposed to start fingerprinting everyone who purchases a cell phone or SIM card. AREA CODES FOR NEARBY CITIES Caborca.............................................637 El Golfo de Santa Clara.................................653 Guaymas...........................................622 Hermosillo........................................662 Mexicali, B.C.................................................686 Nogales.................................................631 Santa Ana.....................................................641 San Luis Rio Colorado..................................653 San Carlos.....................................................622 San Felipe, B.C...............................................686 Sonoyta...................................................651 Check phonebook for more area codes
VOIP LINES Local internet acccess enables you to use a VOIP line in Rocky Point. HOW TO DIAL 800’s U.S. 800#’s are not free of charge when called from Mexico. The charge for calling an 800# is approx. $1USD/min. 800 = dial 001+880+phone number 888 = dial 001+881+phone number 877 = dial 001+882+phone number 866 = dial 001+883+phone number 855 = dial 001+884+phone number 844 = dial 001+885+phone number
WEATHER Puerto Peñasco is known for having 362 days of sunshine! The wind does kick up, a few sprinkles will fall, and the humidity creeps in around July/August, but other than that it’s darn near perfect around here.
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Businessmen Accompany Mayor Kiko Munro on Trade Mission to California
A New Service in town
By Linda Mottle and Sandy Spain
Conservator Services
Mayor Kiko Munro led an important business and tourism promotion mission trip to California, accompanied by municipal officials and local businessmen, with support of the Mexico Consul in Oxnard, Roberto Rodriguez. In Los Angeles the group was received by the Regional Executive Director of the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, Marlen Marroquin, who showed great interest in promoting Peñasco’s sea products on the Asian market, among other things. During the trade mission, the Mayor was accompanied by Municipal Director of Tourism, Luis Altamirano, as well as important business leaders such as Steve Schwab of Sea Side Reservations, and Gustavo Brown of Sandy Beach Resorts. At the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles they were greeted by the representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Jorge Gamboa Patron, who reiterated support of the Federal Government in promoting Puerto Peñasco as a safe destination with important offerings in natural resources and services. During a meeting with the Consul of Mexico in San Bernardino, Salomon Rosas, main issues addressed included
attracting investment and new flights to Puerto Peñasco. In Oxnard, Mayor Kiko Munro and his entourage met with Ventura County Airport Director, Jorge Rubio, while in Santa Barbara they met with members of the Real Estate sector. During the tour the Mayor was also received by Port Hueneme Mayor, Jonathan Sharkey, with whom he exchanged experiences about business opportunities in both cities. In Port Hueneme the group also met with Will Berg to discuss areas of opportunity in developing a project for a loading dock in Puerto Peñasco. The three-day visit to California ended in a meeting with Ventura Yacht Club commodore, Brian McKenna, who explained his interest in visiting Puerto Peñasco and continuing to promote opportunities for regattas, and investing in the development of marinas. Mayor Kiko Munro expressed his gratitude to the Mexico Consul in Oxnard, Roberto Rodriguez, for his valuable promotion of the destination and willingness to encourage an agenda for even a possible Sister City relationship with the city of Santa Barbara.
This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
Well-known local business woman, Georgina Ross of Bilingual Services has established a new service to assist non-Mexican part time visitors and full time residents. Ms. Ross, originally from Peru, has lived in California, has a current home in Ajo, AZ, and has had her thriving business in Peñasco for over 11 years, earning her much respect from local officials. She and her staff are bilingual. Can you benefit from this new service? Well, ask yourself, what happens to my home, and my local services, such as mail, telephone, electricity, etc., when I die? Can a member of your family promptly come to town to take care of the multi-step processes for securing funeral arrangements, required death certificates, and what entities have to be notified? If you answered NO to any of these questions, you and your family need this new supportive service. This service can help you and your family protect your assets, and assist with any associated services your family needs. To engage this service, you will need to complete a data sheet with pertinent information, local services and Mexican assets, as well as your wishes upon death and disposition of personal property. Subscribing to this service will allow your family peace of mind by having a local advocate. To learn more
about this service, attend one of the upcoming short presentations; on Friday, January 20 at 3 PM or Thursday, January 26, at 3 PM, at the Playa Bonita restaurant conference room. Additional presentations will be scheduled for February and March throughout town. If you, or your group is interested in having a presentation, or want more information, please contact Georgina Ross at: Office; (638) 388-5322, USA (520) 265-3789 or Cell; (044638) 112-0922.
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
CLUBSANDORGANIZATIONS AACORP (ANIMAL CENTER) Founder: Nancy Phelan: 383-1012 Leon de la Barra (Calle 15), 3 blocks east of the main blvd. Benito Juarez nancy_phelan@yahoo.com AACORP Tax Deductible Donations PO Box 1031, Lukeville, AZ 85341 A group dedicated to helping the stray animals by providing no-cost spay and neuter clinics, adoption, dog and cat food, medicine and medical care. The center is run solely on donations and is an Arizona 501(c)3 non-profit corporation so all of your donations are taxdeductible. The center is always in desperate need of dog, cat, kitten and puppy food, animal toys, bedding, cleaning supplies, old towels and blankets as well as medicine and monetary donations to pay vet bills, purchase animal food and medicine. Please drop off food/supplies directly to the center.
AMPI The Asociación Mexcana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios (AMPI), or the Mexican Association of REal Estate Professionals, Puerto Peñasco 51, represents ethical professionalism in real estate practice and promotes education among real estate professionals. A sister organization to National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the United Estates, AMPI owrks closely iwth the State of Sonora to provide education for real estate licensure, which is required in the State of Sonora for all agents who represent any type of property transaction including sales, rentals, property management, and promotion. Active in the community, AMPI promotes Puerto Peñasco as a vacation and retirement destination, members donate generously to local causes, and AMPI works with orther organizations to sponsor community activities. AMPI operates the local Multiple Listing SErvice (MLS) on behalf of our real estate clients. Board members: President: Rommel Bustamante Vice President: Sarina Brown Treasurer: Rebecca Palomino Legal: Ricardo Borquez Secretary/V.P. Communications: Robin Miller V.P. Ethics: Kyle Wood V.P. Education: Kenneth Wallace Flex MLS AC Advisor: John Walz For Inquiries, please contact: Luisa Federico, AMPI Administrator email: luisa.ampi51@gmail.com AMPI Phone: 638-382-0439
ADOPT-A-CLASSROOM
Provides basic school supplies, computers, copiers, chalkboards, etc. to local classrooms Founder: Barbara Olszewski: 383-4963 (602) 324-9529 www.rockypointclassroom.com Donations can be dropped off at the Rocky Point Times Office or sent to Barb at: PO Box 695, Lukeville, AZ 85341
AGRUPACION GEORGE PAPANICOLAOU Madrid and Ave. Marcelo Pino grupaciongeorgepapanicolaou@hotmail.com Cancer clinic dedicated to early prevention. Screenings and tests available. MONTHLY MEETINGS 1st Thurs. of every month PATIENT CONSULTATIONS Wednesday 9AM-1PM PAP SMEARS Friday 9AM-2PM by appointment only Please call 1 to 2 weeks prior 383-4399
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS AA Passport Club 48 Campeche next door to Galindo’s Cafe M-W-F 10:00 am open meeting Bilingual AA meeting Tu/Thu/Sat - 6:00 pm For more information call Conrado Flores: (044-638) 109-8017 or email Marcia Diane: marsupis@gmail.com EVERYONE WELCOME
AL ANON Al Anon Family Groups. Email to schedule a meeting; Marcia at marsupis@gmail.com
AMERICAN LEGION POST MX 15 141 Chihuahua & Matamoros (Calle #1) Across from Pink Cadillac Open daily and the Public Always Welcome 2016 OFFICERS: Commander: Mike LaBarge Vice Commander: Dan McWhitis 2nd Vice Commander: Robert Rowe Adjutant: Mike Dugas General Meetings 1st Tuesday of month at 10:00 a.m. (from October thru June) Contact Food & Beverage Manager Danny Anderson for information regarding special events, celebrations & dinners throughout the year. Bingo: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 2:00 p.m. NFL Football: Sundays 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Telephone Numbers: U.S. (602) 539-2047 Mexico 011-52 (638) 388-8841 Magic Jack (602) 539-2047 ALL VISITORS WELCOME!
BOOK & EXCHANGE
CEDO CON’T
Rocky Point Times Office Ave. Pino Suarez (off Calle 13) Phone: 383-6325: Mon.-Wed. 9am-5pm www.rptimes.com Free Book, VHS and DVD exchange for all Rocky Point residents and visitors.
Tidepool Explorations Explore the tidepools with CEDO experts.
BUNCO BABES Sandy Spain 388-0857/(044-638) 109-4109 Ladies play Bunco at 3:30pm on the 3rd Wednesday of the month October-June at Giuseppi’s on Blvd. Fremont.
CANACO-SERV Y TUR Puerto Peñasco Chamber of Commerce Servicios y Turismos de Pto. Peñasco Phone: 383-4468 Located on Blvd. Fremont and Coahuila Monday - Friday 8AM-3PM President: Guillermo Muñoz Fierro
(Please note that our Chamber of Commerce is not like
those that you find in U.S. cities and do not provide the same services and information.)
CASA HOGAR (ELDERLY HOME) Director: Santiago Ruiz Hurtado Phone: 383-2599 Ave. Miguel Hidalgo (Calle 13) and Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Casa Hogar is supported solely on donations and they always welcome visitors to sing and play games. Take Blvd. Fremont toward Las Conchas, make a left at the Pemex station, cross over the rrx tracks and they are on your left. If you would like to make a donation you can make a check to: Patronato Pro Asilo de Ancianos de Puerto Peñasco A.C. and drop it off at the home. You may drop checks or donations off at the Rocky Point Times office. Help to pay their electric bill, especially during the summer months, is always needed. You may also make a donation at a local grocery store for the purchase food and items.
AMOR MINISTRIES International Headquarters: 1664 Precision Park Lane San Diego, CA 92173 Phone: (619) 662-1200 www.amor.org Amor Ministries builds more than 1,000 new homes across Mexico for Mexican families. They are selected to receive homes by the Mexico Ministry Planning Board. Pastors discern the needs within their community, present their nominations and one (or more) are selected to receive a new home built by Amor volunteers.
ANTI-GRAFFITI CAMPAIGN Founder: Eloy Gonzalez: 044-638-112-0898 eloy_glez_glez@hotmail.com Group dedicated to wiping out the unsightly graffiti in Puerto Peñasco. Donations of paint, brushes, rollers, and your time are always welcome and needed.
BARB’S DOG RESCUE Help Us Help Them. We are a concerned group of dog lovers working to better the lives of Peñasco’s dogs. We are expanding our facility on the edge of town where we house dogs. We are committed to taking in abandoned and neglected dogs, maintaining and rehabilitating them in a healthy environment and finding loving permanent homes. We ask for your help. Virtually every dog that comes to us is malnourished and in poor health. The need is great. Visit Barb’s Dog Shelter located 8 miles north of Rocky Point on the highway to Sonoyta, where you will see signs. Donations are also accepted at Twin Dolphins Real Estate on Fremont Blvd, next to Cruz Roja. E-Mail barbsdogrescue@ gmail.com Visit us on Facebook or Call Barb at (044-638) 114-1659 or Dee at (044-638) 384-0113 or from the US (602) 324-7241.
CEDO Center for the Study of Oceans & Deserts Phone: 382-0113 or (520) 829-4501 Located in Las Conchas, look for the Fin Whale skeleton Mon. - Sat. 9AM-5PM; Sun. 10AM-2PM PO Box 1579, Lukeville, AZ 85341 info@cedointercultural.org www.cedointercultural.org CEDO is the Intercultural Center for the Study of Oceans and Deserts. Home to a giant fin whale skeleton and a desert botanical garden, CEDO is a field station for researchers and school classes, an education center with library, laboratories, book store and gift shop - An Intercultural Experience. CEDO is a nonprofit organization dedicated to research, education and conservation of the planet’s last great frontiers: the Sea of Cortez. LOTS OF FUN AND GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS! FREE PUBLIC TOURS Every Tuesday 2PM; Saturday 4PM CEDO ADVENTURES FOR EVERYONE Kayak Capers Explore beautiful Estero Morua with expert guides. Local ecology talk, kayak rental, picnic feast,drinks all in an environment rich with shore birds, crabs and halophytes. Estero Excursions Oyster farms, fiddler crabs and the “shrimp dance” are part of this walking tour of a pristine upper Gulf wetland. Kayak Estero Morua and/or tour with CEDO experts.
Explore the Sand Dunes Spectacular Gran Desierto de Altar. This sea of natural dunes is the world’s largest. An experience you won’t forget! Pinacate Adventure Explore the geologic wonders of the Pincate Biosphere Reserve on a tour with CEDO experts. Isla San Jorge Snorkel with the sea lions in their natural habitat at Bird Island or just enjoy the scenery from the boat and take photos. A must do trip!
