rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
1
2
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
3
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper is Puerto Peñasco’s #1 Tourist Newspaper, family owned and operated since 1993 in Rocky Point, Sonora, Mexico, and written entirely in English! We are, and have always been, dedicated to helping the community in which we live, as well as promoting our city and bringing tourism to Rocky Point. We are a TOURIST NEWSPAPER dedicated to promoting tourism! 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 Anita K., Barb Mumaug, Cap ‘n Greg, Steve Franklin, Eddie Wharez, Gretchen Ellinger, Joe Houchin, Marcia Diane, Mark Paliscak, Rita Pizarro, Rosarie Salerno, Nancy Phelan, Sandy Spain. 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 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.
By Lannette Phipps It’s mid-May, and Sandy is shoving this paper out the door to the printer so we can attend a friends’ wedding in Nevada, come home and get ready for her BIG Birthday celebration on the 29th in Arizona, then the El Golfo 4x4 Run on June 3rd, 4th and 5th and then head out again for my cousins’ wedding at the end of June. I have no idea who will be writing the July Editorial. I elect Jim, Brian or Joe! I know I am supposed to be talking about June, but I’m sitting here in May and the weather is absolutely gorgeous. Every night a little before sunset we grab one of our coveted bottles of wine from our Argentina trip last month and sit on the patio and remark how darn lucky we are. I would love to tell you about our Argentina trip, but maybe I will pen an article instead. While I absolutely loved Argentina and met many wonderful people, I found that the people in Rocky Point are much friendlier, on a casual basis. Like passing someone on the street, opening the door, buying items from the market – I always get greetings here in Peñasco, but not so much in Argentina. Granted, Buenos Aires is very busy and people are whizzing by, but in the hoods where we were among locals, many of my greetings fell flat. I also expected it to be a little more like home, but it has a very heavy European influence. Nonetheless, we absolutely had a blast and I would visit the Mendoza region again in a second. Make sure you read all of the articles in each and every paper since we have many wonderful contributing writers that know all kinds of stuff. There is always an update or news about how the Home Port is coming along (or not), as well as news about infrastructure, events, charities, etc. For me to repeat it all here would be redundant.
Many fun things happening this month starting with Marina Fest which goes on from May 27th through June 5th. On Dia de La Marina, June 1st, Watch all the shrimpers head out for a short cruise and try to catch a ride on one if you can. It is a pretty cool experience. There is always a ceremony and the carnival/fair that goes on at the same time so go scare yourself on the crazy rides. As I mentioned above, the El Golfo 4x4 Off Road Run is slated for June 3rd, 4th and 5th, so please contact Sandy if you want to go. You can email rockypointtimes@yahoo.com or hit them up on Facebook or call the office locally at 383-6325. Come on and sign up because we need some newbies for a few laughs… and to meet new friends of course. The Survivor’s Party will be at South Side Jillz at 5PM on the 5th.
I am personally thrilled about Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers live in concert. June 9th is their bi-annual Circus Mexicus concert. Go to their website to grab some tickets or check out their Facebook page. Get them as soon as you can because they do go fast. I seem to remember that I am getting VIP passes this year so woo-hoo for me!! On Sunday the 12th be at JJ’s Cantina in Cholla Bay to enjoy the Mañanathon – great bloody’s and you can get any RCPM loot you forgot
at the concert. Before you head out to Cholla Bay on Sunday, head down to the Sonoran Spa to watch the Rubber Duckie Race. This little shindig isn’t until July, but get your tickets early because everyone loves Las Vegas Night at the Sonoran Sky. Wear your finery and show up at the Sky on July 2nd at 7PM and let the games begin. It’s always fun to see what new games they have and all the great raffle prizes. If you want to find Sandy, just hang out by the free tequila.
A couple days ago, I noticed that the corner of Calle 13 and P Elias Calles (by Sushi Sun) was all torn up Calle 13 was blocked at all entrances/exits. I didn’t stop to ask if the water main blew again or if they were putting in a stop light at that intersection. Too bad there isn’t anyone who can find this stuff out! Sheesh!! Oh, sorry Sandy...you did have the water line info, just didn’t pass it along. And Blvd. Fremont (spelled Freemont on the street sign at Sinaloa) is being paved with a center divider planter starting at Blvd. Josefa west, towards town. A final bit of news…looks like on June 26th we will be welcoming our first airline flight from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua (to Rocky Point) with Hermosillo and Tijuana in the future. Let’s hope this takes off and more and more flights are added. On a final note we would like to wish everyone a very Happy Father’s Day on Sunday, June 19th. We hope you come down with your families and spend your special day playing in the Sea of Cortez.
Please Like Our Facebook Page
4
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
CALLING FROM THE U.S. Call U.S. & Canada from Mexico Dial 001 + (area code) + 7 digit number 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. U.S. cells may vary - check with your service provider. AT&T Viva Mexico Plan works best.
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.
LET OUR ADVERTISERS KNOW that YOU found them in the
ROCKY POINT TIMES NEWSPAPER
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
D
Latitude 31...............................................383-4311
Rocky Point Home Builders................(638) 383-6524
D’Lucy Spa.................383-1471/044-638-105-8993
Little Italy Pizza..................................(928) 683-2221
or...............................................U.S. 815-553-2683
Del Mar Charters........................................383-2802
Living Stones Ministry...........................480-243-8452
Rocky Point Realty Group.....383-4699/602-334-4134
Dr. Grijalva, D.D.S...........................................383-3434
Lourdes Rivera..........................044-638-380-3366
Rocky Point Times Newspaper.....................383-6325
Don Julio Bar & Grill......................................388-0056
Lloyds Rocky Point Shuttle And Tours......(623) 551-1616
or..........................................................480-463-6255 Fax...........................................................383-5193
Duke’s Restaurant-Bar.................044-638-104-0338 or...................................................044-638-380-6650
E Ecofun Rentals.........................................388-9699 Eddie Wharez.....................383-8633/602-324-9328
F Family of God................................................383-3480 Farmacias De Descuento..............383-3131/388-8280 Fish.............................................044-638-110-7137 Five Senses Spa...................................638-112-1652 Fortaleza del Sol........................044-638-110-9519 Francis, Jonni..............................044-638-112-1197 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
M Made in Puerto Peñasco................044-638-380-8233
S
Manny’s Beach Club......................383-3605/383-3215
Salerno, Rosarie..........383-8417/044-638-384-7145
Mar de Cortez Rentals....................................388-8747
or.......................................................520-777-0018
Mare Blu Ristorante.......................................383-0605
Sanborns Insurance........U.S. Toll Free 800-222-0158
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 Muebles Coloniales....................................383-6670 Muebles Imperiales......................................383-6480 or.......................................................714-395-4117
N-O
Gift Shop & Gallery..............................520-387-6858
Nails Center................................................388-0434
Gila Bend Title and Registration Services..928-683-2577
Napa Auto (Ajo).................................24 HOUR TOW
Giuseppi’s Espresso...................................383-5181
....................................(520) 387-4TOW (387-4869)
Glorias Beauty Salon.................................383-5075
Optica Turati................................................383-4645
Green Point................................................383-2938 Gretchen Ellinger...............383-1425/602-317-3881
P
or................................................044-638-384-0458
Pablo Realty........................383-8657/602-288-8687
Guardian Title and Escrow..............044-638-386-1445
Pane e Vino Restaurant................044-638-105-7455
or.........................................................623-910-2930
Pedro’s Restaurant.......................044-638-105-5166
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....................877-679-7900 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
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
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 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
Playa Bonita Resort RV Park.......................383-2596
Towing Aqua Grande..(638) 383-5770 / (520) 232-2149
U.S. Toll Free.......................................888-232-8142
Turati Optical..............................................383-4645
Mexico Toll Free.............................01-800-426-6482
Twin Dolphins Real Estate and Rentals......383-3919
Pollo Papago.............................044-638-385-1301
or........................................................602-324-7241
Predador....................383-8787/044-638-110-1625
T&T International Law Group..............602-465-6556
Premium Services...........383-5758/602-476-1187 Prestige Properties......................044-638-388-7777
U-V
................................................(520) 505-7777
U.S. Border Movers..................044-638-113-8365
Pro Services...............383-6161/044-638-113-0446
or.............................................480-232-3518
Puerta Privada......................383-1020/480-445-9200
Victor Aleman..............................044-638-105-7839 Viña del Mar Hotel............383-0100/602-606-7768
Q&R
Viva Mexico Taqueria...........................638-104-7252
Bryan’s.....................................................388-5365
Kaffeehaus.............................................388-1065
Ramon’s Old Port......................................383-7475
Burrito Express..............................................383-8460
Kord’s Auto Care...............................520-387-6962
or....................................................638-105-1732
W
Kyle Wood..............................................480-297-8079
Reincom..........................................638-102-0065
Western Outdoor Times......................(480) 947-6219
C Candy Cake.........................................638-383-2673
Repeat Performance.........................520-387-4948
L
Rey del Mar................................................383-5490
X-Y-Z
Canvas................................................638-383-1161
La Casa del Capitan Restaurant....................383-5698
Richard Savino................................638-380-4272
Xochitl’s Cafe (Sally’s Cholla Cafe)..................382-5283
Chochoy Veterinary.......................................383-2338
La Fondita...............................................383-8384
or..................................................(480) 707-3822
Yolanda Silva Insurance................................383-6280
C.H.O.P.P.S............................................480-648-7689
La Siesta Motel................................520-387-6569
Rocky Point Calendar..................see Mexican Vistas
ZaGas.......................................................383-8100
Coldwell Banker by the Sea...388-8999/602-425-5133
Laguna Shores Golf & Country Club..................383-4670
Rocky Point Chiropractic....................(638) 386-1306
Colins Cantina...............................................382-8020
U.S. Toll Free.........................................800-513-1426
or.............................................U.S. Cell (480) 263-3242
Zuquin Restaurant........................................383-3250 Zuq Deli & Salads.........................................388-5050
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
5
6
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
066 for EMERGENCIES
AIR AMBULANCE (dial within Mexico) AirEvac............................................................001-880-321-9522 SkyMed Air Ambulance.................................001-866-805-9624 AIRPORTS International.................................................................383-6097 CITY HALL (Municipal Building) H. Ayuntamiento de Peñasco.....................383-2056/383-2060 CLINICS Clinica San Jose............................................................383-5121 Clinica Santa Fe...........................................383-2447/383-4040 Clinica Santa Isabel (Maternity)...................................383-3645 Clinica Santa Maria.......................................................383-2440 Cruz Roja (Red Cross)...................................................383-2266 Desert Senita Community Health Center..........(520) 387-5651 Gonzalez AmeriClinic....................................................388-7676 ELECTRIC
Emergency dial...071
Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE).......................383-2684 FIRE DEPARTMENT
Emergency dial...068
Departamento de Bomberos.......................................383-2828 FISHIERIES DEPARTMENT Departamento de Pesca...............................................383-2116 Oficina de Pesca, San Diego, CA........................(619) 233-4324 GARBAGE/SANITATION DEPARTMENT Oomislim.......................................................................383-4909 GAS (Propane) Hidrogas........................................................................383-5650 Z’Gas..............................................................................383-8284 ZaGas.............................................................................383-8100 HOSPITALS (See Clinics also) Community...................................................................383-4566 IMSS (Social Security)...................................................383-2870 Municipal......................................................................383-2110 IMMIGRATION............................................................383-2526 MARINE RESCUE (VHF Channel 28) Port Captain..................................................................383-3035 Emergencies dial............................................462 or 627 or 767 POLICE
Emergency dial...066
Puerto Peñasco Station..............................383-2626/383-1616 State Judicial Police (Policía Judicial del Estado).........383-2783 PUBLIC SECURITY DEPARTMENT Seguridad Pública Municipal......................383-2626/383-1616 RAILROAD Ferrocarril......................................................................383-2610 RED CROSS Cruz Roja.....................................................................383-2266 SOCIAL SECURITY (IMSS) Instituto Méxicano del Seguro Social.........383-2677/383-2777 TELEPHONE Teléfonos de México.....................................................383-2780 Towing................(011-52-638) 383-5770 / U.S. (520) 232-2149 U.S. CONSULATES (in Mexico) Nogales.............................................................01-631-313-4820 dial from the U.S......................................011-52-631-313-4820 WATER Oomapas.......................................................................383-6080 Organismo Operador....................................................383-6080 Piteco (water tank delivery).........................................383-3315
RESTAURANTS that DELIVER Benny’s Pizza 383-6001 7 days, 11am-10pm Cheiky’s Pizza 383-3627, Closed Wed. Cocina Express 383-8358 Mon.-Sat. 10am-8pm Sun. 12pm-7pm 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.