CHOLLA BAY CHRISTMAS PARTY Donations payable to: Cholla Bay Christmas Fund Please send to: Nancy Schmidli 10645 W Connecticut Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351 An organization that celebrates a Christmas party for their fellow Cholla Bay Mexican neighbors in early December. Santa shows up for pictures with the kids, children get to pick a gift for their mother, take a crack at the piñata, have a group sing-along and munch on hot dogs and chips. After all the fun, Santa delivers gifts for the children and food boxes for the families.
CHOLLA BAY SPORTSMENS CLUB Also referred to as the CBSC Dues: $40, Payable to CBSC PO Box 1320, Lukeville, AZ 85341 The Cholla Bay Sportsmens Club is responsible for maintaining, monitoring, and staffing the VHF Marine Channel 28 for the northern Sea of Cortez as well as CB Radio Channel 3. The CBSC pays the salary of the operator, aides in search and rescue operations and can aid in the transportation of critical victims. They also publish the Cholla Chatter and put on numerous events during the year such as the CBSC Fishing Derby, Horseshoe Tournament and other fun stuff held in Cholla Bay. OFFICERS President: Mike Dugan Vice-President: Pat Goodin: 382-5056 Secretary: Billie Crumbley: 382-5133 Treasurer: Enedina Otañez: 382-5142 Membership: Laura McIntyre BOARD MEMBERS Sal Otañez, Rhea Dugan, Don Schinidli, Paul Schoonover, Shirley McDonald, Tammy Hicks, Larry McIntyre, Kelly and Dave Adams The CBSC provides an invaluable service for those at sea and promotes good relations between American visitors and our Mexican neighbors.
CHOLLA CHARITIES FOUNDATION Sally Dalton: 382-5283 (Xochitl’s Cafe) Donations payable to: Cholla Charity Fund Send to: Kathy Barnard 1547 E. Royal Palm Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85020 Organization that helps Mexican families, who live and work in Cholla Bay, with unexpected expenses such as medical, living, funeral, etc.They also collect and distribute blankets and warm clothing for children in Cholla Bay. Donations may be dropped off at Xochitl’s Cafe in Cholla Bay.
C.I.D.A Director: Joaquin Celaya Rendon Phone: 044-638-102-0514 Call for directions Shelter providing housing, food and care for those addicted to drugs and alcohol.
CONNECTION CLUB Meet every Thursday at 4pm at Puesta Del Sol Restaurant at Playa Bonita Resort. Want to meet folks in Puerto Peñasco? Come to The Connection, a happy hour gathering where you can meet a great group of people. Married? Single? Full-time or part-time resident? Mexican, American, other nationality, young, mature? It doesn’t matter. Everyone is welcome.
COORDINACION DE SALUD MUN. Puerto Peñasco Animal Control Dedicated to prevention and disease control Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Phone: 388-5152 Coordinator: Dra. Socorro Canine Tech.: Mario Lopez Sub-Director: Jesus Bejarano Social Worker: Marina Soto Siqueiros We always welcome donations of dog food, supplies and medicine
D.I.F. Desarrollo Integral de la Familia Sinaloa and Ruiz Cortines dif@puertopenasco.gob.mx difpuertopenasco@hotmail.com www.difpenasco.gob.mx www.puertopenasco.gob.mx Directora: Mayor’s Wife Supported solely by donations, this social service organization offers medical aid and a variety of services for needy families. If you know of a family in need you may contact DIF for help. They hold many public fundraisers throughout the year to raise money.
CHILDREN’S HOME D.I.F. children’s home is on Calle Marcelo Pino and Callejon Benito Juarez. The home is equipped to accommodate 50 children ranging in ages from newborns to 11 years. Children are taken care of until their families have complied with the rehabilitation period, treatments, or requests by SDMF. The home is located just behind the Basic Unit Rehabilitation Center of D.I.F.
EL GOLFO RUN Sandra O’Hare Rocky Point Times Newspaper 383-6325 or from U.S. 480-463-6255 rockypointtimes@yahoo.com
The El Golfo Run is a fun bi-annual 4x4 trip (May and Oct) to El Golfo de Santa Clara through the desert, salt flats and onto the beach - even the coastal hwy. All 4x4’s welcome to join. There is no charge, fee, etc., you pay for your own motel and food when you get there. (Must have a sense of humor and be very patient.)
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CLUBSANDORGANIZATIONS ESPERANZA PARA LOS NIÑOS
LAS CONCHAS HOMEOWNERS ASSOC.
Children’s Home: I.A.P., Casa Hogar para niños desamparados 383-2378 Off of Hwy. 8, 15 mi. N of Rocky Point PO Box 1024, Lukeville, AZ 85341 Secretary: Jose Manuel Barrera Sanchez Treasurer: Florencia Lucila G. Miron The children’s home is located outside of town, apx. 15 miles, and houses anywhere from 10 to 40 children. It provides temporary housing for families that cannot afford to take care of their children or are having a hard time. This is not an orphanage - these children are not up for adoption. They are always in need of cleaning supplies and fresh food (not canned items).
Phone: 382-0050 / (602) 476-1454 Guard Gate: 382-0095 President: Ginger Beauchamp Executive Vice President: Naoma Leader Vice President: Bart Stockton Treasurer: Randi Alcott Secretary: Raylene Pavlicek
ESPERANZA DE VIDA Darlene Laura and Carole Fields Ave. Pino Suarez No. 143, Col. El Ferrocarril, Playa “F” Provides clothes, food, toys and medicine to the children/families in Colonia Nueva area.
FUNERAL HOMES Funeraria Renacimiento 383-1233 Funeraria Santa Cecilia 383-2522
GREEN ANGELS Angeles Verdes Hwy. 8 Patrol: Sunrise to Sunset Pull off shoulder and raise vehicle hood EMERGENCY DIAL 078 Provides assistance, tourist aid, information and emergency radio service for travellers on Hwy. 8 from Sonoyta to Rocky Point. Bilingual “Green Angels” provide protection service, medical aid and basic mechanical aid. There is no charge for mechanical service, you will only pay for auto parts, gas, oil, etc.
GRUPO SAN PEREGRINO Spiritual Support Cancer Group Dra. Arminda Gonzalez: 110-4934 Glenda Lopez: 383-2414 Mariana Perez: (044-638) 102-0564 sanperegrinopenasco@gmail.com The group’s mission is to provide spiritual and monetary support to individuals in Rocky Point that are affected by cancer.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Hábitat para la Humanidad, Mexico A.C. Pedro Martínez, English Spoken: 383-4323 Habitat for Humanity builds homes for families in need all over the world.
HELPING HANDS Manos de Ayuda, Inc. 383-5287 or (520) 760-8645 President: Ramon Contreras Pamela J. Lyke Marquez: pjlmarquez@aol.com Manos de Ayuda, Inc. is a non-profit corporation that provides rehabilitation, health education, medical and therapy equipment and supplies to children with special needs. They also help with construction modifications at a nursing home, a free clinic, and day care facility. These projects are made possible by volunteer efforts and financial assistance. Your help is always needed.
I.R.A.D. Director: Julio Alberto Lucero Arreola 044-638-109-2566 Located off of Cholla Bay Road I.R.A.D. is the institute for the recovery of drug addicts and alcoholics. The shelter houses, feeds and cares for those persons addicted. They rely and operate solely on donations and often sell candy to raise money to keep the centers open. They will always present their identification.
LIONS CLUB Phone: 383-2488 Ave. Niños Heroes and Juan Aldama President: Ramón Ramos Rodríguez Women’s Committee President Lupita de Ramos Some of their programs include info. & action for the prevention of hypertension and diabetes, prescription glasses, eye surgery, supply wheelchairs, braces, crutches, etc. Donations of eyeglasses, or any other items may be dropped off at the office of the RPTimes.
MEN’S SHELTER Centro de Rehabilitación para Adultos y Jovenes La Esperanza A.C. Local Director: C. José de La Cruz Bravo 044-638-106-4079 identificacruz@live.com.mx On Simon Morua behind the new cemetery The center helps men in need by providing clothing, housing, job training and food. They run solely on donations.
MEXICO CHILDRENS FOUNDATION
OA
RED CROSS (CRUZ ROJA) CON’T
SANTIAGO RUIZ SALCIDO ASSOCIATION
Overeaters Anonymous Tuesdays 9:30AM Manuel Arista (some as AA) Phone: 044-638-103-3405 48 Campeche Ave.
They have ambulance service and offer their services 24 hours a day. They work with local doctors and clinics to provide emergency care for patients with more serious injuries. They operate solely on donations, so please donate when you can. They are always in need of medical supplies, crutches, wheelchairs, etc. You may drop off donations at the Red Cross or at the office of the Rocky Point Times. The Red Cross can fill Portable Oxygen Tanks with prior notice.
This group offers help to people in their terminal cancer phase. It is comprised of a group of people who offer care to cancer patients who suffer from a terminal illness, when the time comes that the hospital can do nothing further. The patients are given support to help them have a better quality of life by receiving love, respect, and understanding in their final hours. Contact: awyspot@hotmail.com Santiago Ruiz Salcido Rocky Point cellular (044-638) 384-6166 The groups’ basic needs are adult diapers, Ensure shakes, medicines, hospital beds etc.
OC3AN VIEW MINISTRY (A brand new ministry in good hands) Hosted on the spacious and breath taking property of Granada Del Mar Hotel in Mirador, OC3AN VIEW MINISTRY has opened its doors; a non-profit designed to serve ministries from all across the US and Mexico, to bring aide and comfort to folks in need in Puerto Peñasco. We are currently creating an onsite store for distribution of donations of furniture, clothing, appliances, tool and bedding. For Ministry information contact: Director Conrado Rodriquez conrado4evryng44@gmail.com
U.S 480-264-1172 MX. 638-383-2148 OLD BOYS SOCIAL CLUB
President: Lew Felton Fun group that hold meetings every month and puts on a variety of fun activities such as the Bash every year and donates to local charities and organizations.
PEÑASCO SINGLES (PS) A group of local singles, both full and part time residences. All singles are invited to join (no fee) this laid back group for the happy hours each Tuesday at 4 pm at Puesta del Sol restaurant at Playa Bonita Resort. The location for the Saturday breakfasts will be announced at this happy hour. For more information contact any of the following: Emma 383-3273 (local number) or 702-359-1095 (magic jack), Marti 812-319-1463 (U.S. cell works locally), or Dick 638-105-0615 (local cell) or 602-321-8106 (U.S. cell works locally) or just show up at the Tuesday happy hour and introduce yourself.
PINACATE BIOSPHERE RESERVE Founder: Steve Schwab Established 2003 520-232-2241 7655 E Redfield Rd. Suite 3 Scottsdale, AZ, 85260 www.mexicochildrensfoundation.org Email: info@mexicochildrensfoundation.org A non-profit organization in Puerto Peñasco dedicated to enriching the lives of the children and their families. The organization provides medical assistance, assists families, offers education and assists in the general enrichment of children’s lives. The group holds many events during the year including golf tournaments, a children’s walk, triathlon, concerts and a New Year’s Eve Bash.
MISSION VILLA GRANADA 2 blocks east of Lucas Chicken, in the former Villa Granada Hotel. We provide lodging and meals for Missionaries who work on improving/building churches out in the San Rafael Community and other assorted projects. GM Pastor Edgar Cabrera (638) 383-1394. Main Office for (480) 503-8832. Maggie, is bilingual. Volunteers for maintenance/cleaning needed, as well as rice, beans, building supplies/ materials, tools, children art/crafts supplies, canned foods, Spanish bibles, and prayer. Weekend Missions, A.C.-Mexican Non-Profit. Weekend Missions, Inc. USA 501c3.
NUEVA CREACION Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Center Sub Directors: Gregorio Soto Rodriguez and Guadalupe de Soto Phone: 044-638-105-9804 Calle Juan Aldama No. 527 Go to the new cemetary, turn right, go one block and turn left and 6 blocks ahead you will see the center.
Fundación para Conservación del Pinacate, A.C. Office Hours: 9AM - 5PM U.S. Mail: PO Box 745, Ajo, AZ 85321 El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve is considered one of the most unique volcanic zones in the world. The conservation of these gigantic craters and the surrounding areas are an important part of our ancient history and culture. Self guided hikes, overnight camping and exploring are allowed in the area provided you do not harm, disrupt or take plants, wildlife or artifacts from the area. Visitors must register at the office as they enter the reserve. The reserve is located at the halfway town (Nayarit) between Rocky Point and Sonoyta. Also located near this area is Gran Desierto de Altar, home to the largest area of natural sand dunes.
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS WOMEN Professional Business Women’s Club Meetings each Tuesday 8PM Phone: 383-2052 Monday - Friday 9AM - 1PM Constitucion and Serdán esq. # 1 www.bpwpuertopenasco.com This association of professional business women meets once a week and helps young women who are finishing school - high school or college and who have economic needs.
RED CROSS (CRUZ ROJA) EMERGENCY DIAL 911 OR 060 Business Phone: 383-2266 www.cruzrojapenasco.org.mx
Monetary donations can be made in person, to the Red Cross people with their cans out when you see them in the street or you may deposit directly into their account: Banamex Acct# 7661161 SUC. 472 Located on Blvd. Fremont, across from the Fire Department (Bomberos) SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE The Red Cross offers its services free of charge to the general public. They handle a number of minor injuries such as stings, bites, cuts, sprains, broken bones, etc.
RED HAT LADIES LUNCHEON Brenda Barden: (638) 382-8611 The Puerto Peñasco Chapter gets together on the last Monday of the month at 1PM (Oct.-June) to have lunch and show off their “red hats and purple dresses”. All ladies welcome. Call for reservations or info.
REHABILITATION CENTER Unidad Basica de Rehabilitacion Therapy for the handicap and those with special needs. Consultations accepted. Coordinator: Esperanza Lopez Trasviña Phone: 383-1918 Juan Aldama & Marcelo Pino
ROCKY POINT CHRISTMAS Tab Gray: tab@rockypoint.com Family of God Christian Fellowship PO Box 738, Lukeville, AZ 85341
A group of a variety of community members who volunteer their time and efforts to raise money, purchase supplies and provide food bags, shoes and toys at Christmas time for the less fortunate. Every year thousands of children, men and women flock to receive their goodies, take pictures with Santa Claus, play games, eat hot dogs and have a great day. Volunteers spend all year collecting donations and then coordinate efforts a few weeks prior to the big event, which usually takes place mid-December.
ROTARY CLUB PUERTO PEÑASCO MAR DE CORTÉS Meet on Wednesdays at 8:00AM in Don Julio’s restaurant at the Old Port (Malecón). Email julio_cesarvalenzuela@hotmail.com.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Ginger Phillips: (972) 742-3740 Thrift Store open Monday - Saturday 9am-4pm Run solely on donations Turn W on Samuel Ocaña, go to the first 4-way stop and turn left, go 1 block and turn right, then go 2 blocks and turn left. Thrift store is the light green building located at the end of the street on the right hand side. St. Vincent de Paul helps needy citizens by furnishing clothing, food baskets, medical assistance and basic needs.
SANTA CLAUS CLUB Organizer: John Fowler: 602-840-1528 PO Box 5, Lukeville, AZ 85341 Delivers food boxes, bikes, toys and clothes to needy families all year long. Donations are accepted and transported to Rocky Point year round. If you have a donation pickup in the Phoenix area, call John Fowler or email santaclausclub@hotmail.com.
SAN JOSE CHURCH MISSION OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Cholla Bay Road on the right before you enter La Cholla. Mass time as 8 a.m.
SOUTH OF THE BORDER SINGLES South of the Border Singles (SOB’s) meets every Wednesday at 4:00PM at Playa Bonita Restaurant for cocktails/dinner. Monthly business meetings first Wednesday at 5:30PM at Playa Bonita. Sunday 9AM gather for weekly 9:30AM breakfast at various RP restaurants. Other fun events, short trips, parties throughout the year. All singles welcome! Local contact: Robert Adams at Playa Bonita RV Park adibob@prodigy.net.mx, local 382-5034 or Magic Jack (602) 449-1030 or Jean McCauley at Las Conchas; jeanmcc61@gmail. com Mexican cell phone is (044-638) 386-9774 or Magic Jack is (520) 303-4332.
2 FISH MINISTERIOS Founder: Pastor Stan Tedrow Peñasco Christian Fellowship Melchor Ocampo & Tecla Bustamante Donations accepted and welcomed at the Felowship Monday Friday 8AM - 2PM All gifts are taxdeductible Checks payable to: Mission Heartbeat PO Box 1032, Lukeville, AZ 85341 This rapidly growing organization was created after seeing the desperate need families were faced with when the U.S. economy declined, heavily impacting Mexico, and the peso dropped dramatically. As a result, jobs vanished, more people became homeless and could no longer afford to feed their families. Pastor Stan Tedrow shared his burden to feed the hungry with his congregation, and two feeding sites were born on February 24, 2009 with more being added since then. Currently, citizens can receive a hot meal at Fountain of Life Mission in Colonia San Rafael and at Arizona Taco Place on Constitucion and at Aquiles Serdan across from Hotel Paraiso del Desierto on Constitucion.
TOURISM BUREAU (OCV) Puerto Peñasco Convention & Visitor’s Bureau 388-0444/US Toll Free 877-843-3717 Mexico Toll Free: 01-800-552-2820 Ave. Coahuila 444 Int. 1a Fremont & Víctor Estrella www.cometorockypoint.com Mon-Fri: 9am-2pm & 4-7pm, Sat 9am-3pm President: Hector Vazquez Lic. Ana Laura Saens: 383-7025 Rafael Gonzales V.: 388-0444
WEEKEND MISSIONS 323 Leon de La Barra and Madero (in the old Hotel Villa Granada) 383-1394/(480) 626-5440/(480) 503-8832 Founders: Mark, Jerry and Rusty Renovation Coordinator: Conrad Provides for the physical and spiritual needs of the very poor, widowed and orphaned. Donations of building supplies and other everyday supplies always welcome.
WOMEN’S SHELTER Centro de Rehabilitación para Mujeres La Esperanza A.C. Directora: Hna. Ana Krause: 044-638-102-0869 anaycruz@live.com From Blvd. Samuel Ocaña, turn north at sign on Pto. Ensenada. Go 10 blocks and the women’s center will be on your left, just before the last cross street.
YOUTH SPORTS FOUNDATION Rick Busa: rbusa1972@gmail.com Promotes youth sports in Puerto Peñasco. Donations of sports equipment, uniforms, etc. always welcome. Call for sports schedule and come out to watch the kids play.
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Rocky Point’s Rodeo Drive
By Barbara Iverson
The New Year means a new look on Rodeo Drive for 2017, and a new beginning for some of the wonderful shops along the street. Starting as a dirt mall over 25 years ago, the transformation of what used to be called “Shacks 5th Ave.” has been amazing. Now a paved street with over 50 vendors, the newest evolution is the colorful murals decorating the shops all up and down the street. While many of the shops have updated their look, they’ve maintained the charm that has always set the area apart. One of the charming shops right next door to Mariachi’s and Tequila belongs to Suzanna and her mother Guadalupe. They’ve painted it a sky blue and had a local muralist paint the pole in front of the store with vines, flowers and butterflies. Suzanna can be found in the shop, her fingers flying as she makes string bracelets, while Guadalupe is weaving baskets. Mexican basket weaving is an ancient art that precedes the Spanish. It takes dedication, dexterity, determination and
time. Guadalupe’s baskets are made from reeds that she harvests and dries herself. Over the years I totally missed the fact that basket weaving is seasonal. The special reeds can only be collected during the summer and must go through a drying process. Reeds that are too “fresh” can cut and tear the weaver’s hands like knives. Now that winter is upon us you’ll be able to watch Guadalupe in the store making her baskets. - that is when she’s not selling them on the beach. Then, in the summer, she’ll go down to southern Mexico to find and harvest the reeds, dry them, and bring them back for next season. While you’re there buying your bracelets and baskets, stop by Mariachi’s and Tequila for a great meal. Wonderful atmosphere and great food is the perfect ending to a day of sea, sand and shopping. Shopping Rodeo Drive is always a treat. You can find unique handcrafted items all up and down the street. Unique items, outstanding selection, the best prices in town and friendly vendors. What more could you ask for. See you on the Drive.
Mexico’s Minimum Wage Goes Up (a Little)
Mexico’s authorities have increased the country’s daily minimum wage in 2016, after a year of debate over its inability to cover even basic needs. The increase approved, however, amounts to enough for an extra half pound of tortillas. The National Minimum Wage Commission announced the 4.2 percent increase late on Friday - taking the daily minimum to 73.04 pesos, or $4.30 dollars. An estimated seven million Mexicans struggle to get by on the minimum wage that is among the lowest in Latin America. The issue moved to the center of debate last year after Mexico City’s mayor, Miguel Angel Mancera, began pushing for a significant hike. At the time federal officials and the private sector spokesmen said this was impossible because the minimum wage is used as the base figure from which to calculate numerous other payments - such as fines or benefits. The national legislature changed this on October 22. “Those three pesos can’t settle the historic debt we have with the people who earn the minimum wage,” Mancera told reporters, referring to the tiny increase. The Mayor is seeking to raise the wage to 86.33 pesos, or $5.07 dollars, which remains extremely low by international standards. Local media highlighted the contrast between the authorized new minimum for 2016 and some of the end-of-year bonuses high level officials are now looking forward to. The 2015 federal budget shows two payments for President Enrique Peña Nieto totaling 424,478 pesos, around $25,000 dollars. Somebody earning the increased minimum wage would need to work every day for more than 16 years to earn that amount. According to social scientist and former president of Mexico’s transparency commission, Jacqueline Peschard, the paltry increase is indicative of the insignificant role social justice plays in the government’s vision of development. “Increasing minimum wages will not automatically resolve the problems of poverty and inequality,” she wrote in her column in the daily El Universal, “but it is an indispensable step.”
And, in case you were wondering, here is a list of some common professions and their average salary per MONTH in Mexico (data from misalario.org). Keep in mind that salaries (and expenses) are almost always higher in tourist areas. 1. Teacher, Primary School: $11,878 pesos ($593.90 USD) 2. Security Guard: $5,056 pesos ($252.80 USD) 3. University Law Professor: $17,323 pesos ($866.15 USD) 4. Chef: $11,638 pesos ($581.90 USD) 5. Cook in a restaurant: $6,623 pesos ($331.15 USD) 6. Lawyer: $18,451 pesos ($ 922.55USD) 7. Legal Assistant: $11,972 pesos ($598.60 USD) 8. Cashier in a Supermarket: $5,299 pesos ($264.95 USD) 9. Auto mechanic: $7,761 pesos ($388.05 USD) 10. Foreign language interpreter: $17,507 pesos ($875.35 USD) 11. Waiter: $6,394 pesos ($319.70 USD)... so tip well!!! 12. Carpenter: $7,548 pesos ($377.40 USD) 13. Taxi Driver: $7,726 pesos ($386.30 USD) 14. Hotel Manager: $17,332 pesos ($866.60 USD) 15. Customs or Immigration Agents: $16,533 pesos ($826.65 USD) 16. Commercial Pilot: $38,395 pesos ($1,919.75 USD) 17. Bank Teller: $9,662 pesos ($522.27 USD) 18. Account Manager in a Bank: $16,530 pesos ($826.50 USD) 19. Data Base Administrator: $20,562 pesos ($1,028.10 USD) 20. IT Support Technician: $12,044 pesos ($602.20 USD) 21. Human Resources Manager: $21,180 pesos ($1059.00 USD) 22. Air Conditioner Technician: $12,504 pesos ($625.20 USD) 23. Pediatric Nurse: $10,881 pesos ($544.05 USD) 24. Gynecologist: $25,969 pesos ($1,298.45 USD) 25. Firefighter: $5,649 pesos ($282.45 USD)
This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Expansion of New Spain
By Rosarie Salerno
The citizens of New Spain were not very interested in the lands north of Mexico City. The settlers were content, they had successful enterprises and investments, the lower Spanish classes were becoming rich, everyone was happy, except for the Amerindians and the slaves. The Spanish were mostly interested in the territory of the Aztec’s Mexica Empire; they saw the up-north tierra despoblada, meaning unpopulated lands, as remote, unsettled, with deserts and scattered nomadic Indian tribes. It did, however, attract treasure seekers. Cabeza de Vaca, survived the 1527 expedition of Panfilo de Narvaez. He spent 8 grueling years getting back to Mexico City with only 3 other surviving comrades. He brought stories of the mystical Seven Golden Cities of Cibola. Circa 1540, Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, amassed an expensive expedition comprising 1,300 horses and hundreds of sheep and cattle to search for the Cities of Cibola. Unfortunately, the only things he found were adobe pueblos and returned with nothing to show for his failed venture. 50 years later, Juan de Onate, a Criollo, took 500 settlers and soldiers, 7,000 head of livestock and established a settlement in what we know as New Mexico. He became the first governor of Santa Fe de Nuevo Mexico. Onate was ruthless against the Acoma Native Americans, who lived in the pueblos. He had demanded the supplies that the Acoma needed to survive the coming winter. In 1598 the Acoma revolted; Onate killed eight hundred Indians, men, woman and children. He punished men over the age of 25 years by amputating their left foot and enslaved the rest of the survivors; he sent the woman into slavery for 20 years and some men into
the mines. The Acoma were increasingly unwilling to partake in baptism and detested the Franciscan Missionaries who demanded food, clothing and their slave labor, as well. Besides, the Apache and Navajo tribes were attacking Santa Fe; the Acoma were unable to protect themselves and had to rely upon the Spanish for inadequate protection. Eventually, the Spanish settlers left the vulnerable area of Santa Fe and moved to Albuquerque. Once again the missionaries tried to convert the natives to Christianity, but had a very difficult time. The Pueblo Indians resisted the conversion to Christianity more than any other indigenous people. Basically, Spanish rule meant exploitation of the Native Americans. The governors tried to squeeze as much as possible out of the indigenous people for their own enrichment. They sold Indians as slaves and Indian manufactured products for their own profits. A struggle ensued between the Franciscan Missionaries and the colonists. European disease and the cruel exploitation continuously decreased the Indian population; both Missionaries and Colonists depended upon the Pueblo Indians for their slave labor. In 1650 Governor Mendizabal, in order to sooth the hostility of the Acoma, forbade the Franciscan Missionaries from punishing and forcing the Acoma to work without compensation and to allow the Indians to practice their traditional dances and religious ceremonies. The Franciscans retaliated by turning the Governor over to the Spanish Inquisition; thus, the Franciscans had free reign over the province and could continue to make themselves rich; without further interference from the Governors. This continued oppression was the main cause of the Pueblo revolt of 1680.