Figaros Pizza 383-8181 La Fondita 383-8384 9am-9pm Sushi Sun 383-2772 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)
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
7
8
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
EVENTS CALENDAR JUNE 2016 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 care to play, and with happy hour prices! 1PM Horseshoe Tournament at South Side Jillz. Every Monday. 6PM Alcoholics Anonymous meets (Spanish) (See Pg. 42). TUESDAYS 2PM CEDO Free Public Talk in English and Tour of their facility in Las Conchas. Look for the giant Fin Whale Skeleton. Fun experience for the entire family. Phone 382-0113 for more info. 4PM CEDO Nature Talk in Spanish CBSC – Cholla Bay Sportsmen’s Club meets once a month (on Tues. or Sat.). 4PM Peñasco Singles Happy Hour, every Tuesday at Playa Bonita Resort. 8PM Cinemartes - Art Film Nights at Cafe Puerto Viejo in Old Port. 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. 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. Darts and Cards at the Sunset Cantina. 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). Live Music at The Lighthouse Restaurant. PINK CADILLAC - swim up bar, open Wed. thru Sun. 2PM till close. Burgers, pizza and more. 6:00 pm. Latin Dance Lessons at Peñasco Fitness Center (044638) 106-3619 or email penascofitness@gmail.com. 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 3820113 for info. 4PM CEDO Nature Talk in English Live Music at The Lighthouse Restaurant. PINK CADILLAC - swim up bar, open Wed. thru Sun. 2PM till close. Burgers, pizza and more. 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) 383-4513. San Jose Mission Church- in Cholla Bay. Bilingual Catholic Mass. At noon every Sunday. All our welcome.
CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST EVENTS! Wednesday 1st • Dia de La Marina Friday 3rd • 12PM-5PM Craft Classes & Art Shell Workshop. Contact Naomi Black at 388-5004. Thursday 9th • Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers at JJ’s Cantina Friday 10th • D.L. Marble at the Tekila Bar on the Malecon Saturday 11 • O.T.L. Sponsored by The Baja Cantina th
Sunday 12th • Mañanathon at JJ’s Cantina • 9:30AM Rubber Duckie Race in front of the Sonoran Spa Friday 17th • 12PM-5PM Craft Classes & Art Shell Workshop. Contact Naomi Black at 388-5004. Sunday 19th • Happy Father’s Day! Friday 24th • 12PM-5PM Craft Classes & Art Shell Workshop. Contact Naomi Black at 388-5004. Friday 24th • 12PM-5PM Craft Classes & Art Shell Workshop. Contact Naomi Black at 388-5004. JULY 2016 Friday 1st • 12PM-5PM Craft Classes & Art Shell Workshop. Contact Naomi Black at 388-5004. Saturday 2nd • CEDO Wet Feet Ocean Camp (Ages 10-14) For more info call (520) 320-5473. • 7PM 5th Annual Las Vegas Night for Charity at the Sonoran Sky Resort Sunday 3rd • CEDO Wet Feet Ocean Camp (Ages 10-14) For more info call (520) 320-5473. Monday 4th • CEDO Wet Feet Ocean Camp (Ages 10-14) For more info call (520) 320-5473. Tuesday 5th • CEDO Wet Feet Ocean Camp (Ages 10-14) For more info call (520) 320-5473. Wednesday 6th • CEDO Wet Feet Ocean Camp (Ages 10-14) For more info call (520) 320-5473. Friday 8th • 12PM-5PM Craft Classes & Art Shell Workshop. Contact Naomi Black at 388-5004. Friday 15th • 12PM-5PM Craft Classes & Art Shell Workshop. Contact Naomi Black at 388-5004. AUGUST 2016 Monday 1st • Happy Birthday Alicia!
The best way to get to Rocky Point is to drive here. While some hotshots may tell you they have made the four hour drive in three hours, don’t believe it. Covering the 225 miles at an average speed of 75 is impossible, what with Border Patrol checkpoints, speed limits through small towns, lots of other traffic, open range wandering cattle and burros, potty breaks, and having to crawl like a desert tortoise through Sonoyta. My advice is take your time, and enjoy the scenery. Then there’s the issue of insurance. Hampton Garcia sent us an email asking, “What happens if you don’t have Mexican insurance?” The easy answer is, “Nothing...unless you get in a wreck.” Here’s how I explain it. Say some jerk in Phoenix is texting and runs into the back of your car. If he sticks around long enough, the cops give him a ticket and, ideally, his insurance pays to fix the damage. But if he’s like the 20% or more of Arizona drivers who have no insurance, you can sue him—good luck with that—or your uninsured driver rider on your policy pays. Follow me so far? Well, it doesn’t work that way in Mexico. Your insurance that protects you in the States is virtually worthless here. You
get in a fender bender or worse, and even if it’s not your fault, you have to prove you are financially liable for damages. If you have proof of Mexican insurance, the paperwork can be done at the accident scene. If not, they’ll sort it out at the police station. Did I mention they have a jail there? If you don’t have insurance that is valid in Mexico, you could very well go to jail until you can prove that you can pay for damages. Even though it’s the other guy’s fault. And if it’s your fault, you are in even deeper trouble. So before you drive to Mexico, go to your insurance agent or AAA or get it on line or stop in Ajo or Why where they sell it. Take your driver’s license and registration with you, and buy the Mexican insurance. Not only is it a good idea, it’s the law. Did I mention your health insurance doesn’t work here, either? We’ll discuss that another time.
Got a ? for Cap’n Greg? Email to rockypointtimes@yahoo.com or send to RPTimes: PO Box 887, Lukeville, AZ 85341
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
9
10
I
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Puerta Privada...A Must See Property!!!
t all began in 1994 with the first hi-rise development in town, Plaza Las Glorias Hotel & Condos (now Peñasco del Sol & Condominiums Pinacate). After that, it was Princesa de Peñasco in 1998, Sonoran Spa in 2000, and Sonoran Sea in 2002. Miguel Guevara was the Project Director and Mary Snyder the Sales Director, for these 4 resorts. They were all completed, sold out, turned over to the homeowners, and are currently managed and rented as some of Peñasco’s favorites.
With 7 additional rental properties popping up on Sandy Beach, the Guevara/Snyder development team decided the town was ready for a unique project that did not allow rentals. So in 2004, Guevara joint ventured with Carlos Saenz, who owned and operated Palmar RV Park for many years. In 2005, the RV park came down, with constuction and sales beginning for Puerta Privada. The project was sold out, completed and delivered by 2007. Combining past experience, reputation, and proven track record, Puerta Privada continues to be the leader in setting the standard for quality construction, design, and finishes. The project consists of two towers that run directly parallel to the water, providing 180 degree views of the ocean to the south, and golf course views to the north, from every single condo. They are quite spacious with the 2 bedroom units just under 2000 sq ft and the 3 bedroom units at 2750 sq ft. Marble floors, beveled cut glass, granite countertops, reverse osmosis water/ice, stainless appliances and dual pane windows are just some of the features that come standard in all of the units. The common areas include 2 negative edge pools, one heated and the other Olympic lap length, 2 hot tubs, underground parking, pet park, basketball, and lighted tennis court. The 3 story amenity building, fabulously detailed with carved cantera stone, features a state of the art fitness center (with resident personal trainer), a game room loaded with air hockey, pool table, shuffleboard, foos ball, darts, and touch screen video game computers.