For all your Real Estate needs, Bank Trusts and FM3s please contact me.
1 (520) 226-4267, 011 52 (638) 383-8417, Local Cell 044 (638) 384-7145 or email rosariesalerno@hotmail.com Take a look around.
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Re-inventing the Ajo Chamber of Commerce: A Center for Tourism
The beach in front of the Sonoran SunWhat is the Ajo Chamber of Commerce? I am sure most of us would be able to define it as some entity in town where different decisions are made and many town activities are run. Since I began working for the Chamber, I have realized that it is so much more than that. The organization and the passionate people behind the operation are taking massive strides to benefit Ajo and bring our town to its full potential. The Ajo Chamber of Commerce is re-inventing itself and becoming a center focused primarily in tourism. This concept has some exciting potential benefits to the businesses of Ajo, members of the community as well as the many visitors that pass through the town each year. Let’s look back at how far the Chamber has come in the last few years and the plans for the future. The Chamber of Commerce is located in the newly renovated Historic Train Depot in the Ajo Plaza. In 2008, the process of bringing the depot to its former glory began. The almost 700 thousand dollar project included the purchase and historic rehabilitation of the Ajo Train Depot by Pima County and the International Sonoran Desert Alliance, Inc., a local non-profit organization based in Ajo. Construction was completed in
March of 2013. Until the renovation, the Ajo Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center was located on Highway 85 set back from the road. It was relocated to the train depot making it much more visible from the state transportation corridor used by nearly one million cars traveling annually to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Rocky Point, Mexico. Upon entering the new visitor center, brochures and maps from towns and attractions all over the state of Arizona can be found. In addition to state information, several new brochures developed by the Ajo Chamber of Commerce marketing committee were developed and are on display. One of the brochures is a walking tour of the Historic Plaza area and discusses the history and architecture of the churches and a few of the old homes in town. There is also a new Ajo town brochure featuring updated pictures and information. Also available
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com is the Ajo scenic loop tour which takes tourists around the back of the New Cornelia open-pit mine. Different sites are highlighted along each milepost in the brochure. The latest addition nearing completion is the bike tour brochure including maps of bike trails in the area with varying levels of difficulty. Also incorporated in the visitor center is the gift shop brimming with trinkets and treasures representative of the surrounding desert environment. A rustic figurine of a javalina with a mischievous grin or a jackrabbit with long ears and soft whiskers don the many shelves. Take home an original painting with a sprawling desert landscape created by one of the many local artists. Feeling adventurous? Try some of the prickly pear cactus candy. Since the opening in March of 2013, the visitor center and gift shop has welcomed close to 5000 visitors from Ajo, around Arizona and over 46 states as well as International visitors representing more than 21 countries. This explosion of visitor activity has called for new ideas to attract even more visitors and potential residents as well as improve the appeal of the town with a variety of points of interest and enhanced business customer relations. Within the last few months, the Ajo Chamber has held its monthly membership meetings with a much more constructive approach. Guest speakers discussing interesting topics included a variety of prominent people in our area such as Senator Lynne Pancrazi, House member Lisa Otondo, Pima County Supervisor Sharon Bronson, and Kimber Lanning from Local First Arizona. The Chamber now boasts over 61 members of businesses and organizations from around the town. The collaboration of the businesses and community members along with the desire to see Ajo thrive is improving substantially. Workshops have been held with focuses on customer service and courtesy as well as ways for businesses to promote themselves through social media. Another facet the Ajo Chamber is using to promote the area is the development of a marketing plan. This plan comes with the renewed sense of purpose to involve all businesses in the effort to improve the economic climate and lifestyle in the community and also become internationally known for its uniqueness, history, small-town charm and many natural wonders. The goal is an increase in tourism, new homebuyers and investors bringing more revenue to Ajo resulting with the creation of a thriving community and more opportunities for Ajo residents.
Still a work in progress, the marketing committee continues to expand on the Ajo Chamber of Commerce website. It is repositioning Ajo as a destination for tourists of all kinds, potential job seekers, retirees and home buyers. The site features a community calendar with ongoing activities in the town. The website is a beneficial tool for the businesses in Ajo, as they are exclusively featured on the website. It also emphasizes our best assets including our proximity to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, the open-pit mine belonging to Freeport McMoran Inc., as well as our historic Spanish Colonial architecture and rich history. It also provides information about the Sonoran Desert and the many natural resources nearby. Ajo was also recently featured in Big Blend magazine and participated in their live-feed internet broadcast from the Chamber of Commerce office. Many longtime residents and business owners were interviewed for the broadcast sharing their sentiment for Ajo and experiences during their time in the town. Also highlighted in the interviews were representatives from Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, several community gardens, International Sonoran Desert Alliance and Curley School Artisan Apartments. With over half a million listeners internationally, the broadcast provided the outlet for Ajo to be introduced as an up-and-coming charming and unique destination.
Though still at the beginning stages of this new era for the Ajo, there is such a positive energy around the Ajo Chamber of Commerce which flows from every person involved in the process of making the community a great place to visit, live and work. I cannot help but feel a new excitement and pride for Ajo since being in the middle of the changes and seeing the work being done behind the scenes. As the community of Ajo begins to grow and gain popularity, the Ajo Chamber of Commerce mission statement holds true and represents the beliefs and desires for the businesses and other members of the community as well as the new influx of tourists: “Our mission is to be a unifying force in the effort to create an atmosphere in which businesses can prosper and the citizens of Ajo can be proud.”
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Area Beaches! Puerto Peñasco’s main attraction is undoubtedly its beaches, the horizontal strip where the sea merges with the rocky and sandy shores. In addition to the coastline for those staying at beachfront hotels and condo complexes along Sandy Beach, there are various spots in Puerto Peñasco where one can enjoy a warm corner of the Sea of Cortez.
Playa Hermosa One of the most popular beaches is “Playa Hermosa,” which extends from in front of area hotels and toward the condo complexes of Sandy Beach. This stretch of beach traditionally receives the greatest number of tourists, given there are no marked drop-offs or pronounced rocks. To facilitate access to Playa Hermosa, steps have been built at the spot known as “Los Palacios” next to the first condominium complex of the hotel zone, as well as at the area referred to as “Los Guardados,” the two principal access points. Another entry is along a walkway located between Hotel Peñasco del Sol and Gamma seafood restaurant. Sun shade rental is available along Playa Hermosa.
El Mirador The area of the Mirador is another coastline offering various access points to the beach. The Mirador also offers a number of hotels and smaller condo complexes, along with RV parks restaurants, cantinas, and mini markets, for visitors.
Dozens of families make their way to this rockier shore to enjoy the sea. Here the drop-offs can be more pronounced during low tides and swimming is recommended only when the water is calm. Beach access spots are located along the Mirador and primarily toward the end of the Mirador intersecting with Ave. Sinaloa.
La Cholla The area known as La Cholla, primarily consisting of U.S. residents, offers a coast frequented by both Mexicans and people from the U.S. given its much calmer waters. Although Cholla Bay is about 6 miles from the urban spread of Puerto Peñasco, a visit to the warm beach stretching from Pelican Point to the boat launch is well worth it. Hidden between the beach homes on the west side of Cholla Bay, one can also make their way down to the rocky landscape of Tucson Beach where families of sea lions often make their ways onto the rocks to relax. The area has local restaurants and markets.
Mi Playa Dirt roads from off one of the city’s main boulevard lead directly to Mi Playa. This area offers parking and a number of palapas for a fun family afternoon. However, it is recommended children not swim in this spot given stronger currents that can occur in this area. To get to Mi Playa, take the dirt road off Blvd. Fremont and follow the signs. Entrance and exit routes are separate leading in and out of Mi Playa.
Dos XX?
By Mike Bibb
Mexico has some fine and long established beers. Recognizable brands like Tecate, Carta Blanca, Pacifico, Corona, Modelo and other tasty lagers enjoy a substantial customer base and an increasing share in a competitive global market.
While many of the Mexican labels are named after established places or things -unlike in the United States where several of the more popular beers are reflective of the owner›s (or previous owner›s) family monikers, i.e. Budweiser, Coors, Schlitz, Miller, etc. - the green bottled beverage «Dos XX» intrigued me. Who came up with that name and what does it mean? Ordinarily, «dos» is Spanish for the number 2 and «X» is the 25th letter in the alphabet. So, one might naturally assume Dos XX would translate into meaning 2 X›s. An odd name for a beer. Why would someone go to the trouble of investing and constructing a brewery, and then bottling and selling a cerveza called Dos XX or 2 XX? As usual, there›s another more logical interpretation. First, a brief lesson in Spanish. As mentioned, X is the 25th letter of the Spanish alphabet; pronounced «equis.» Its shape, name and phonetic value comes from Latin, which came from Greek, which derived from an ancient Egyptian hieroglyph. But in some Latin American countries, including Mexico, «X» isn›t always pronounced «equis.» In old Castilian the letter represented a sound which is similar to the English «sh» or the French «ch», represented by the letter «J». In the words of Nahuatl origin, the «X» is pronounced as «S», like in «Xochimilco» or «Xochitl», as «J», like in Mexico» or Oaxaca or also as «sh», like in «Xocoyote» or «Xixiote». Today, words that start with «X», like «Xeroftaimia», originate from Greek. Got it? Good, because if you do you›re better at this stuff than I am. But wait, there›s more confusion to add to the story. The letter «X» is also the Roman numeral representing the number «10». XX = 20. So now the beverage «Dos XX» could mean «2 20.» Which sounds more like an electrician or optometrist term than a
beer tag. This explanation doesn›t make any more sense than «2 X›s». In order to get to the bottom of the mystery, I simply decided to go to the Dos XX website, which I should have done in the beginning. The following information was gleaned from «dosequis.com» and offers a disclosure of the origins of the brand. «In the 1500›s, Moctezuma, the last leader of the Aztecs, ruled the land that is currently known as Mexico. He would come to be the inspiration of the Dos Equis label design. Moctezuma famously confronted the Spanish conquistador, Herman Cortes, and Dos Equis celebrates his boldness. In 1890, Wilhelm Hasse, a German immigrant, arrives in Mexico and founds the Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma Brewery in Veracruz. In 1897, Wilhelm Hasse first brews Siglo XX, the beer we know today as Dos Equis. He named the beer Siglo XX to usher in the upcoming 20th century with the Roman numeral ‹XX› signifying 20, and the Spanish word ‹Siglo› meaning century. (Ah ha, we have a partial answer to the question. Almost. The name was later changed to «Dos Equis.» The website doesn›t explain why. Which kind of brings us back to the 2 20 analysis.) In 1983, Dos Equis Larger is imported to the U.S. In 2009, Dos Equis is declared the fastest-growing imported beer in the U.S. In 2011, Moctezuma in the Dos Equis label design, changes direction from left to right. During Moctezuma›s reign, the Aztec Empire was at its peak in wealth, technology and prosperity. His head now faces right, toward the ever-improving future, to recognize forward progress. In 2016, Dos Equis is refreshed to look as crisp and fresh as the beer inside. In addition to making the label lighter in color, we brought it elements of the Centenario, a Mexican coin, first minted in 1921 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexico›s independence from Spain. Gold is also part of Mexico›s strong heritage. Its riches, art, golden sunlight and the circle symbolize both life and the sun.» And there you have it, the historical origins and account of the Dos Equis cerveza. Few of us realized the chilled pilsener was the brain-child of an immigrant German brewer laboring under the inspiration of an Aztec chieftain. Another interesting facet of Dos Equis lore is their witty «The most interesting man in the world» television commercials, featuring American actor Jonathan Goldsmith. The popular ads have been running steadily since 2006. Goldsmith retired in early 2016 and was replaced by a new «interesting man» character. Goldsmith›s final commercial feature showed him being launched on a one-way mission to Mars with the narration «His only regret is not knowing what regret feels like.» By the way, I›d be remiss if I didn›t mention the «Don Quijote Spanish School website» as the source of the «X» explanation. One other thing, «Stay thirsty, my friends.»
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Humpbacks are Back! By Steve Franklin
Yes, Yes, Yes! They really do get this close! The humpback whales have returned to the waters of Rocky Point! Each January and February one of the greatest wildlife migration events in the world occurs right here in the Sea of Cortez. What is even more wonderful is the magnificent giant sea mammals desire to travel to the most northern point of the Baja Peninsula, Puerto Peñasco, Sonora Mexico. That’s correct; their target is us!
The humpback whale is part of the Baleen whale family, that is, whales that filter their food through baleens. Baleens are a series of 2 to 3 foot long partitions that line the mouth of a whale. There are 300 to 400 baleens to each humpback whale. Their minute separations allow small krill, plankton and the tiniest of fish to filter through to their digestive system. Other whales in the baleen family include the Blue, Minke, Fin and Sei whales. They do not have teeth. The humpback whale derives its name from the prominent hump in its back that is easily observed upon coming up for a breath of air on the surface of the
sea. Humpbacks have two quite distinct behaviors that separate themselves from every other whale in the sea. First, they are the most active breeching whale and second, they are the most vocal whale in the world. Humpbacks frequently breech completely out of the water as well as dozens and dozens of daily body lunges and tail slaps. They are the whale featured in the “Pacific Life Insurance” television ads shown leaping out of the ocean waters with beauty and grace. While in the shallow waters of Rocky Point, the humpback whales do not breech as much as they do in deeper waters. Since they can easily range in size to 40 to 70 feet long they typically need 100 foot depths to build up enough speed to breech the surface with a fair amount of height. Let me assure you though, there has been plenty of lucky on-lookers that have seen humpbacks breech within 1 mile of the shorelines surrounding us, including myself. This is something that should be on your bucket list if you are a periodic visitor of Rocky Point. The sight will make your heart stop for a moment and then begin to pound away. What could be a better way to experience an exhilarating moment on this earth? The second distinct behavior is the humpbacks insatiable impulse to sing. Yes, that’s right; they are the mighty crooners of the sea. Humpbacks have been known to sing the same song over and over, lasting 20 minutes of nonstop singing and then repeating this musical event up to 24 hours a day. Humpbacks that swim the Sea of Cortez have the same distinct song that is unique to themselves. Likewise, humpbacks from other parts of the world share similar distinct songs that are only unique to them. Humpbacks do not have vocal cords. They make their bellowing sounds by squeezing air through their nasal cavities in a reverberating style. The fluctuations in their songs have been recorded by
scientists and proven to be a melody that is consistent day in and day out displaying that they truly know what they are creating with their musical score. If you are fortunate to be able sleep on the edge of the sea, leave your door open one night in the winter and you will hear the majestic humpbacks singing to each other for the delight of all to take in from miles away. Like most sea mammals, humpback whales are highly intelligent. They form the highest bonds of family and survival skills that can match any creature in the oceans. Unfortunately they do have predators. Killer whales and an occasional white shark will attack the younger calves. However, the biggest predator is mankind. Humpbacks were nearly extinct from the face of the earth in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s until in 1966 when the preservation of humpbacks were introduced to most countries around the world. The Japanese government declined to obey the humpback whale laws of the sea and they continue to slaughter this beautiful, magnificent, giant sea mammal. I urge you to join in the fight for salvation of the whales and dolphins of the world. When is enough slaughter of wildlife in this world enough? When will man learn that preservation of life must begin with wildlife in order for preservation of human life to sustain itself? Do yourself a favor. Go see a whale this winter. There are plenty of sightseeing whale tours that you can charter in Rocky Point. Or, sit on the balcony of La Casa del Capitan Restaurant with a pair of binoculars and a whale will most certainly come into view.
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Thank You for Your Donations Mitzi Lange, Prescott, AZ, donation of cookware Jack & Carol Terrio, Chandler, AZ, donation of men’s shirts and medical supplies Dave Beracy, Fountain Hills, AZ, donation of shoes Lowis Lalla, Sacramento, CA, donation of clothes and misc. Bob & Mitzi Lange, Prescott, AZ, donation of school supplies Susie & Bill Armstrong, Cortez, CO, donation of clothes Paul Peach, Phoenix, AZ, donation of clothes Jack & Joanne Lundeen, Payson, AZ, donation of clothes Larry Juniper, Gilbert, AZ, donation of clothes Carol & John Terrio, Chandler, AZ, donation of towels and clothing Dan & Connie Selby, Goodyear, AZ, donation of toys Dan Jellum, Phoenix, AZ, donation of bedding and blankets Graham & Natalia, Wasaga Beach, Canada, donation of bed spread Mitzi & Bob Lange, Prescott, AZ, donation of clothes Joanni Middlemiss, Phoenix, AZ, donation of towers and rugs Joy Damme, Prescott Valley, AZ, donation of books Jackie Quast, Tucson, AZ, donation of baby clothes Vickie & Phil Pepper, Tucson, AZ, donation of clothes and misc. Gary Montgomery, Utah, donation of clothes Michel Durgain/Connie Gilmore, Cottonwood, AZ donation of clothes Robin Winters/Gary Holmstedt, Pto. Peñasco, MX, donation of toys William Branot, Tucson, AZ, donation of blankets You can get your SUBSCRIPTION FORM at www.rptimes.com
BARB’S DOG RESCUE NEWSLETTER “Help Us Help Them”
By Barb Mumaugh
Happy New Year to All! Here is hoping that your holiday season was filled with family and friends and delicious food and good times shared with your 2 legged, and furry 4 legged friends! We also hope it was a time to count your blessings and make New Year resolutions. What better resolution than to help out with Barb’s Rescue this year? So much is needed for the many dogs she “rescues” in Rocky Point! Dogs, in all sizes and shapes, in all conditions, some needing medical help, vaccinations, spay and neutering, food and others, care and individual attention. There is such a need and such an opportunity to help...help in a practical, meaningful way. Please feel free to stop by Barb’s Rescue and see for yourself what your donation provides? And you can help in so many ways... monetary donations, or bringing Barb’s Rescue dog food or best yet, adopting a dog? It is guaranteed that this type of New Year’s resolution will bring you joy and the satisfaction of knowing you that you can bring happiness to others!! Please come visit us at any time. We appreciate you remembering us this New Year. We give shelter, vet care, water, food
Peñasco Delights Crowd with Parade Commemorating 106th Anniversary of Mexican Revolution
With the participation of over 3000 people, marching in 32 different groups, Puerto Peñasco’s traditional parade commemorating the 106th Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution was enjoyed by children, youth, and and love to close to a thousand dogs and puppies a year and find homes for hundreds of them as well – we adopted out over 750 dogs and puppies in 2016, a RECORD! Barb’s Dog Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit rescue organization, so every dollar you give goes straight to the dogs and puppies and is tax-deductible at the same time. Every single bit helps – big or small – and we would not be in existence without you. Donations from kind, generous people like you are our sole funding. All these puppies and dogs are alive because of you! We would not be able to help any dogs or puppies without your support and all donations (dog food included) are greatly appreciated. Donations can either be dropped off at the rescue, mailed to P.O. Box 116, Lukeville 85341 or at www. barbsdogrescuerp. com. We can also coordinate donations to be transported from Phoenix or Tucson to Rocky Point. The phone number for Barb’s Dog Rescue is (480) 264-1162. Please visit us on our Barb’s Dog Rescue Facebook page as well for updates, pictures and news.
Please visit us online http://www.facebook.com/BarbsDogRescue or our website www.BarbsDogRescueRP.com Barb’s Mexico cell # (638) 114-1659 or her US # (602) 774-1578. Email barbsdogrescue@gmail.com. We can pick up donations in the US and Puerto Peñasco.
adults alike. Mayor Kiko Munro, accompanied by his wife Linda Pivac de Munro, as well as General Brigadier of the Sonoyta Garrison, Arturo Resendis Lena, Public Prosecutor for Puerto Peñasco, Arturo Saúl González Arias, and Víctor Manuel Salas on behalf of the Military Naval Sector, alongside thousands
of
Peñasco
residents,
enjoyed the revolutionary parade that lasted just over 5 hours. The parade, which departed from City Hall following the raising of the flag commemorating the 106th Anniversary, included participation of 17 schools ranging from elementary to university, as well as municipal departments such as contingents from Public Safety, the Ecology Club, the Fire Department and Civil Protection, the Municipal Sports Institute, bands and cheering squads, as well as members from the Military Naval Sector. Additional participants represented the Masonic Lodge, the Tohono O’odham Ethnic community, the Red Cross, EMTs, the Pentathlon, Rodeo Drive, and Cabalgantes del Desierto Riding Club, along with the Rocky Point GT Mustang Club. This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
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Rotary Club and Vistamerica Sponsor Program for Free Glasses to Rocky Point Kids By Kit Anderson
The Rocky Point Rotary Club in a joint project with Vistamerica offered eye examinations to a great many Rocky Point kids and will also provide free glasses to 137 of those children who need them. This was the fifth time that Vistamerica has sponsored and carried out these important acts of kindness here in town.
needing corrective lenses were notified that their new eye glasses would be ordered and should be available for them to pick up sometime around the first week of January, 2017. Vistamerica donates the entire package: examination, lenses, and frames, with no charge to the families of the children recipients. Eyeglasses are often considered low on the list of priorities for some families struggling to
On Tuesday, November 22nd alone, members of the Rotary Club “Mar de Cortez”, along with representatives of the company Vistamerica, accompanied by students of optometry from ASU, Pearle Vision, and students of ophthalmology from Michigan State provided examinations for a total of 260 children, of whom 137 finally required the use of eyeglasses. In an interview with Julio Cesar Valenzuela, President of the Puerto Peñasco Rotary Club, he explained that thanks to the commendable charity offerings of Vistamerica and the students who accompanied them, there been more than 1000 exams given this year, greatly surpassing the 104 children attended during the first year that they offered the free service. After the examinations, the children
just make ends meet and survive day to day. The Rotary Club is working on providing additional services and needed surgeries for children who need more than just corrective lenses. The focus of the program is to help the children to improve their vision in order to help them succeed in school and to provide better opportunities for a productive and successful future. And, these caring individuals even go a step further. Each year, one week before Thanksgiving, Vistamerica carries out cataract surgeries in the city of Caborca, along with the support of the Caborca Lions Club. Vistamerica’s free vision and eye exam program was initiated by Catalina Rios and Manuel Ríos along with the support of Scott Markham and students of Michigan State.
This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
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The Taste of Peñasco Gives Back
For nearly a decade the Taste of Peñasco Festival has benefitted many of our vital community organizations including The Lions Club, The Wings of Angels, San Jose Clinic, Red Cross, Santa Claus Club, Cuerpo De Bomberos (Fire Dept), DIF, and 2 Fish Ministry. The idea of the festival was born in 2007 by a group of “foodies” that wanted to combine what was then a simple business expo with the Iron Chef Competition and incorporate a fundraising aspect as a means to give back to the community. The Festival has transformed over the years to include artisans, entertainers, and other vendors that draw hundreds of locals and visitors and is recognized as significant source of annual income for our local charities, and city resources. This year we are excited to announce that proceeds and donations from the Festival will not only help one or two organizations but three, with the inclusion of a 2 Fish Ministry food drive that started early November (drop off locations are listed on tasteofpenasco. com & Facebook). Santa Claus Club and Red Cross will also benefit from event proceeds. All three of these groups are solely dependent on charitable contributions from the community and receive no outside funding from the local or state government. The Mexican Red Cross IAP, (Private Assistance Institution) in particular needs our support more than ever before as our community continues to grow and there is a greater demand for their lifesaving resources. At no cost to the public, their staff of volunteers provide all types of emergency assistance services (prehospital), something that many visitors may not realize. In addition they offer free blood pressure checks, glucose testing, prescription injections, removal of stitches & much more. They also offer free medical equipment for those in need such as crutches, wheelchairs and orthopedic boots. For a reasonable fee they will also provide transfer services to the Lukeville, AZ border and process air transfers with the support of US insurance companies. Medical consultations, cast applications, IV´S and minor hospitalization services, plus medical certificates for motorist licenses, medical work releases are also offered for a small fee, in addition to first aid training courses for tourism, business, and private security companies. The Taste of Peñasco Festival
generates revenue for the charities in several ways, all of which are made possible by the generosity of the community. These include donations for raffle prizes, raffle ticket sales, event sponsorship, booth sales, 10% vendor contributions, guest judge raffle sales, and, new this year, ticket sales to judge the People’s Choice Salsa Competition – all attendees are eligible to participate! Food, drink, & salsa competition tickets can be purchased at the Festival at a cost of $1 each. Raffle tickets are available for $5 each or 5 for $20. While the names Chef Ramon, Chef Mickey and Chef René Acosta may sound familiar, as they are just a few of the previous TOP/Iron Chef winners, you may be surprised about the outcome the new Culinary Competition on February 18th. Rather than a few hand selected Chefs, all restaurant vendors will be participating in the 2017 Culinary Competition. Five judges (including one guest judge) will sample a taste of each restaurant’s signature dish, served on a 4” plate. As in previous Festivals, we are calling for a guest judge to fill the 5th place on our judge’s panel. The only requirement is that you love food! Guest judge tickets must be purchased prior to the event and are available at Peñasco Beauty Center (next to Ley) or by contacting santaclausclub@hotmail. com. Visit tasteofpenasco.com for more information. The 2017 Taste of Peñasco Culinary & Cultural Festival will be held on Saturday, February 18th from 12PM – 7:00PM at the Peñasco del Sol Hotel and Conference Center. As you can see, there are many ways in which you can help support the 2017 Festival. Booth space is still available and donations and gift certificates will be accepted up to and including the day of the event. Please bring a nonperishable food item for the 2 Fish Ministry Food Drive and purchase as many raffle tickets as you can afford to help support our vital community services! For more information visit our website tasteofpenasco.com, or on FB tasteofpenasco2017 or call US (602) 571-6727 or (044-638) 112-1197 As our community grows and evolves, so does the annual “Taste.” Come out and enjoy the day. With your participation this will be the best Taste of Peñasco Festival ever!