The top floor clubhouse is beautifully furnished with full kitchen and bar areas, plasma TV’s, BBQ’s poker tables and fireplace. This is where the true heart of Puerta Privada begins. It’s not just a project but a home away from home, with a family feel. Most of the owners have condos in other developments, or businesses in town. Why do they prefer Privada? Due to the non rental policy, (long term leases ARE allowed), there is such a community atmosphere, since everyone knows their neighbor, and they are all there for the same reason. Every month there are events, golf or tennis tournaments, art shows, holiday parties with bands, etc. Or the last minute, everyonebring-somethingto-share, get togethers at the pool or clubhouse. Many of the owners have said that they have made some of the best friendships here, which will last a lifetime. Almost all of the current HOA board members, including the president and resort administrator, have served on other boards in Peñasco. This experience, coupled with the lack of rental, which causes wear and tear, allows Puerta Privada to maintain some the lowest HOA monthly fees on the beach.
This unique project has it all…quality, reputation, privacy and, in today’s market, the opportunity to take advantage of some terrific, resale opportunities. Visit the “Privada Lifestyle” and experience it for yourself. You’ll be glad you did!! For pressure free information, the furnished model on Sandy Beach is open 7 days a week, 9AM-5PM or checkout the website at www.PuertaPrivada.com.
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
11
12
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Cruisin’ in the Caribbean… Next Stop Rocky Point!!!
By Mark Paliscak
Oh me oh my…a big SORRY to my bosses at the Rocky Point Times as I am late this month with my article, but I do have two GREAT reasons! My dear Rocky Point friends Erin (Princesa) and Roxy Pancake recently celebrated their milestone birthdays…and what better way to carry on in style than to round up a bunch of Rocky Point friends and head on out for a 9 day CRUISE!!! Since our port is not ready yet, 13 of Peñasco peeps boarded flights for Fort Lauderdale and headed onto a massive cruise ship to celebrate great friends, awesome times and of course, our two special birthday girls. It had been quite a few years…ummm…let’s say around twenty…since I had been on a cruise. So, having had some incredible memories from past cruises and knowing the fun-loving crew that was game for this trip, I was readily ALL IN! To make our trip even more fun, my buddy Scotty P had some special birthday stickers made that we got to “hand out”...ok…TAG… along our journeys on the cruise. It was sure a hit and everywhere we went, people seemed to love posing for pictures in front of Scott’s creative artwork.
The cruise set off in style with a lively fiesta that never really seemed to cease. Each day was packed with fun-filled events, dancing, gambling, SALUD’ing (is that a word? Well...I guess in Rocky Point it is) and even live music sung by our own TOM CARR as he entertained the entire ship poolside to Mambo #5 on more than one occasion! Our first stop was to Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos. The island was small but lively with some of the most amazing jerk chicken we have ever tasted. I got a little carried away and got “Grand Turked” as I did not realize my phone was in my bathing suit and joila… no mas telefono. But, I counted my blessings and realized now it is really time to relax and let go of modern technology and enjoy what is before me…wonderful friends, views and awesome libations! From Grand Turk, we cruised onto the DR…Dominican Republic. A special thank you to our “tour guide”, Cathy P who arranged for us to be whisked away by van to a more secluded and beautiful beach. We walked out to a barren beach area that soon had tables, chairs, lounge chairs and of course cocktails brought all out by the local beach vendors. Not even the “mother of all storms” that blew in could dampen our spirits as we enjoyed the showers that we rarely see in Rocky Point. The van was filled with laughter to the beach and back to the cruise ship and the good times were rolling. Note to self: Princesa and I make better hyenas than interpreters…oh well, lots of laughs!
Our next stop was Curacao and Cathy P really delivered at this port! While in route on the cruise ship, Cathy arranged to have a van pick us up and take us to a private boat for our own snorkeling and party outing. The boat captain and first mate were way fun and brought us to a couple sunken ships to snorkel and admire the beauty of the Caribbean. One of my favorite memories was just kicking back and soaking in the views while sipping on a local favorite, “F a D”…and it was most delicioso!
Our last stop was my favorite, Aruba. Having been to Aruba last summer for 9 days, I was the token tour guide and took us directly to Palm Beach and to the famous Bugaloe Beach Bar and Grill. After lunch, we rented some rafts and lounge chairs and soaked up the rays and enjoyed the most beautiful waters in the Caribbean. Aruba’s turquoise waters seem to just be endless...if you have not been to Aruba, it’s a must see! I already have some trips booked to return to Aruba in the coming months.
As I look back and reflect on what an amazing trip it was, I cannot help but count my blessings of my wonderful Rocky Point friends who truly know how to embrace life, look out for one another and carry that Mexican fun spirit everywhere they go!! My reflection back also enables me to have a glimpse into our own future here in Rocky Point and what our new port will mean for our town! Yes, things shall change and hopefully mostly for the best. I do know we can count on an abundance of new employment opportunities, restaurants, cantinas, water sports, special events and concerts and chances to visit other exotic locales by boarding the cruise ships that are coming right here to Rocky Point! So, I for one say…ALL ABOARD… and let’s sail off into an amazingly funloving future together! Until next month, ADIOS AMIGOS… and everyday give the one thing unique to you for all to see…YOUR SMILE. GOD BLESS…
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
13
14
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Rocky Point Stop Signs
(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 Harley was found on Fremont a few years ago. Harley is such a character. He loves other dogs as long as they are female. He is very protective. Harley is a Border Collie and will make someone a great pet.
By Robin Miller at mexicanbeachbum.com
Stop signs of Rocky Point. What a fun project to take photos of stops signs today while I was out doing errands. I thought of this idea a few months ago and decided, since I had errands and appointments today, I would get a few shots from my car while out on the streets. Some of them you may recognize, some you cannot even see until you get right on top of them since they are hidden behind a tree or a parked car. Some are placed on telephone poles, some are stand alone, some are higher and some are way low which makes them hard to see. Some don’t have “ALTO” on them. Be on the lookout for unique signs as you drive the streets in Puerto Peñasco, Rocky Point Mexico. I have a favorite. Downtown, on the corner where Telmex and Rocky Imports is. A lot going on in that photo. The Telmex tower great landmark, bicycles locked to the pole, The man selling breakfast tamales from his ice chest, the Green and Blue Tec-Med trash dumpster. A street sign with both names, and the blue wheelchair ramp, and the most unique thing, an available parking space! When you see one that looks like it has a dog house, take a closer look, it is an altar for someone who may have been killed in a traffic accident on that corner. There are flowers and a candle inside. I had to do a double take to catch that.
Dog days of summer are upon us. Please everyone, make sure that all your animals have plenty of water during the summer months. I always carry a large bottle of water and a bowl in my car for dogs on the street. Thank you to all the folks that help feed the many street dogs and cats in Rocky Point. It is so much better now than it was when we started over 15 years ago. It is an ongoing problem but every little bit helps. Saving one animal makes a world of difference to that animal.
Many of the locals are now helping the animals and several new rescues have started and many groups are fostering and adopting out the puppies, kittens, cats and dogs. It is good to see the changes in the city. We have several dogs that are ready for adoption. Fawn is ready and is pictured with her new buddy Jorge. Both blonds and they do get along with the cats. Fawn was found over near Ley supermarket. She had just lost her puppies and was close to starving. She has been here now for several months and is doing very well. Her buddy was found in the street covered with Mange and scared to death. He has been treated and both are so lovable and looking for new homes. Lady is a cocker mix, she is blond and has longer hair. She loves other dogs and kittens. She is very playful and, of course, they have been spayed and have their vaccines.
Princess is one of many cats that are at the center. Please call for an appointment and come visit and adopt one or two grown lovable cats. My contact lens fell out and it was my last one. Unable to see, I am going to add more photos to this article and fewer words Happy Father’s day to all the Dads and everyone have a wonderful month...until next month. Needs are bleach, beds, cleaning products, toys and of course food. We are feeding the dog’s grain-free food, due to a few allergies. Kirkland grain-free can be purchased at Weltons here in Rocky Point. Big Hugs to all that help the animals!
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
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
15
16
Cholla Bay Sportsmen’s Club
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
10 Ways to GO GREEN, and save enough money for a vacation
Donates Funds to Red Cross from our Annual Horseshoe Tournament 46 teams competed in the horseshoe tournament and 23 teams competed in our first cornhole tournament.
Dia de la Marina
Marine Day – June 1st is a special day which is set aside each year to honor all Mexican sailors. It began in 1941 when President of Mexico, at the time, Avila Camacho, decreed June 1st as a day of celebration. It was on this day, in 1917, that the first boat manned by an all Mexican crew was launched. The Constitution declares that all military sailors must be of Mexican nationality to serve in the armada.
This day is celebrated each year by a ceremony honoring all sailors who have died at sea. The boats and the harbor are decorated with multi-colored flags, and, in the afternoon, a parade runs through the main street and to the port. The days before and after “Dia de la Marina” are filled with fairs and carnivals, it is a very festive time of year.