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CLASSIFIEDADS ANNOUNCEMENTS BILINGUAL SERVICES SUNDAY 10AM with Peñasco Christian Fellowship. Bilingual services also offered Wednesday at 7PM. Located ½ block E. of the Melchor Ocampo & Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez intersection. North from Las Conchas Pemex, ½ blk E. at 3rd stop sign past railroad tracks. For more info. call Stan or Becky at 383-4513. (#1-24) JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES KINGDOM HALL Thursday Ministry School & Service Meeting 7pm. Sunday Public Discourse 9:30am. Located on the (baseball) stadium road, on the left, just before the big blvd. Call 382-0049 or 383-3885. (#a1a) GRUPO UNIDAD CRISTIANOS DE PEÑASCO Pastor Ernesto Portugal. Headphones available for English translation. Sunday service 10:30AM, Thursday Service 7:30PM, Children’s school same hours. Church office open Monday through Friday 9:30AM to 2PM. Located on Simon Morua. Call for info. (01152-638) 383-2240. (#1-ch) ADOPT-A-CLASSROOM – Charity organization operated for 9 years now by Barb and Mark Olszewski, helping 9 schools and over 2,500 students. If anyone would like to help us with donations of spiral notebooks, pencils, crayons, erasers, rulers, etc...it will really be appreciated. You may use the offices of the Rocky Point Times Newspaper for a drop-off-point (off Calle 13map in paper), or get information at www.rockypointclassroom.com (#1-AAC) PUERTO PEÑASCO ‘ROCKIES’ WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL – Needs team boosters and sponsors!! Visitors are welcome to come watch us practice each Sunday 3-6PM at the Municipal Gymnasium on the main Blvd. at the north end of town. WE NEED DONATIONS to purchase sport wheelchairs for basketball. We ALSO NEED basketballs and uniforms!! Call Mark (602) 324-9529 or in Rocky Point (011-52-638) 383-4963. Email markbarb@prodigy.net.mx (#1WC) BARB’S DOG RESCUE – located 8 miles north of Rocky Point on the highway to Sonoyta, signs on both sides of highway. Also donation drop off point at Twin Dolphins Real Estate on Blvd Fremont, next to Cruz Roja (Red Cross). barbsdogrescue@ gmail.com. Mexico (011-521-638) 114-1659 or (044-638) 384-0113. From the US dial (602) 324-7241. (#1-dg)
AMERICAN LEGION MX-15 OF ROCKY POINT – is located in the Mirador Beach area, just down from Manny’s Beach Club, up the hill behind Pink Cadillac, downstairs at Los Juanes Restaurant. We serve Breakfast from 8am-11am and Lunch 11am - 2pm and Dinner Specials. post15mx@mail.com (#1-AL) SAN JOSE MISSION CHURCH – in Cholla Bay. Bilingual Catholic Mass. At noon every Sunday. Follow the road past Wrecked at The Reef toward la Cholla. All our welcome. Help us build our church. (#1-SJ) ANIMAL ADOPTION CENTER OF ROCKY POINT – (A 501© tax exempt corporation) wwwrpaac. org. Center located north of Benito Juarez on Calle 15 (Leon de la Barra) 3 blocks left corner. Also donation drop point at Rocky Point Times Offices (011-52-638) 383-1012, Phoenix (602) 4123932, Tucson (520) 407-6594, nancy_phelan@yahoo.com. AACORP P.O. Box 1031, Lukeville, AZ 85341. (#1-AAC) MERMAID’S MARKET ARTS AND CRAFT MARKET – First and third Saturday of each month (Oct 15 to April 1) Contact: Russ at 113-4591 for information. (MM1)
BEAUTY SALONS GLORIAS BEAUTY SALON SINCE 1969! We do it all and we carry a full line of beauty supplies. Gloria’s Beauty Shop is located on Constitucion, just before Super Ley Market. Phone locally at 383-5075 or from the U.S. (011-52-638) 383-5075 for an appointment, ask for Gloria. English Spoken. (#25-13) PBC - PEÑASCO BEAUTY CENTER - IN Rocky Point Full line AVON Beauty Supplies. Hair, Nails, Facials, Massage, Manicures and Pedicures (638) 383-1086. English Spoken. On Constitucion, across from Super Ley (#25-1)
BILL PAYING SERVICE WHILE YOU’RE AWAY I’LL PAY YOUR electric, water, phone, bills, etc. Since 1993 I’ve been working with Immigration services. English/Spanish spoken. References available. Call Silvia Villa at Premium Services, locally at 383-5758, or from the U.S. dial (602) 4761187, or email me at sivife@ hotmail.com. (#30-2) BILL PAYING – Maintenance and cleaning. FM3 Services. Proservices Rocky Point. Fremont Plaza #15. Mon. thru Fri. 8:30-4:30, Sat. 8:30-1:30. (638) 383-6161. English/Spanish Cel (044-638) 113-0446. astrid. avila@live.com.mx (PS-1)
COFFEE AND COFFEE HOUSES MAX’S CAFÉ: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, Dinner, Pizza, Full Espresso and Liquor Bar. Free Wireless Internet & Phone to the U.S. Located in front of Hotel Peñasco del Sol. Live Music Thur-Sun 8PM-11PM 383-1011. (#56-5) BEST COFFEE IN TOWN – XOCHITLS CAFE (Sally’s place) in Cholla Bay. Not to mention awesome food! Breakfast 6AM2PM! You can’t beat her chiles rellenos and spinach omelet. Call to order ahead 382-5283. (#5610) GIUSEPPIS ESPRESSO RESTAURANT - PASTRY – inside or outside seating. Located on Blvd. Fremont, left side past Cruz Roja (Red Cross) Open at 8AM until 4PM on Mon, Tue & Thur. Friday & Saturday breakfast and lunch. Sunday 8AM - 2PM (Closed Wednesdays) (011-52638) 383-5181 www.giuseppis. info. Leashed, well behaved dogs always welcome. (#56-6) DENTAL SERVICES WANT A DENTIST WHO USES THE latest in technology and equipment when getting your teeth cared for? Ernesto Grijalva, D.D.S. comes highly recommended by all of his patients – ask anyone of them! Stop by his office located on Blvd. Fremont, just south of the fire dept. or call Mario for an appointment (011-52-638) 3833434. (#64-3) FM3 SERVICES SERVICES FOR AMERICANS – Permanent and Temporary Residence, Tax ID Numbers (Hacienda Registration), accounting services, bill paying and more. Office location: Sun Valley Business and Immigration Service, Blvd. Benito Juarez No. 191 Between Nicolas Bravo & Simon Morua. Call local at 3838891, from the U.S. dial (520) 829-4340 or email Bianeysvisa@ aol.com or Dynorasvisa@aol. com. English spoken. (#79-9) FM2/FM3/RFC/HACIENDA/ IMSS – If you don’t speak Spanish, or just want someone to help guide you through the process, call Silvia Villa at Premium Services at 383-5758, or from the U.S. dial (602) 4761187 or sivife@hotmail.com. Translations from English to Spanish or Spanish to English also available – any document you need translated. Call Silvia whenever you need help with anything from bill paying to ordering flowers! (#79-1)
BILL PAYING – Maintenance and cleaning. FM3 Services. Proservices Rocky Point. Fremont Plaza #15. Mon. thru Fri. 8:30-4:30, Sat. 8:30-1:30. (638) 383-6161. English/Spanish Cel (044-638) 113-0446. astrid. avila@live.com.mx (PS-1) FURNITURE DELIVERY MOVING FROM THE STATES to Rocky Point/San Carlos since 1987. Our price includes no surprise fees from pickups to setups. Email geoff@ bordermovers.com or phone (480) 232-3518. (#90-9) HOUSES & CONDOS FOR RENT LONG TERM & NIGHTLY RENTALS, Las Conchas, Mirador, In Town, Sandy Beach Homes and Condos. Starting at $150.00 USD per month. Twin Dolphins (01152-638) 383-3919, (602) 3247241 (#100-4) PUERTA PRIVADA LONG TERM LEASE 2 OR 3 bdrm condos for long term lease only. Furnished or unfurnished available. Visit model on site 9am to 5pm daily for more info. (#100-42) BEAUTIFUL OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT RANGING FROM 50-75 M2 Perfect for business professionals. Located Luis Encinas and Calle 24. English Call 815-553-2683 or Spanish call 638-105-7936. (#124-1) 5 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR RENT – in Las Conchas, 6-12 month lease, call (638) 382-0139 for details. (#100-7) HOUSES & CONDOS FOR SALE AJO HOUSE – 3bd, 2ba. Backyard faces County Park, mountain views. Has a/c full house backup generator. Bottom of “U” street, nice neighborhood in Ajo, AZ. (520) 3875474. (#102-m) PLAYA DORADA – $229K Close to International Airpot. Beachfront, large 2bd, 2ba. Private parking, security. HOA and electric. Call PABLO REALTY (602) 288-8687. Local 383-8657. Email pablorealty@hotmail.com (#102-PR) OWNER WILL CARRY FOR 3 YEARS. – Own a beach front condo with 1bd 1ba. Lowest price. Great investment: Playa Bonita area. 92K. This is the time to buy. I want your listings. If you want to sell, call me. I have the buyers. Licensed broker in USA and Mexico, Oceano Realty. (602) 315- 6371 johnsoldit@ yahoo.com Hablo Español. (#102-18)
SALE – East Cape Cabo Pulmo Reef National Park Duplex Villa $244,000 U.S. w w w. c a b o c a s a s i r e n a . c o m Turnkey ready. Excellent rental profits. 500 meters to the Sea. cheriaspen@gmail.com 858 568 1257. (#102-20) INSURANCE SERVICES INSURANCE AND BONDING AGENCY – REAL ESTATE Mexican & American Insurance: Auto, boat, life, house, commercial. Yolanda Silva, Agent. Ave Nayarit #62. Call 3836280. (#107-1) JEWELERS JOYERIA MAX – MAX’S JEWELRY - Custom design, repairs, diamonds and gemstones. Special orders are our specialty. Open 11AM – 9PM Monday through Saturdays. Shop located on the north side of No Reeleccion (Calle 26), just east of RR tracks. Lamek_fu@hotmail.com. Call Max (011-52-638) 388-5512 and 3832698. (#110-2) MASSAGE U.S.A. CERTIFIED MASSAGE THERAPIST. Several bodywork modalities available. Out calls or in clinic. $55 per hour. Best massage in town. Rita Pizarro, from U.S. dial (602) 748-4134, clinic (011-52-638) 383-8030, local dial 383-8030 or (044-638) 386-5203 or email ritapizarro@ gmail.com. (#120-6) SPA BLUE SKY – Wonderful anti-stress massage, facials, pedicures. Outcalls. $35 dlls per hour. Call Sixto Jimenez. On Blvd. Samuel Ocaña. 383-2105 and cell (044-638) 107-7720. Email qatejmez@hotmail.com. (#120-1) PEST CONTROL PREDADOR – COCKROACHES, Termites, mosquitoes, flies, bees, fire ants, fleas, scorpions, spiders, rats, ants, mice. We have our Federal License. English spoken. Call Antonio Mendivil, owner at 383-8787. 24 hour emergency phone dial (044-638) 380-5136. (#126-1) REAL ESTATE SERVICES TWIN DOLPHINS – Blvd. Fremont, next to Red Cross. Mexico (638) 383-3919 US (602) 324-7241. (#140-1) ROCKY POINT REALTY GROUP – Jonni Francis at Paseo Las Glorias, across from Peñasco del Sol. Mexico (638) 382-5355 US (602) 334-4134. (#140-2)
HOME INSPECTIONS. Be an intelligent investor: Get a home inspection before you buy your next home or investment property in Mexico. Puerto Peñasco’s only full time Home Inspector. Call (602) 748-4134, local dial (044-638) 3807212 or email tomthomas360@ gmail.com. (#140-4) RV PARKS & SPACES 6 RV SPACES for rent in town (1 1/2 blks East of Josefa on Callejon Juarez). Walled, private, and with all the services, Call (480) 225-6546. (#152-22) SERVICES PET SITTING SERVICE – DON’T WORRY about your animals for a day, week or month! Vacation with peace of mind. I will look after your cats or dogs. Lots of experience with animals! Phone Nancy at (011-52-638) 383-1012. (#157-21) SATELLITE TV – Sales, service & installation. Residential & Commercial (638) 103-5317 Mex Cel. (602) 635-2246 Vonage. (#157-2) ROCKY POINT HOME INSPECTIONS – Inspections by US inspector 25+years in Real Estate, Homes and Condos. Be a smart investor 602-538-0027 tomthomas360@gmail.com. (#157-1) AQUA GRANDE TOWING – Tows to U.S.A. No Problem. All operators fluent in English and Spanish. Dennis Bleeker (01152-638) 383-5770. From the U.S. (520) 232-2149. (#157-3) SHUTTLE SERVICE HEAD OUT TO ROCKY POINT – door to door shuttle service from Phoenix to Rocky Point. Group and one-way rates available. Wanna Go? Let Us Know! Email headout@cox.net, phone in the U.S. (602) 971-0166 or U.S. Toll Free (866) 443-2368. www. headouttorockypoint.com. No waiting in border lines when you ride with us! (#158-3) WANTED RESPONSIBLE, FLAGSTAFF WOMAN LOOKING TO HOUSE SIT FOR YOU. Will be in Rocky Point mid-January. Let’s talk! (928) 266-6784.(#192-3)
CLASSIFIED AD PRICES 25 WORDS FOR $15 WORDS AFTER 25 ARE 20¢ PER WORD
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Letters to Editor Send your letters to the editor to our mailing address P.O. Box 887 Lukeville, AZ 85341 or email us at rockypointtimes@yahoo.com
Thank you for sharing pictures! We will always remember the great times we had with you and Tom on El Golfo trips...remembering first time Sandy showed us the salt flats! So different than Oregon coast. We love Puerto Peñasco and enjoy our winter visits! Jerrie Sundermeier You should stay till May, and come with us on the next trip! We saw hundreds of sailboats on the water this past Saturday. Beautiful time of year in PP Michael Hodgins Yes, our Hobie Nationals are in October. You were here at the perfect time! We always donate to Cruz Roja (Red Cross) and hope we never need them! It is good to hear these stories though! Irma Coronado Tatge I donate every time I pass the ambulance parked at the side of the road. Cruz Roja is fantastic! Hello, do you know what time Sunday Mass is at the Catholic Church in Old Port? No one answers phone, when we asked in town some people said 11, some said 12, some said 1...LOL, thanks for any information... love the paper! Where is your office? Regina Rogers Edwards That’s right, they do not answer their phone, but we called the Catholic church in Caborca, and Mass time is 12NOON, and it’s the same in both towns. Our office is behind the south side OXXO on Calle 13. Our office location is marked on our city map each month in my paper. Hi Sandy, will have to check the Tekila Bar next time I’m in Rocky Point! Norma Montez Very, very, very, very FUN place AND GOOD FOOD!! We’re planning to be in RP in a couple of weeks. Can we stop by the office with a cash and/or toy donation at that time? CJ Cole Yes, of course. Make sure it is labeled for BarbO, as we go to all the organizations in town. Thank You!! We r coming down for the bike rally can we bring some toys? I buy toys all year long for this type of thing. Jody Denton Yes, absolutely, you may drop any donation in our offices. Just make sure we know WHO you would like us to give them to.
I am always amazed to see how beautiful is Puerto Peñasco and it’s beaches! ♥ Anne Saillant Eric Brown’s aerial photos really show off our beautiful town!
Very busy weekend so many things going on. Colette Kowitz Ford The weekends have been filled with visitors, especially during bike week, and the air show and events. It was great!
Why is it that they don’t paint yellow stripes on the topes (speed bumps), like the rest of the world? Bobbie Hulderman The speed bumps in Rocky Point are incognito. LOL
Wow...they are having a great time! Wish I could join them! Our dog, Bart has never been to the beach. Wonder how he would react if he were there! The beach and weather there looks so nice. Looking forward to the future in P.P. Here, we are currently having a heat spell ...seems like summer. Ruben Culebro Yes, EVERYONE has fun on the beaches here in Rocky Point, and our weather is pretty much perfect!!
Hola, I am scanning old photos and I came across these from September 1978. My former brother in law was a crane operator at the time. He lifted the reactors for the Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant near Phoenix Arizona off the ship at the port in Puerto Peñasco. The reactors were then transported via truck to Phoenix. Thought you might like them. Sarah Loehrke GREAT!! LOVE these old pics!! Thank you so much. I wasn’t here for the first shipment, but I see a lot of others were. Thanks for thinking of us. SandyO Wow, killer whales this far up in the sea!!! Ron Egley Yes, visitors on the EcoFun spotted Orcas out near Bird Island, recently. Love your work Aleman! Greetings from Oregon! Jerrie Sundermeieri Yes, Victor Aleman is a world renown ‘spray paint’ artist. Be sure to visit Aleman Artesian Village on the west side of the Hwy, north of town, as it is acres of pots, tables, fountains, and goodies for your home. Too cool! Would love to see this show! Melissa Overby Yes, our first ROCKY POINT AIR SHOW was a huge success, and we hope to welcome back the FLYERS TEAM for many events to come. I wonder if Victor is still painting? I have a few of his works on my walls. Laura Curtis The answer is YES. Victor Aleman is still painting AND doing 100 other things. See him at Aleman’s Artesian Village on the west side of the main highway, just north of town. Made the Rocky Point Motorcycle Rally even better this year! Bernadette Whetten Yes, the ROCKY POINT AIR SHOW was an excellent addition to the ROCKY POINT RALLYS’ 16th year!!
How very cool as you have a New Zealander that loves Rocky Point Times Newspaper! If you need any help while your in NZ please contact me, I’m in north Auckland. Michele MacKenzie Yes, pretty incredible that two of our favorite readers, Sue and Ed Swafford, hauled a copy of the Rocky Point Times with them on their travels! Nights like this are why we live here in Rocky Point. Gregg Willits Yes, my husband and I came 26 years ago, spent one night in our motor home, on the beach......and never left. In the past years have seen turkeys sold at Leys, not a big selection, also expensive. Marcie Breaux Johnson Yes most of the major markets will have fresh turkeys for sale, but watch the label for ahumado’, which means ‘smoked’, We have been taking a lot of clothing donations out to barrio San Rafael, also to the community center La Esperanza Para Nueva Vida A.C.... I will be going through my winter clothes so whatever doesn’t fit (because they are too BIG. I will gladly donate. Mark Olszewski Mark, you and Barb do so much for Puerto Peñasco. Thank you from all of us here at the Rocky Point Times!! What a view, and we are here, ouch, it cannot be this good, could it? Ouch! Rick Meeker Yes Rick, the Rocky Point Sunsets are really spectacular!! I Love Rocky Point! It’s soooo Beautiful! Crissie Casto Yes Cassie, we love it here, too. Came down to visit in 1990...and never left!
If you have not had the chance to visit and enjoy the food there. Do yourself a favor and get there and you will not be disappointed. Jon Wheeler We agree Jon. The Mare Blu Ristorante on Sandy Beach has a fabulous chef! We try to stop by the TEQUILA FACTORY every time we are in Rocky Point. Jennifer Langdon A stop at the Tequila Factory is a MUST DO while visiting Peñasco. For people who don’t know what CBSC is or stands for and how you become a member may
HELP! Mike Caye Oh, sorry Mike. CBSC is the Cholla Bay Sportsmen’s Club, and they are hosting a GAME NIGHT in March. You may contact for more info chollacbsc@gmail.com
Cannot top Mare Blu for delicious food, friendly staff and relaxing ambiance. Thanksgiving dinner there with my family. They offered a traditional turkey dinner. We all opted to order off menu....but did indulge in pumpkin pie. All so yummy! Marilyn Loos Haney We did our family Thanksgiving in Laguna Shores, but headed to Mare Blu after the leftovers were gone!! Thank you Rocky Point Times for addressing this issue, I am sure city hall has taken notice. Again, thank you for holding there feet to the fire. Bobbie Hulderman You are welcome! Remember WE live here, too. WE have to drive on our roads. Hello did the story with Barb’s Dog Rescue & Mark Mulligan & Mexico got Lucky with Author Rico Austin all at Pink Cadillac make it into the December 2016 issue? Peace, Love & Tequila! Gracias, Rico ;-) Author Rico Austin Hola Rico, yes, the article was printed in our Nov 2016 issue on Page 20.
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Common Law Marriage in Mexico: Could it Affect You? In ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, marriages were private agreements between individuals and families. Community recognition of a marriage was, by-and-large, the qualifier, and the state had only limited interests in assessing the legitimacy of marriages. Civil and religious officials normally took no part in marriage ceremonies; nor did they keep registries. It was common for couples to cohabit with no ceremony, and cohabiting for a moderate period was sufficient for the relationship to be considered a marriage: cohabiting in this way carried no social stigma. At the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215 the Catholic Church forbade private agreement marriages or clandestine marriages, as they were defined by the Catholic Church. The Lateran Council required all marriages to be announced in a church by a priest. Spain followed church doctrine unquestionably, and this was certainly the case when the Spaniards arrived in Mexico. Private agreement marriages in Mexico were not recognized by either the Church or whatever government happened to be in administration at the time. However, what came to be practiced was often different to the official line, especially in Mexico’s rural areas. A not uncommon ritual consisted of the would-be groom’s parents presenting themselves at the home of the intended bride, asking to enter and bringing with them a candle and a basket of gifts. Although a wedding date may be set during this ritual, the church wedding was not always forthcoming. The expense of a church wedding was borne by the groom’s family and reasons would be given as to why the church wedding could not follow immediately; for example, that the future groom’s older brother had recently married and they needed time to save to meet the expenses. Most studies show that in 1857 when the Ley Iglesias made Mexican marriages a civil contract between the couple and the State and took away the Church’s authority over marriages. The number of private agreement marriages increased dramatically. Despite two great movements of reform in slightly over a century, Mexican legal codes did not veer too far from the austere provisions of Spanish law denying spouses and children of private agreement marriages the legal rights of support and inheritance.
The Challenges of Buying and Selling Property in Paradise
By Gretchen Ellinger
In 1928 Mexico’s Federal Civil Code adopted a provision granting partial recognition of the rights of women and children of private agreement marriages. Under the Federal Civil Code, Mexico recognizes a concubinage relationship, and for the surviving partner to receive the benefits, that partner must prove a concubino status. However, not all Mexican states have ratified this federal law. Why might the concubinage relationship be important to expatriates living in Mexico? Increasing numbers of couples in committed relationships decide not to go through a marriage ceremony. The reasons for this include the desire to keep their finances separate, each partner may have children from previous relationships, and the possible loss of government benefits if they remarry. Now that some Mexican states have adopted a legal process that recognizes concubinage relationships, in many of those states the relationship can no longer be established by evidence, as was previously the case. Under the new civil law in some Mexican states, if a couple is living together under a private marriage agreement, the state will not recognize it, unless the couple has registered with the civil registrar. To ensure the survivor of a private agreement marriage receives the property rights to which he or she is entitled, an expatriate couple living together, but not “legally married” who consider themselves husband and wife must take affirmative action to protect the rights, which they may have possessed before the law came into existence. It would be a pity if a foreign resident in Mexico were to discover after the death of their partner that the property rights to which he or she thought they would be entitled to were lost merely because they failed to take advantage of a civil ceremony available to them or to preserve the evidence necessary to prove the existence of a concubinage relationship.
This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
Thank goodness for the people who are just beginning their journeys in Paradise, and for the others who are closing that same chapter in their lives! These two groups of people take care of each other - the former are the buyers of homes and condos in Paradise, and they depend upon the latter, who are the sellers. Contrary to popular wisdom, buyers and sellers have much in common. Both strive to achieve the same mutual goal, which is the transfer of real estate in Paradise from one to the other, and both need the services of an excellent licensed real estate agent with experience in the area and type of real estate under consideration. Both need expert guidance about market conditions and property prices, and both need expertise regarding the sometimes challenging process of closing the transaction. Buyer and seller goals are different when it comes to price. Buyers understandably want the very most house and the best view, in the absolute best location, for the least money possible. Many come to Mexico thinking that property will be “almost free,” and are surprised at the cost of living on the beach. A quick survey of prices of beachfront properties in the USA on either coast, reveals that, while high, beachfront and sea view properties here in Paradise are, in fact, almost free when compared to prices for similar properties “up north.” Sellers often expect to sell for more than their properties are worth, under current market conditions. They know the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into making their properties what they are today, and they know what the neighbors sold for back during the boom, which seems like yesterday, but actually came to a screeching halt 8 years ago! Yes, our market is improving, but no, it has reached nowhere near 2007 levels. You are just not going to sell for the same amount you might have sold 8 or 10 years ago! Regardless of what you paid, or the improvements you have made. All parties concerned would benefit by intelligent real estate pricing. If real estate agents can bring themselves to be honest with sellers, if sellers can bring themselves to realistic expectations, and price accordingly, the logical result is more showings, offers, sales and closed transactions - in other words, more happy buyers and sellers! The following is reprinted by permission from the Arizona Journal of Real Estate & Business: The Ten Truths of Selling Your Home… That agents don’t want to say because sellers don’t want to hear. 1. The price the seller wants or needs has no bearing on Market Value. 2. An upgrade is usually not worth as much as it cost – hope the seller enjoyed it! 3. Yes, home buying is emotional; however, financing is based on facts, not feelings. 4. Pricing above market discourages offers. 5. Pricing below market encourages offers. 6. Market Value is determined by buyers.