By Anita Kaltenbaugh Photos by Marcia Brockmeyer
In 2016, Go Green, Eco -Friendly and Carbon Footprint have become part of our vocabulary. Billion dollar companies tout it in their tag line. We hear it-but do we understand it? Saving our planet is the single most important crisis we will face in our lifetime. But, it’s a crisis we may not believe or understand until years down the road. So, what does this have to do with travel? Everything. We explore, and we travel to open our hearts, our minds and experience this magnificent living planet. If we want the beauty of this world to continue, not just for us, but for generations to come, for the grandchildren who aren’t even born yet, we must educate ourselves. Easy alternatives exist. If every citizen participated, we would have endless travel days left. 1. Walk, ride or share- Biking, walking, public transportation or carpooling- even twice a week can be huge savings in your pocket and reduce your carbon footprint. Keep this in mind when traveling, using public transportation is a great way to understand the local people. Twice a week can result in $10 a week depending on your distance. Resulting in a conservative guess of $500 a year. 2. Turn up, Turn down. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs. Do you have a programmable thermostat? If not, get one – it will instantly save you money. Turn your water heater down by at least 20 degrees and wash your clothes in cold water. A water heater being turned down can shave off $10 to
$ $20 a month on your electric bill. Thermostat adjustment and cold water wash can save as well. Potential travel money – $500 a year. 3. Plant a tree- Go to Arbor Day foundation and join for ten dollars and receive ten free trees. Plant a tree in an unshaded area of your house and reduce your bill. Trees help stop climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen. Trees help urban pollution. Shade can reduce your cooling bill by at least 5%. Potential travel money – $120 a year (plus free trees). 4. Change, Change, Change- Changing half your lights to energy-efficient light bulbs – can be enormous savings plus reduce your carbon footprint. Potential travel money -$100- $200 a year. 5. Plug in and turn off- Putting all your plugged-in appliances and electronics on energy strips and turning all power off when you leave your house can reduce your monthly electric bill, and reduce your carbon footprint. Depending on your residence and items you leave on, this tactic of reducing vampire power could be significant. Try it for one month and see the difference. Potential travel money- $20 a month resulting in $240 a year. 6. Reuse- Try using skoy cloths instead of paper towels for a year. Using a skoy cloth is equivalent to 15 rolls of paper towels. They are compostable, multi-use, biodegradable, GMO-free. If a roll of paper towels cost $2, your travel savings can be significant. Potential travel money- $200-$300 a year. 7. Recycle-Clean out your closet and sell
to a consignment store. Attempt to do this four times a year. Potential travel money-$250 for the travel budget. 8. Refresh and Refuel- No more bottle waters or to-go coffee cups. Use a travel mug to buy refill coffee five days a week – Potential travel money-$240 a year. Use a reusable bottle water to refresh and refuel. The cost of a 12-ounce bottle of water vs. purified or 5-gallon water for a family of four is exorbitant. When you travel, bring you own reusable water bottle. The majority of airports now offer a purified water system. Potential travel money-$500 a year. 9. Take your lunch to work and buy local. Use a lunch box with reusable containers instead of paper and plastic. Eating in will save you money and bringing home the containers will help protect the environment. Even if you do this one or two times a week, expect a savings of $20 a week. Estimate $900 a year. 10. Eat less meat- Yes according to a report by The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, they estimate that the meat industry generates nearly one-fifth of the man-made greenhouse gas emission. Stating it’s more than the entire transportation sector. Meat consumption has accelerated over the last 50 years and if everyone tried to reduce meat intake we could reduce our carbon footprint. And guess what meat is more expensive than vegetables, pasta or beans. Pack on the savings have a meatless Monday. Potential travel money -$10 a week resulting in $520 a year. Think you will have enough money to go on a vacation by implementing some of the above strategies for going green? Being very conservative, if you tried the above going green tips for one year, you would have saved somewhere in the ballpark of $3000-$4000 for the year. That’s multiple Rocky Point vacations! So, before you think “I want to vacation, but I don’t have the money!” think about the going green tips above. It’s free money that takes a little planning and results in a greener world and a few fabulous vacations. To determine your carbon footprint and other energy saving tips go to nature.org (carbon calculator) and earthday.org.
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.
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
17
18
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Howlin’ At Walmart
Experience Mexico’s Copper Canyon A literary column By Marcia Diane
By Mexperience.com
Young Yellow Lab pooch howls for his master from the back of a pickup. By Mike Bibb
Sometimes a man’s best friend may seem like he isn’t. Pulling into the Walmart parking lot recently, I happened to notice a lonely Yellow Lab puppy, perched in a collapsible canvas chair in the back of a pickup truck, mournfully howling for his master. With ears tucked back, eyes closed and head tilted upward, the little guy was doing his best to let everyone know he was not very happy with the situation. After all, aren’t buddies supposed to do everything together? Well, maybe not quite everything. While he may not understand the necessity of remaining in the truck, at least he should be appreciative of the comfortable blue chair his owner entrusted to him. Besides, if he behaves himself his BFF “Best Friend Forever,” for you unenlightened, pre-social media cave dwellers - might reward him with a tasty Milk Bone treat when he returns. If not, at least he should be appreciative of the ride into town. Not every dog in Rocky Point has the privilege of having their own chauffeured canine carriage, complete with recliner and beverage cooler!
People often ask for a list of ‘mustsee’ places to visit in Mexico. No such list would be complete without inclusion of one of the most breath-taking travel experiences Mexico has to offer: Barrancas de Cobre - Copper Canyon - an area of outstanding natural beauty situated in north-western Mexico. The ‘Copper Canyon’ is actually a series of twenty canyons, formed over the years by six rivers. The area is about seven times the size of the Grand Canyon, and has distinct topography, flora, and fauna to Arizona’s premier natural wonder. The most popular - and best - way to travel into the canyon is by making use of the remarkable railway which traverses this rugged wilderness. Opened in 1961 following decades of construction, the line is an extraordinary feat of engineering in its own right. The railway was originally devised to connect the commercial Pacific sea port at Los Mochis to the central colonial city of Chihuahua. A remarkable feature of the line is that it begins at near-sea level on the Pacific coast, rises to an altitude of over 8,000 feet and then declines again to an altitude of around 2,500 feet. The incline of a railway track cannot exceed fifteen degrees, so to accomplish the ‘climb and descent’ the engineers needed to construct bridges, burrow many tunnels through the mountains, and use ‘switch-back’ stages in order to complete the route. By the time the railway was finished, engineers had laid over 390 miles of track crossing thirty-nine bridges and traversing eighty-six tunnels: the longest bridge runs for a quarter-mile, and the longest tunnel for nearly a mile. Two first-class trains begin the journey across the canyon: one starting in Chihuahua City and the other in Los
Mochis. They meet, roughly half-way, near Divisadero station, which is also a base for most of the canyons’ hotels, lodges, and tours. The most scenic and dramatic areas of the canyon are on the west side so, to take advantage of the daylight, it’s generally accepted that the train traveling west to east - from Los Mochis towards Chihuahua - is a better sight-seeing option than the one traveling east to west. Seasonally, May and June tend to be the driest months in the canyons. July to November are months when the rains are most abundant and the canyons’ flora show-off their deepest greens. Between December and May, the flora’s colors are in transition between the wet and dry seasons. Although the train journey begins in Los Mochis, most tour visitors board the train at its first main stop situated in the beautiful colonial town of El Fuerte, which is about an hour’s drive from Los Mochis, the city which most people fly into to take the train. When you arrange your visit to the canyon using a tour company, there will be a driver and vehicle waiting to meet you at the airport. You can take the train straight through to Chihuahua City and simply see the canyon ‘in passing’ on the train. However, to properly experience the canyons, and get the most out of a visit to the region, explore the various tours on offer and arrange to stay at one of the hotels or lodges in the canyon itself (the more adventurous can camp in the canyon) and, from there, participate in some of the wonderful outdoor activities on offer. For detailed information about the Copper Canyon, including local knowledge about the area, best times to travel, the train journey, the attractions and activities on offer, connect to our comprehensive Guide to Mexico’s Copper Canyon.
This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
This is a good one folks, recommended by one of our very own accomplished poets in our writing group, July Westhale. July is a stellar member of our group, often setting us writing exercises to keep us challenged. I am presenting then Kim Addonizio, poet, author, teacher and a graduate of my alma mater San Francisco State University. Addonizio once told Contemporary Authors: “Writing is an ongoing fascination and challenge, as well as being the only form of spirituality I can consistently practice. I started as a poet and will always return to poetry—both reading and writing it—for that sense of deep discovery and communion I find there. There are only two useful rules I can think of for aspiring writers: learn your craft, and persist. The rest, as Henry James said, is the madness of art.” >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> My Heart That Mississippi chicken shack. That initial-scarred tabletop, that tiny little dance floor to the left of the band. That kiosk at the mall selling caramels and kitsch. That tollbooth with its white-plasticgloved worker handing you your change. That phone booth with the receiver ripped out. That dressing room in the fetish boutique, those curtains and mirrors. That funhouse, that horror, that soundtrack of screams. That putti-filled heaven raining gilt from the ceiling. That haven for truckers, that bottomless cup. That biome. That wilderness preserve. That landing strip with no runway lights where you are aiming your plane, imagining a voice in the tower, imagining a tower. By Kim Addonizio <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< She’s not for the faint of heart…but oh so visceral and real. Enjoy and read more of her at Poetry.org. Join us won’t you…we extend a warm welcome to all who aspire to reach for that madness of art…m.diane. writeon@gmail.com…for our monthly on-line writing group.
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
19
20
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Circus Mexicus Exponentially Increases Its Fan Experience Every Year By Joe Houchin
Each June Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers bring more entertainment to their four-day Circus Mexicus Rock and Roll Festival. Peacemaker fans have come to anticipate a greater experience each year. This year the organizers have raised the bar to a level that is going to be hard to follow. This year could be the breakthrough year that Circus Mexicus receives its true recognition as one of the most unique music festivals around. Puerto Peñasco (Rock Point), Sonora Mexico that has been the home of all 25 Circus Mexicus events, has a lot to do with how unique Circus Mexicus has become. As Rocky Point has grown, so has Circus Mexicus. Roger has always liked using different venues throughout the event and as his choices have grown over the years, he has continually expanded the number of stages on which his guest bands perform. Since, even at a population of roughly 60,000 (plus 5,000 or more during Circus Mexicus), it’s still an easy drive or taxi ride to the various performances thoughtfully scheduled around town. Instead of one huge area with one or two stages, fans get the variety of completely different places to see their favorites or one of the new bands that Roger adds every year. Geographically, no performance is more than 10 minutes from the last one or the next one. If variety is the spice of life, then Circus Mexicus personifies the spice. Peacemaker fans are the appreciative beneficiaries. Just when you think Circus Mexicus can’t get any better, they blow you away with a schedule like this year with more bands than ever performing in more
venues than ever in the most creative itinerary we’ve seen. Just for starters, this is the 20th anniversary of the original Refreshments debut album, Fizzy Fuzzy Big and Buzzy. Fans are in for a special treat as the Refreshments will reunite with Brian Blush on lead guitar along with P.H. Naffah, Nick Scropos and Roger Clyne playing their entire catalog in separate sets over Friday and Saturday nights on the Mexican Moonshine Main Stage. During two full sets, fans can enjoy songs from their follow up album, The Bottle and Fresh Horses as well as a couple of rare B sides tossed in. RCPM will headline both nights with original sets. Two different bands each night will open for the Refreshments and RCPM. The fun starts Thursday afternoon at Banditos with the first of 22 bands and entertainers in the four-day event. The annual Kick-Off party starts at JJ’s Cantina around 7pm with three bands appearing on JJ’s outdoor stage. The music
will continue afterward at Bandito’s until the wee hours. For all the details and schedules plus ticket information please visit www. circusmexicus.net.
This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
Sonoran Resorts Presents Our 5th Annual Las Vegas Night for Charity - Saturday, July 2, 2016 For the fifth year in a row, the Sonoran Resorts will host a Las Vegas style night of fun gambling, great food, fabulous prizes, and lots of excitement for all. Please start making plans to attend. This event will be over the 4th of July weekend once again so you should all have plenty of time to spend a few days in our beautiful paradise and come enjoy the evening. Hundreds of Puerto Peñasco residents and loyal visitors are planning for this, the fifth annual Las Vegas Night for Charity, and brushing up on their Black Jack and Poker skills. Once again this year, additional games will include: Roulette, Red Dog, Chuck-aLuck and Sic-Bo, all fun games played on colorful boards, so be sure to try your luck on one or more of those. And, don’t forget to take a few spins on the Big Prize Wheel. Prizes for the event are beginning to arrive, and, we remind you that if you’re a local business, donating a prize for Las Vegas Night is an excellent way to keep community charity flowing while getting some loyal exposure for your enterprise as well. Just call Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing for Sonoran Resorts and let him know you’d like to donate a prize. He’ll send someone out to pick it up right away. It’s that easy! Call Jim at the sales office (from Mexico): 638-382-8187; or from the U.S.:602-476-7511. His email is: rockypointjim@gmail.com. Las Vegas Night for Charity wouldn’t be one of the largest fundraisers for DIF, the oldest quasi-government charity, if it weren’t for the staff and friends of Sonoran Resorts who volunteer their time to make the evening flow smoothly. You can help also, if you’ve ever had an urge to be a dealer in Las Vegas, even for a night, this is your chance to try that fantasy just for a night. No experience is necessary; you’ll be trained by one of our experienced volunteers. Again, just let Jim know of your interest and he’ll let you know when we meet. The fun night begins at 7:00PM and your $35 dollar ticket will include the buffet, $300 dollars in “Charity Chips” and a raffle ticket good for the drawings held throughout the night. You can always purchase more chips and raffle tickets-with all the money going to charity! So, Las Vegas Night for Charity is more than just fun and games (and there’s a lot of that!), it has become an evening of memorable camaraderie and meeting new friends, all within the luxuriously appointed décor and air conditioning of Los Volcanes Ballroom on the second floor of the Sonoran Sky Resort Beach Front Resort Condominiums. Where else can you have so much fun, helping so many, for such a small investment of $35 dollars! Plan to join your friends on July 2nd at Las Vegas Night for Charity!
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
The Little Lighthouse in Cholla Bay
By Steve Franklin
Trying to discover history on certain things in Mexico is like trying to get that lime to pop out of an empty bottle of beer. It’s dang hard! The origin of the small lighthouse at the tip of Pelican Point in the community of Cholla Bay has been a chore to find answers too.
Very few people know it exists. It’s small. It’s short. It’s not that bright of a light beam, but it is there and it does shine light. It cannot be used as a landmark for directions like most lighthouses. If you were to describe directions on how to get to Tucson Beach in Cholla Bay by using the location of the lighthouse most of your guests will be lost and cussing you out at JJ’s later when you hunt them down.
When you finally point the lighthouse out to them, they say, “That’s a Lighthouse?” “Oh, I thought you meant a real lighthouse.” Let me tell you folks, that lighthouse is real. It produces a Bigizawatt (metric for watts, I think?) of light to the Sea of
Cortez. And...since everything in metric is tiny, then yes, it produces a tiny bit of light, just enough for the fisherman in their small tiny panga boats to find their way back to Cholla Bay. Over the years a few improvements have been made. Recently, the solar power cells were updated and a photovoltaic cell was installed with a light sensor so the light will power on only in darkness. Before this, the light operated 24 hours a day.
There was a shield placed on the land side of the beacon so the light didn’t shine through the windows of the nearby neighbors abodes. Still, there were questions yet to be answered. Who maintains the lighthouse? Who flips the expense? Who originally built the lighthouse? And...How many people have been saved by the lighthouse rays of light that project out to sea? Like all things in Mexico, no one knows, but life goes on. And, the ray of light projecting out from Pelican Point goes on every day like clockwork just like the master beam of light that hits us every day at Sunset from the West. The cool thing about this beam of light…No matter where you stand on the shores of Pelican Point, the sun’s rays shine directly toward you like dueling Star Wars light sabers intertwined with our Little Lighthouse in Cholla Bay. Go to “Wild West Images – Photography by Steve Franklin” on Facebook for more Rocky Point Photography of the lighthouse.
21
22
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Here Comes Summer
Insulation Options for your Mexican Home
By Rob Baylor
May Day, May Day. I’m not in trouble yet just saying May is here and we see an exodus of the Snowbirds. It is starting to get nice and warm, Breezy but warm. The Sea water seems to be colder but that is because of the ambient temperature. The fish move out to cooler water, the whales leave and we are left with our umbrellas and cocktails or beer to get us through until it cools off. THEN, gee I wish it would warm up. It’s a big vicious cycle. While you are here you might as well enjoy what God has given us. Tecate, Corona, or your preference. Listen to some good music, watch the younger generation frolic on the beach. Then into town to visit your favorite restaurant for the special of the evening. We went to Spain several years ago and when I turned the radio on the music resembled German Polka music. I didn’t realize what real Spanish music was. Here in Peñasco we have 106.1 which plays some American songs, and 92.5 which caters to the Gringos. They are both FM stations. Good music. When you come across the border you can pick up 106.1. When you get to town, tune into 92.5. I haven’t tried to get Spanish TV yet. I understand quite a few words in Spanish but I get lost easy. If you haven’t tried fishing here, go down to the marina on the way to the Malecon about 7am and talk to the different Capitans and charter a 5 hour trip. Cost will be from $40$60 and they provide everything. If you have never been ocean fishing, they will teach you. I have been out about 200 times and still love it. Bring a cooler of beverages, snacks and sandwiches and some plastic bags to put your fish fillets in. It has been reported that the Sea of Cortez is a special fishery because of the different species of fish that spawn here and living in these waters. Sitting in one spot it is possible to catch a hundred fish. Do you know the difference between a sea and an ocean? A sea has a larger salt content. Thanks for reading my articles. Check it out next month.
By Joseph Sanchez President, Rocky Point Home Builders
There are ways to insulate your existing or new home that will not break the bank and provide an improved level of energy efficiency. Insulating a home is a practical way to achieve energy efficiency but most homes constructed here in Puerto Peñasco typically do not incorporate any insulation because concrete block naturally offers a minimal level of R-protection (typically 2.5-3.0), insulation can be expensive for people building on a budget and although hot in the summer, Puerto Peñasco is pretty moderate during the winter so some people feel that they can get by without it. The three options below are all economical ways to insulate your existing or new home construction.
Perlite Foam Insulation.jpgPictured is the Perlite Foam material that is poured into the hollow tunnel channels of your concrete walls. It provide a R-value around 5-6 depending on the size of block you are using and is for new home construction.
Perlite Foam Perlite Foam is a loose-fill masonry insulation that is used to fill in the cores or tunnels of hollow masonry walls. Perlite
Den Glass Insultaion.jpg- Pictured is a current home under construction by Rocky Point Home Builders utilizing a Den Glass exterior insulation that is air, water, mold and fire resistant. This option is great for existing homes who would like to easily retrofit the residence with insulation and it’s also for new home construction.
is an inorganic mineral that has thermal properties and is the least expensive way to insulate your new construction home. This can be used only on new-home construction and cannot be retrofitted to an existing home. Perlite offers excellent fire resistant properties, is lightweight and does not require any special equipment or skills. You could expect an R value around 5-6 depending on the size of block you are using. Perlite Foam only adds about $3 sq. ft. to the overall construction price of the home. This option should be considered if you are building a new home. With the R-value of concrete block combined with the R-value of Perlite Foam, you could achieve a total R-value of 7.5-9 depending on the size of your concrete block. Den Glass Exterior Insulation An effective way to insulate the home is to apply Den Glass Sheathing to the home’s exterior walls. Den Glass has excellent thermal properties while being air, water, mold and fire resistant. It can achieve an R-value of around 4.5 per inch of thickness used. This is a product is great for people who have an existing home because it can be retrofitted to an existing home. With the R-value of concrete block combined with the R-value of Den Glass, you could achieve a total R-value of 7.07.5 depending on the size of your block. Combine the Den Glass and Perlite Foam with the block and you are achieving an R-value of 12-13.5. Den glass can add $7 U.S.D per sq. ft. to the cost of constructing your home! Conventional Insulation System Of course you can also use the traditional means of insulating a home
by erecting metals studs inside the home over the interior walls and inserting the type of insulation with the R-value you desire. Once your insulation is installed you would then install your sheet rock, tape, mud and sand the walls. This would achieve the best R-value but combined with the other two options your home would be highly energy efficient. Installing a conventional insulation system will add $12-$15 U.S.D. a sq. ft. to the construction of a home depending on level of R-value. For more information about how you can insulate your home properly or about any other construction concerns feel free to contact me at sales@ rockypointhomebuilders.com or by phone at 815-553-2683. 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.