7. Neat & Clean are King and Queen of sellability. 8. The number 1 thing an agent provides a home seller is exposure to a much larger pool of buyers. 9. The first 30 days are “prime time” for market visibility. 10. PRICING is the primary factor in determining whether or not a property sells. Because our market is Puerto Peñasco/Rocky Point, here are ten more points to consider: 1. The price paid by the seller, or recorded in the public registry, and the closing costs associated with acquiring the deed, have no bearing on the market value of the property. 2. Do not upgrade your property to sell it every project in Paradise takes more time and costs more money than anyone planned. Do this only if you want to KEEP your property! 3. Just about the only financing for foreigners (to Mexico) for property in Paradise is owner financing, and the rates are higher than mortgage rates in the USA. Closing costs can usually not be financed, and will significantly affect how much a buyer will spend. 4. Pricing above market assures that your property will be on the market for far too long, then it will sell at market value, or even below market value if you have allowed it to deteriorate. 5. Pricing below market value gives you the best chance of selling your property quickly. 6. Sometimes there is no market value at all! Some properties, even in Paradise, just cannot be sold, due to current market conditions, and the best seller move is a strategy other than selling. Market conditions are fluid, generally change over time, and some point in the future will be more favorable to selling your property. How long do market conditions take to change? Not even the most talented real estate agent can answer that! 7. Neat and Clean are King and Queen, but ongoing continuing routine maintenance keeps it in best condition for selling! If you have not previously done so, now is the time to hire a handyman to keep the property up - our harsh climate is very hard on properties, and vacant homes and lots that are not attended quickly start looking like abandoned and depressed properties. 8. AMPI, the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals, requires that all professionals operate within ethical guidelines, and Sonora, Mexico state law requires all real estate agents to have state of Sonora (not Arizona, California, Texas, etc.) licenses. Whether buying or selling, be sure your licensed agent is a member of AMPI, as well as experienced in your type of real estate, and in your community - interview agents, and choose someone with the right qualifications for your needs! 9. Our market has better and lesser selling seasons - talk to your agent about when is the best time to list to get the maximum value from that first 30 days on the market, keeping in mind that a right-priced property is more likely to sell any time of year, and could turn the first 30 days into the last 30 days on the market. 10. Even in Paradise, pricing is STILL the primary factor in determining whether or not a property sells.
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Fishing is good By Santiago’s Ocean Services
These fish and more were caught this past summer off the boat Caballo del Mar...a very nice 44 ft. sport fishing boat. With an El Nino effect this summer and fall, the Sea of Cortez was filled with all kinds of really cool fish. Some of these bill fish don’t normally run this far up here but my Captains were able to locate them on their GPS headings, and we were reeling ‘em in. Sailfish, Dorado, Yellowtail, to mention a few, and boy it was an exciting time for our clients and other avid fishermen. Typically we’re hitting on lots of Cochi fish, Rock and Pinto Bass, big Sea Bass and up to 95 lb. Gulf Groupers. My boats have the equipment and the crew to offer a safe and memorable fishing experience. We’ll soon be viewing Whales too. For reservations contact esther@ santiagosoceanservices AZ cell (602) 3249558 right here in Rocky Point. Gracias.
The Grout Doctor One morning Josef woke up and, sipping his coffee, he sat staring at the floor and asked himself, “What do I do with my time now that I have just retired?” He kept staring at the floor and began to notice how dirty the grout was. Had it ever been cleaned? How can one get all the dirt removed from those tiny grout lines? Over the next few months Josef decided to do a very thorough research on how to clean Tile and Grout. After some time, he located top of the line equipment and started to experiment. Living in Puerto Peñasco, Josef realized that the vast majority of the condos have tile flooring. He experimented with his own condo first and, seeing the amazing results, started to clean the floors of friends condos. Suddenly it seemed like everyone wanted their grout and tile cleaned and so it became a business, “The Grout Doctor”. The business needed a partner as Josef only lives part time in Puerto Peñasco, and so he invited Marilys to join him. Together they visited many of the Resorts and knew right away they had made the right decision. Most of the condos had never ever had their grout cleaned. Dr. Grout uses only the best equipment, steamers and very fine steel head brushes to intricately clean the Grout and Tile. Cost varies from $150USD upward for a 1 bedroom condo depending on the sq. footage and condition of the floor. Usually the older condos tend to have the worst floors as many have never been cleaned. The prices are reasonable, the results excellent, so make it your New Year Resolution to have your Grout and Tile expertly cleaned.
Santiagos Ocean Services. #1 For Fun In Rocky Point. AZ # in Rocky Point (602) 324-9558. Local # in Rocky Point (638) 388-5318.
Email: groutdoctorpp@gmail.com or call Marilys at: (011-521-638) 3809293. THE GROUT DOCTOR The Steam Cleaning Specialists
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Our Contributing writers...
Richard Scott
Marcia Diane
A native of Chicago, Richard Scott spent most of his adult life migrating further and further south. Now in Rocky Point, his writing and photography can regularly be found at RockyPoint.com. A musician as well, you can always find him somewhere around town, singing or playing sax. Prefers to be called ‘gabacho’ rather than ‘gringo’.
I’ve had the honor of writing for one of the best publications in the business and with some of the finest colleagues for over a year now, yea RPT! When I was little I promoted circuses and trained animals. Now that was something to write about. When I grew up I just couldn’t stop, writing that is. Though I’ve stolen and trained some horses since then. Can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather live than this astounding Sonoran Desert Sea…lucky, lucky me. Anybody who’s inclined to share their private thoughts, don’t hesitate to join our on-line writing group at m.diane. writeon@gmail.com. We put out our submissions every second Friday of the month. See you all there.
Gretchen Ellinger
Considers herself blessed with the privilege of living and working Cholla Bay, which she thinks is one of the most inviting areas of Puerto Peñasco. After years of visiting Puerto Peñasco, Gretchen purchased a fishing shack by the water in Cholla Bay. The idea was to fix it up for weekends and vacations, and perhaps operate a bed and breakfast after retirement. After rebuilding, and a big curve in life’s road, Gretchen retired and started a new life in Cholla Bay. Over 7 years’ experience in real estate in Puerto Peñasco has earned Gretchen the respect of the real estate community, where it is known that she can be depended upon and trusted. Her numerous clients have come to depend on her for exemplary customer service, and expert advice in the fields of Cholla Bay real estate and retirement south of the border. Gretchen was the Vice President of Education for AMPI (the Mexican association of real estate agents), and coordinates the annual clean-up of Cholla’s estuary by U of A students. That bed and breakfast dream? After over 7 years in operation, Casa Monica Cholla Bay B&B has many devoted visitors who would not stay anywhere else!
Rosarie Salerno
Has been a contributing writer, for the Rocky Point Times, since 2006. Rosarie has lived in Rocky Point for over 10 years. She has been a full time real estate professional in Rocky Point since she arrived and has been a licensed real estate agent in Arizona since 1986. She moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1972. Rosarie studied Accounting in N.Y.C., Fashion Designing as well as Video and Film Production in Tucson. Not only did she sell real estate in Tucson, but had a small income tax preparation service for almost 20 years. Rosarie is highly analytical in her work. She has an inquisitive mind.
Mike Bibb
Contributing writer, Mike Bibb from Safford, Arizona, is a recovering paranoid-schizophrenic with several bipolar disorders. As long as he remains under constant medication, the public is generally not at risk. However, he has been known to lapse into bouts of uncontrollable thirst which can only be sedated with multiple servings of iced Indios, Dox Equis or some similar tonic. There is no picture of him available at this time due to national security reasons should his face be seen in public.
Vince Deadmond
Vince Deadmond, “The Fly Fishing Hardware Guy”, is coowner of Best Hardware in Apache Junction, AZ. He is an enthusiastic, caffeinated, fly fisher in search of a really good cookie. He has fly fishing stories published on the web, in local newspapers and magazines. His stories tangle family, friends, and fly lines.
Bob Snyder
Born in Boston, Nancy settled in Phoenix, Arizona, where she has three daughters and seven grandchildren. Nancy received her Masters degree from Northern Arizona University. Her computer career included Xerox and Control Data. She represented wineries in Europe working out of Libourne, France connecting wineries in Europe to the suppliers in the USA. Since the year 2000 when she retired to Puerto Peñasco, she was appalled by the brutal way animals were treated and abused. Nancy started an animal rescue “Animal Adoption Center of Rocky Point”. Today she works closely with the city of Puerto Peñasco, conducting spay/ neuter clinics and adoptions events.
Cap’n Greg
Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. High school class clown. Transplanted out west at the tender age of 20. Married in Las Vegas, where he raised 3 kids. Worked in sales his whole adult life. He has been coming to RP on vacation for about 20 years from Las Vegas. He has lived and worked year round at Puerta Privada on Sandy Beach for the past 5 years. Bob had a ton of fun being cast from the local pool to play a small roll in the Diego Luna directed movie, ‘Cesar Chavez’ staring Michael Peña. Loves fishing, golfing, horseshoes and pool, and of course, telling jokes.
Escaped Iowa’s snow for Arizona’s sun in 1989, and immediately jumped the border to sample the culture and cerveza of Mexico. A US Navy veteran, his love for the ocean drew him to Rocky Point, which he has enjoyed immensely. Although he offers salty advice to Sea of Cortez visitors, the Cap’n also frequents the Northwest Ontario Bush, and has been writing a “North With Doc” humor column for In-Fisherman magazine for more than 20 years. Cap’n Greg, his wife Sandy, and their silky/pom pup Jezebel live in Green Valley.
Rob Baylor
Rob was born and lived for 60 years in Missoula, Mt. He retired in 2004 after 35 years as a self employed appliance service technician. Rob served two tours in Viet Nam in the 60’s and is very involved in the American Legion. He moved to Denver Co in 2004 where he married his wonderful wife, and editor, Nancy. They moved to Rocky Point in 2011, where Rob loves to fish, eat tacos and drink beer on the beach.
Lannette Phipps
My Bio…hmmm. Should I start at the age of 10 when I was kidnapped from Southern California and brought to Lake Havasu City to work in a factory mill (aka our home) stuffing independent phone books into plastic bags and then having to deliver said phonebooks doorto-door in temp’s well over 120-degrees from the back of a metal truck bed? Obviously there were no child labor laws back then and my kidnappers – aka Tom and Sandra O’Hare taught me from the bottom up how to publish independent yellow pages in three states while going up against the “big guys” and knocking them down a peg or two. I guess we could fast forward to 1995 when I was working for an all in-house publishing and photography company in Buena Park, CA when my boss (and best friend) and I wanted to start our own freelance graphic design business. (This was before everyone who owned a PaintShop program thought they were designers – YES, I am talking about you!). We didn’t have the necessary funds to launch properly so I called the folks in Mexico and asked them for a loan. “On one condition,” they said “You have to come to Rocky Point for 6-months and work for The Rocky Point Times Newspaper. If you don’t like it then you can go back to California and we will loan you the money”. Here it is, 22 years later and 2 newspapers under my belt (more before 1995) and I’m still here. I never left. When you are a family business you pretty much have to do everything so that’s what we all did. I could fill years of newspapers talking about the city and printers and escapades and stuff you really shouldn’t know about, but this is just a short bio. I have always wanted to be a writer of some sort so now I guess I am though my years have made me think I am a much better editor. I guess we can all be the judge of that when my first book is published…or not.
Anita Kaltenbaugh
Originally from Western Pennsylvania, lived and worked in Rocky Point for two years. Waking up and walking the beach everyday was a dream come true. Anita and her husband love to travel and explore new and different places all over the world, but her heart still remains in Puerto Peñasco. Anita Kaltenbaugh is the Mexico travel examiner at examiner.com and author of the book “Travel SecretsInsider guide to planning, affording and taking more vacations” available on Kindle, NOOK and Amazon.com.
Nancy Phelan
Mark Paliscak Marco Paliscak grew up on the East Coast and loved spending his summers at the Jersey Shore, enjoying the beach to the fullest. After graduating college, he moved to southern California and went on to get his Masters in Business Administration at the University of California, Irvine. Marco lived in Huntington Beach and Balboa Island for 13 years. He then relocated to Napa and lived in the wine country for a year. Missing the beach, he decided to move back to the beach to Santa Cruz, California. A great job offer took him south to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he lives today. Marco purchased his condo on Sandy Beach 9 years ago, and lives part-time at Bella Sirena and at home in Scottsdale with his family. “My favorite thing about writing for the Rocky Point Times is to explore everything our cool city has to offer...from deep sea fishing to throwing back a margarita at a local watering hole to just chilling at our beach…I love the new experiences and sharing the stories about the interesting people and places I see. I am also amazed with each passing year the outpouring of support that people from all over give to our family charity to aid the poor living along the railroad tracks here in Rocky Point. The love and generosity is truly amazing!” If you have an interesting story about Rocky Point whether it is your place of employment, an upcoming event, a past event, an old or funny story, please email Marco at mpaliscak@amerifirst.us. You may be featured in the next…MARCO Y AMIGOS!
Steve Franklin
in Old Town near Mercedes.
Steve Franklin is a Cholla Bay resident and has been photographing wildlife for 20 years. He is also an Arson Detective for the Phoenix Fire Department. He enjoys taking photos of all sea life above and below the water. He visits the Yellowstone and Grand Teton areas of Wyoming as well as the Sonoran desert areas of Arizona & Mexico each year. His photography is displayed at Xochitl’s Restaurant in Cholla Bay, and at Gaby & Luis Galeria
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The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255