Insulation with Studs.jpg- The traditional way of insulating a home by erecting metals studs inside the home over the interior walls and inserting the type of insulation with the R-value you desire.
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
23
24
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Potpourri Page Rocky Point’s Rodeo Drive By Richard Scott for RockyPoint.com
Sea Side Reservations office gets a makeover Using about a million bricks, the Sea Side main office goes from ordinary to old school. Located on Plutarco Elias Calles near Calle 13, the can’t-miss-it orange building takes on the look of a Colonial Era Hacienda. Still open for business during the renovation, you can expect to find the helpful Sea Side Reservations people waiting for you when you get into town.
Did you know: They’re building another giant Wind Turbine in Rocky Point? Ever watch the Wind Turbine do it’s thing out on the flats behind the resorts? Three huge blades smoothly and silently turning, generating electricity. Go see it up close if you haven’t - I can’t help but think of an overgrown Ferris Wheel. Imagine having a seat on that ride!
One more ‘Windmill’ is in the works as we speak. A short drive from the first, the concrete base is currently being poured. No word yet on a completion date. The first one involved shipping some very big parts all the way from Spain. Poor UPS guy! Maybe one day we will have a field of these giants, like you see on the drive to San Diego or Ensenada. The beginning of the end of bumpy Fremont Boulevard? Looks like the stretch of unpaved Fremont Blvd. running past Bryan’s Sports Bar is seeing it’s last days. There was always a certain amount of fun in finding a ‘route’ through
the washboards. But get it wrong, and your sun visors would flop down, the coffee you just bought over at the Oxxo would erupt like Mount Vesuvius, and you could come out on the paved side with funny new sounds squeaking at you from underneath your car. Rocky Point has been transformed in the last few years. Freshly paved roads have shown up all over town. Driving Rocky Point has definitely become less ‘rocky’, due to the work of recent local administrations. Currently, the center median is being put in place. Then comes lighting and trees. The final phase, of course, will be the actual paving of Fremont. A crew member told me they expect the project to take 2 to 3 months to reach completion.
CineMartes Looking for something different to do in the middle of the week? Every Tuesday at 8:30pm, head down to the Old Port and check out a world of great movies. CineMartes happens weekly on the patio of Puerto Viejo Coffee Roasters. Shown in the open air just a block from the Malecon, the CineMartes flix are either in English with Spanish subtitles, or visa versa. Puerto Viejo is across from the old church, and is the only coffee shop in town that roasts their own! It’s on the same street (Zaragosa) as Thrifty Ice Cream, and Papa Panchos Tacos. So snack away while you watch, just don’t be too loud about it. Sometimes a really popular film will be shown, and the street will be closed to accommodate extra chairs. Last week it was ‘The Revenant” with Leonardo Decaprio. CineMartes is a chance to see films from all around the world, Tonight it is another Oscar winner, ‘Room’, stars Brie Larson, who won for Best Actress. Afterwards, folks stay to discuss the movie (in Spanish), and enjoy sharing the feeling of watching a really good movie together. Just go to their Facebook page ( ht t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / g r o u p s / cinemartespuertoviejo/) to find out what’s being shown on any given Tuesday night.
By Barbara Iverson
Over 50 vendors with a fantastic array of items, all made in Mexico, line the street we once referred to as Shacks 5th Ave. Wonderful cool cotton clothing, leather sandals custom made for you, a hammock for your patio, “designer” sun glasses, home accessories to die for, hand carved wooden pieces, ceramics in wonderful Mexican design! What more could a shopper with a discerning eye ask for? How about friendly and helpful vendors that don’t chase you down the street and, of course, the best prices in town? That’s Rodeo Drive. And it keeps getting better. On the far west end of our shopping street you’ll see Peñasco’s answer to Jurassic Park. You can’t miss it. There is a wonderful and very tall giraffe out
front. It’s so tall, in fact, it won’t fit inside the shop! The Ortiz Madris Family can usually be found inside fashioning metal into everything from flowers to dinosaurs, cactus to giraffes. Whatever you have in mind if you don’t see it just ask. My favorites are the burros. They just ooze with personality. The family has been working together for the past 30 years when they relocated in Peñasco from Michoacan and are very happy they did so. Peñasco’s Rodeo Drive is becoming “THE place to be”.
As we’ve seen many times before, everyone in the family does their part. Maria and Armando and two of the children do the welding, a task that takes great care and skill. Dad, Anthony, does the drawing and cutting of the designs. Mom, Margarita, and the rest of the family do the painting. The end result will knock your socks off! Whenever they can take time from welding these clever creations they are going to make a sign for their shop. It will read “Fuentes y Mesas Margarita” or maybe just “Jurassic Part”.
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
25
26
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
27
28
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. 66m 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 through the border, go straight for a few blocks, turn left for a few blocks and then turn right onto 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. There is a toll booth you will go through (currently $94 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 (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 $75 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. • 2 cartons of cigarettes or 50 cigars. • 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 tapes • Typewriter or 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.
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
29
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 $75.00 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 $75 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.
30
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
31
32
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Name It… Versed in Visas By Kris Nichols
Alrighty you have decided to embrace the wonderful seaside culture of Puerto Peñasco Mexico and make Rocky Point your permanent home, vacation home getaway or even invest in this growing economy. You name it. When it comes to buying or renting property in Mexico it all starts with getting your legal name on the right visa for your needs. Of particular note in this name game is consistency in the way you sign your name on all documents from immigration to banking. There are many types of visas folk can apply for from student to scientist or even a special prominent person visa if you are someone famous. For the rest of us mere mortals and beach bums we’ll be looking at temporary and permanent resident visas or “FMM” cards. If you wish to live in Mexico for more than 6 months but no longer than 4 years to “test the waters” as it were, then the Temporary Resident Visa may be for you. Ready to jump in with both feet and call Mexico home? The Permanent Resident Visa is your best ticket. One key criteria that the Mexican authorities require for the issuance of a Temporary or Permanent Resident Visa is that the applicant proves that they have ‘sufficient funds to sustain themselves while in Mexico, and/or a proven steady income. This is where it may get a little more confusing. Although the Consulate website shows one lower minimum amount of income, it has been the experience of many that the average income for a Permanent Residency should be $2,500 USD per month or $1,500 pension per month for Temporary Residency. If you are the Do-It-Yourself kind of person these two links should get you started. Types of visas and requirements https://consulmex2.sre.gob.mx/ phoenix/index.php/2016-03-16-18-4105/visas Visa application https:// consulmex2.sre.gob.mx/ pho e n i x / i m age s / 2 0 1 6 N U EVO / CORRECCIONES/SOLICITUD_ VISA_EN_JUL_15.pdf For folks like myself coming in from Arizona, here are the steps and stops I had to make on the road to making Mexico my home.
• The Consulate General of Mexico. I processed mine in Phoenix AZ at the Consulate office on 320 E McDowell Rd • Bring with you… • Application • Bank Statements and/or other proof of income or eligibility • Valid U.S. Passport Book (not the Passport Card!) • 2 Passport Photos • $36 USD (cash… exact change) • You will walk out with a new Mexican Residency Card pasted into your passport. Take that to… • Next step; heading through Lukeville, just after crossing into the Mexican side of the border, I had to stop at the Immigration Office INM just to the right of the check point to get the entry stamp and start the 30 day clock to finish the documentation. • I opened a local bank account at Banorte over on Blvd Fremont • Stopped at a local photography store to get new identification photos sized specifically for my residency card • Then it was back to the INM office in Rocky Point located in Plaza Fremont across from Banorte, to complete the paperwork. • 14 days later I stopped back at the same INM office and “TA -DA”… I am sporting my own new fashionable FMM “green card.” Not being the “figure it out and hope for the best” kinda person when it comes to these kind of things, I sought out a local professional to help guide me through this process. Fees for these kind of services vary widely, depending on what you are trying to get done and who is helping you walk through the steps. My guy for this process is also my local CPA Guillermo Moreno located in the building just north of Burger King on Benito Juarez. If you want to “Get Going with Guillermo”, here is his contact info: C.P. GUILLERMO MORENO LOPEZ Blvd. Benito Juárez 133-C, Col. Centro, Puerto Peñasco, Son. O. (638) 383-1062, C. (638) 1053105, US (602) 814-0782 Now that you have your personal paperwork in hand it’s time to get out there and find your dream beach home or investment property!
La Propina, or Tipping in Mexico
By Stephanie Wood
You’re on a fabulous vacation in Puerto Peñasco...the beach, the sun, the friendly and exceptional service of the resort staff, the servers at the restaurant, the guy who helps you find a parking space and keeps your car safe while you shop. What a wonderful culture. So how do you tip all of these lovely people so willing to help with all the day-to-day needs of your perfect vacation? You’re probably tipping properly if you’re a good tipper in the US, tipping is basically equivalent in Mexico. However, there are a lot more opportunities to tip and it’s helpful to know what is customary. It’s also helpful to know what to do with all of the loose change you acquire, or pesos you get in exchange for dollars while shopping. This article is not all inclusive of every tipping situation, but you’ll get the gist... Most service people in Mexico, as in the US, rely on “La Propina”, or tipping to supplement their minimal wages. At restaurants, tipping 10-15% of the total bill inclusive of IVA (tax) is customary. If the IVA is broken out on the bill (16%) you can use that amount for the tip. Of course if you’ve had exceptional service you can always tip more. If you’re at Happy Hour, remember to tip on the full price. If you’re paying by the drink, leave $1-2 per drink as a tip and if you’re running a tab, 15% of the tab as a minimum. Also, if the establishment accepts credit cards, be sure to ask in advance if you need to leave a cash tip.
Bellboys/Porters - $1-5 per bag depending on how many and how heavy the bags. Spa services 10-20% of the bill. Hotel maids $1-5 per night per bedroom, depending on how messy you leave your room. Bathroom attendants, leave some change in the tip jar. Gas station service, you can round up to the nearest peso or dollar, or give an extra dollar, especially if they do something extra like wash your windshield. Street musicians or performers is at your discretion, however, we’ve learned to ask the Mariachi band if they charge a set fee before they start playing. Same with the car washers. Tours or fishing crews, typically give 1520% of the cost of the tour. Give it to the boat captain or lead tour guide to disperse. Also use your judgment based on the cost of the trip and the service provided. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers, just pay the agreed upon rate. However, if you feel it’s appropriate you can round up the fare for a tip. Car parks are the guys at the grocery store, or fish market who help you find a free space and often help you navigate into or out of that space and keep an eye on your car while you eat or shop. It’s customary to give $1-2 Pesos as you leave. At the grocery stores there are often kids who will pack and carry your bags to the car for you, it’s not mandatory, but a small tip is very appreciated, they are working and not paid any wages. Please don’t tip with US coins, as they really have no value, use your collection of Mexican coins, small bills, or even $1USD. Side note: if you’re out and about in town when you pay with USD, you’re likely to get change in Pesos. Often as a tourist if you pay with a larger bill, say $20, you may get change with a lot of coins instead of bills. This can be frustrating because what the heck are you supposed to do with coins you can’t make heads or tails (ha-ha) of? The answer of course, is to use it for tips. Or, keep it for your next trip down. We probably have a hundreds dollars in Peso coins floating around our house – I keep checking on the Coinstar website hoping they’ll eventually get to Mexico...
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
33
34
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
35
36
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 Freemont. 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) Adonai Comunidad Cristiana Lucero Viuda de Morúa #257 between López Mateos & Healy Col. Luis Donaldo Colosio Tel. 638.383.3865 www.adonaicc.net Assembly of God 383-3364 Ave. Luis Encinas & 27th Street Apostolic Church Constitucion Ave. & 15th Street 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 Judas Tadeo near old Cholla Bay Road Sunday Services: 5:00 pm San Martin de Porres Ave. Luis Encinas Sunday Services: 9:00 am Templo La Hermosa 383-7130 Pastor Carlos Gracian Located next to the new cemetery Sunday Services: 10:00 am WEDDINGS: You need the proper documentation to be legally married in Mexico. Please see the “Weddings” section for more information
EMERGENCIES Puerto Peñasco’s hospitals and clinics handle a variety of emergency and nonemergency situations. Most visitors visit one of the Clinics (listed below) or the Red Cross for emergency services. Ground and air ambulance transport services are available. CLINICS Clínica Santa Fe Simón Morúa, 2nd corner off of Blvd. Benito Juárez English speaking doctors Lab on site, X-rays 383-2447 or 383-4040 Clínica San Jose 383-5121 English Speaking Doctors Blvd. Benito Juarez Clínica Santa Isabel (Maternity) 383-3645 Puerto Peñasco Clínica Santa María 383-2440 Puerto Peñasco Sandy Beach Medical Center 388-7676 Cellular: 044-638-110-7898 Dr. Jesús González Gaytán Blvd. Paseo de Las Dunas (On Sandy Beach) 24 Hr. Emergency Service Available Full Service Outpatient Medical Clinic English speaking doctor and staff 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
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
37
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
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 Proaset Realty. 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 Postmaster: Transitional 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 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 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
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.
www.siido.com
CELLULAR PHONES
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.
to dial a cell phone from a land line dial 044 + 638 + 7-digit number
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 DO NOT USE THE “CALL USA” BLUE PHONES THEY ARE VERY EXPENSIVE! 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.
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
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.
38
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Aztec prophecies
By Rosarie Salerno
The Ruler of the Aztec Empire, at the time of the Spanish conquest, was Montezuma II. He reigned between 1502 until his death in 1520. Not only was he the chief but he was a High Priest of the Aztec religion, a wizard. He was trained in astrology, astronomy, and religious traditions, among other skills of higher learning taught to a man of his status. The Aztec calendar is complicated and out of the scope of this article to explain it in its entirety. However, it is important to realize there were two calendars that were used simultaneously. The solar calendar was to keep track of the 365 day year; it was used to insure the timing of planting and harvesting crops. The other calendar was for religious purposes including the best days to consult the gods. The religious calendar was not based upon 365 days, but rather 260 days. The same day for each calendar only fell at one time every 52 years. That was a very important date to the Aztecs; the day the gods would decide to renew or not the world, for the next cycle. It just so happened that the Spanish Conquest occurred during the year ending the 52-year cycle. The Aztec religion was full of gloom and doom as it were. They lived with such fear that they offered blood sacrifices to the Sun god in hopes that he would assure the rising of the sun each day. One of Montezuma’s contemporaries told him that his fortune-tellers had predicted that strangers would, one day, rule Mexico. At the time, Montezuma did not believe him. Around 1509 CE a series of mystical events occurred foreshadowing the end of the Aztec Empire with the arrival of the Spanish. There were eight. The first omen was a great light that appeared as a “bleeding wound” in the eastern sky. The people of Tenochtitlan ran in
the streets panicking and wailing expecting the end of the world. The second was fire that destroyed the two towers on top of the pyramid of Huitzilopochtli, their sun god. The wood in the temple seemed to burst into flames for no apparent reason. No matter how much water was used they could not put out the fire until the towers were completely burned down. The third omen happened soon after the second. The temple of their fire god was struck by thunder-less lighting that seemed to come from the sun. The fourth, a very bad omen, terrified the people; it was a mid-day comet with 3 heads that blocked out the light of the sun as it passed across the sky. The fifth was a sudden boiling up of the waters of Lake Texcoco, raising the level of the lake and causing the collapse of many of the city’s buildings. The sixth event was from Llorona, a woman’s voice heard by the people, crying in the night, “O my children, you are lost; where shall I hide you.” It was believed to be the goddess Mother Cihuacoatl, wailing for her human children. This dark omen terrorized the people and profoundly affected Montezuma. The seventh omen, found in a fisherman’s net, was a gray ash-colored bird that had a magical mirror atop its head. The fisherman brought the bird to Montezuma as he looked into the mirror and saw the star constellation of Taurus; a powerful sign in the Aztec’s astrology. He looked again and saw an open field with a huge hoard of people coming toward Mexico. When he asked his priests, they said they saw nothing. The eighth and final omen was the news that monsters, men with two heads, (men atop horses› backs) had arrived in Tenochtitlan. Before any of the monsters could be captured they disappeared. Montezuma II had been murdered by the end of the 52-year cycle; so began the demise of the Aztec Empire.
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.
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
39
40
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
My Challenges
By Dr. Shelly Persad
A year and a half in practice and the most common question I get asked is, “what is my biggest challenge?”
them, boyfriend drama, showing up to work hungover, drunk, reeking of alcohol or all of the above, stealing money, and not showing up to work without a phone a call or text.
Is it the language? Is it the laws? Is it the lack of business?
So is it just me or is there a common denominator in Rocky Point?
And it’s none of the above. My biggest challenge has been finding and keeping a good employee. As many of you who are my patients know, for a while it seemed like every time you came for an adjustment, there was a different face greeting you at the front desk. For anyone counting, I’m currently on #10. And unfortunately, the revolving door doesn’t contribute to a business running smoothly – there is a lack of consistency and familiarity. Not to mention, I have to spend my days off training new employees which leaves me little R&R time or consistency on my part with my weekly newsletter. I’ve also lost patients and had to comp visits for upset patients. Business 101 is the client is always right...right? Well, not in my employees’ minds and I’ve actually had one quit because I made my patient right. Let’s not even mention the 4 letter T word...showing up on TIME. Yes, it’s Mexico...everything is on Mexico time and I’m good with that. To tell you the truth, I got used to 15 minutes late as being on time. That was the least of my problems compared to moodiness, copping my patients attitudes if they decide they don’t like them, sitting on their phone all day, not being attentive when a patient is talking to
Well, many friends of mine who are business owners, American AND Mexican, have told me they struggle with the same problems. One business owner has gone through over 500 employees in 15 years. Their advice to me: get used to it, hire a guy, or if you have to hire a girl, make sure she wasn’t raised in Rocky Point. I’m still trying to figure out the last piece of advice everyone gives me...party town? Different culture here? What is it? For many years, I always wondered why the bars and restaurants have mostly guys working as servers and bartenders. And the answer is simple – guys are more willing to work and are dependable and reliable. One business owner joked with me and said if I want to support a family in Rocky Point, hire a guy. If I want to support just the girl working for me, hire her. My advice to you – if you experience bad customer service here in Rocky Point, don’t take it personal and don’t blame the business itself. Everyone here has their fair share of challenges finding good staff, so keep that in mind the next time you say you won’t go back there again. PS – I think I have finally hit the jackpot with an awesome employee! Nice and tidy.
41
42
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
CLUBSANDORGANIZATIONS AACORP (ANIMAL CENTER)
AGRUPACION GEORGE PAPNICOLAOU
BOOK & EXCHANGE
383-4399: 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 PAPSMEARS Friday 9AM-2PM by appointment only Please call 1 to 2 weeks prior
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.
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.
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
AMPI
AL ANON
The Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliaros (AMPI), or the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals, Puerto Peñasco Chapter 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 States, AMPI works closely with the State of Sonora to provide education for real estate licensure, which is required in the State of Sonora for all agents who represent any type of property transaction including sales, rentals, property management, and promotion. Active in the community, AMPI promotes Puerto Peñasco as a vacation and retirement destination, members donate generously to local causes, and AMPI works with other organizations to sponsor community activities such as the Business Expo and A Taste of Peñasco. Business mixers are held occasionally, and the community is always invited. AMPI operates the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) on behalf of our real estate clients, one of only 3 MLS services in all Mexico.
Al Anon Family Groups. Email to schedule a meeting; Marcia at marsupis@gmail.com
OFFICERS: President: Rommel Bustamante President-Elect: Jorge Valdes V.P. Legal: Ricardo Bórquez V.P. Ethics: Wayne Corcoran V.P. Education: Gretchen Ellinger MLS V.P. President: Jonni Francis V.P. Public Relations: Richard Savino Secretary: John Fagundes V.P. Membership: Susie Flinn Treasurer: Rebecca Palomino V.P. Events: Jared Cranford VP Language & Culture: Fernando Curiel IS YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT OR RENTAL AGENT OR PROPERTY MANAGER A MEMBER OF AMPI?
ADOPT-A-CLASSROOM
Provides basic school supplies, computers, copiers, chalkboards, etc. to local classrooms Founder: Barbara Olszewski: 383-4963 (602) 324-9529 mail@rockypointboattrips.com www.rockypointclassroom.com Donations can be dropped off at the Rocky Point Boat Trips Office or sent to Barb at: PO Box 695, Lukeville, AZ 85341
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
AMERICAN LEGION POST MX 15 Located in the Mirador 141 Chihuahua & Matamoros (Across from the Pink Cadillac) Open daily 8AM - 8PM The Public is Welcome 2015 OFFICERS: Commander: Mike LaBarge General Meetings First Tuesday of every month at 6 pm (Oct-June) Contact the Post for dinner specials and special events scheduled throughout the year MagicJack (602) 539-2047 Mexico phone (011-52-638) 388-8841 Email post15mx@mail.com ALL VISITORS WELCOME!
AMOR MINISTRIES International Headquarters: 1664 Precision Park Lane San Diego, CA 92173 Phone: (619) 662-1200 www.amor.org Amor Ministries builds more than 1,000 new homes across Mexico for Mexican families. They are selected to receive homes by the Mexico Ministry Planning Board. Pastors discern the needs within their community, present their nominations and one (or more) are selected to receive a new home built by Amor volunteers.
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@aol. comm 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.
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: Madre Silvia Gomez and drop it off at the home. You may drop checks or donations off at the Rocky Point Times office. Help to pay their electric bill, especially during the summer months, is always needed. You may also make a donation at a local grocery store for the purchase food and items.
CEDO CON’T CEDO ADVENTURES FOR EVERYONE Kayak Capers Explore beautiful Estero Morua with expert guides. Local ecology talk, kayak rental, picnic feast,drinks all in an environment rich with shore birds, crabs and halophytes. Estero Excursions Oyster farms, fiddler crabs and the “shrimp dance” are part of this walking tour of a pristine upper Gulf wetland. Kayak Estero Morua and/or tour with CEDO experts. Tidepool Explorations Explore the tidepools with CEDO experts. Explore the Sand Dunes Spectacular Gran Desierto de Altar. This sea of natural dunes is the world’s largest. An experience you won’t forget! Pinacate Adventure Explore the geologic wonders of the Pincate Biosphere Reserve on a tour with CEDO experts. Isla San Jorge Snorkel with the sea lions in their natural habitat at Bird Island or just enjoy the scenery from the boat and take photos. A must do trip!
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
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
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.
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
43
CLUBSANDORGANIZATIONS EL GOLFO RUN
LAS CONCHAS HOMEOWNERS ASSOC.
Tom & Sandra O’Hare Rocky Point Times Newspaper 383-6325 or from U.S. (602) 476-1939 rockypointtimes@yahoo.com
Phone: 382-0050 / (602) 476-1454 Guard Gate: 382-0095 President: Ginger Beauchamp Executive Vice President: Naoma Leader Vice President: Bart Stockton Treasurer: Randi Alcott Secretary: Raylene Pavlicek
LIONS CLUB The El Golfo Run is a fun bi-annual 4x4 trip (May and Oct) to El Golfo de Santa Clara through the desert, salt flats and onto the beach - even the coastal hwy. All 4x4’s welcome to join. There is no charge, fee, etc., you pay for your own motel and food when you get there. (Must have a sense of humor and be very patient.)
ESPERANZA PARA LOS NIÑOS Children’s Home: I.A.P., Casa Hogar para niños desamparados 383-2378 Off of Hwy. 8, 15 mi. N of Rocky Point PO Box 1024, Lukeville, AZ 85341 Secretary: Jose Manuel Barrera Sanchez Treasurer: Florencia Lucila G. Miron The children’s home is located outside of town, apx. 15 miles, and houses anywhere from 10 to 40 children. It provides temporary housing for families that cannot afford to take care of their children or are having a hard time. This is not an orphanage - these children are not up for adoption. They are always in need of cleaning supplies and fresh food (not canned items).
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.
ESPERANZA DE VIDA
MISSION VILLA GRANADA
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.
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.
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.
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.
OA Overeaters Anonymous Tuesdays 9:30AM Manuel Arista (some as AA) Phone: 044-638-103-3405 48 Campeche Ave.
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 CHILDRENS FOUNDATION Founder: Steve Schwab Coordinator: Richard C. LaNasa Established 2003 520-232-2241 PO Box 70121, Tucson, AZ 85737 www.penascochildrensfoundation.org
PEÑASCO CHILDRENS FOUNDATION CON’T
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.
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.
RED HAT LADIES LUNCHEON
SOUTH OF THE BORDER SINGLES
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.
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) 3869774 or Magic Jack is (520) 303-4332.
REHABILITATION CENTER Unidad Basica de Rehabilitacion Therapy for the handicap and those with special needs. Consultations accepted. Coordinator: Esperanza Lopez Trasviña Phone: 383-1918 Juan Aldama & Marcelo Pino
ROCKY POINT CHRISTMAS Tab Gray: tab@rockypoint.com Family of God Christian Fellowship PO Box 738, Lukeville, AZ 85341
PINACATE BIOSPHERE RESERVE Fundación para Conservación del Pinacate, A.C. Office Hours: 9AM - 5PM U.S. Mail: PO Box 745, Ajo, AZ 85321 El Pinacate Biosphere Reserve is considered one of the most unique volcanic zones in the world. The conservation of these gigantic craters and the surrounding areas are an important part of our ancient history and culture. Self guided hikes, overnight camping and exploring are allowed in the area provided you do not harm, disrupt or take plants, wildlife or artifacts from the area. Visitors must register at the office as they enter the reserve. The reserve is located at the halfway town (Nayarit) between Rocky Point and Sonoyta. Also located near this area is Gran Desierto de Altar, home to the largest area of natural sand dunes.
PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS WOMEN Professional Business Women’s Club Meetings each Tuesday 8PM Phone: 383-2052 Monday - Friday 9AM - 1PM Constitucion and Serdán esq. # 1 www.bpwpuertopenasco.com This association of professional business women meets once a week and helps young women who are finishing school - high school or college and who have economic needs.
RED CROSS (CRUZ ROJA) EMERGENCY DIAL 060
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 enriquefmi@outlook.com or leonardoemj8@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.
Business Phone: 383-2266 www.cruzrojapenasco.org.mx
SANTA CLAUS CLUB
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.
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.
RED CROSS (CRUZ ROJA) CON’T 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.
SANTIAGO RUIZ SALCIDO ASSOCIATION This group offers help to people in their terminal cancer phase. It is comprised of a group of people who offer care to cancer patients who suffer from a terminal illness, when the time comes that the hospital can do nothing further. The patients are given support to help them have a better quality of life by receiving love, respect, and understanding in their final hours. Contact: awyspot@hotmail. com Santiago Ruiz Salcido Rocky Point cellular (044-638) 384-6166 The groups’ basic needs are adult diapers, Ensure shakes, medicines, hospital beds etc.
2 FISH MINISTERIOS Founder: Pastor Stan Tedrow Peñasco Christian Fellowship Melchor Ocampo & Tecla Bustamante Donations accepted and welcomed at the Felowship Monday Friday 8AM - 2PM All gifts are taxdeductible Checks payable to: Mission Heartbeat PO Box 1032, Lukeville, AZ 85341 This rapidly growing organization was created after seeing the desperate need families were faced with when the U.S. economy declined, heavily impacting Mexico, and the peso dropped dramatically. As a result, jobs vanished, more people became homeless and could no longer afford to feed their families. Pastor Stan Tedrow shared his burden to feed the hungry with his congregation, and two feeding sites were born on February 24, 2009 with more being added since then. Currently, citizens can receive a hot meal at Fountain of Life Mission in Colonia San Rafael and at Arizona Taco Place on Constitucion and at Aquiles Serdan across from Hotel Paraiso del Desierto on Constitucion.
TOURISM BUREAU (OCV) Puerto Peñasco Convention & Visitor’s Bureau 388-0444/US Toll Free 877-843-3717 Mexico Toll Free: 01-800-552-2820 Ave. Coahuila 444 Int. 1a Fremont & Víctor Estrella www.cometorockypoint.com Mon-Fri: 9am-2pm & 4-7pm, Sat 9am-3pm President: Hector Vazquez Lic. Ana Laura Saens: 383-7025 Rafael Gonzales V.: 388-0444
UNCOMMON WOMEN ON COMMON GROUND GROUP Rosie Glover: 044-638-112-0134 Group meets 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30PM for something fun!
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.
44
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
You Bought Mexican Trip Insurance, Right?
By Gretchen Ellinger
I hope so, because Mexican law requires that you have a Mexican car insurance policy, with a minimum of liability coverage, for your American car. Even if you have insurance in the USA that covers you in Mexico, you still must purchase a Mexican car policy. Mexican insurance can be purchased many places, including online or at gas stations and other stops north of the border on your way to Mexico, but those companies typically do not have people available locally who can help you out if you get into a fender bender in Mexico. Until a representative from your insurance company appears, you do not have an advocate, and if you caused the accident, your car may be impounded until your adjustor shows up. For this reason, buying your insurance from a local agent is your best bet - if you are involved in an accident, your agent, or some other representative from the company, will come to the scene of the accident if you just give him or her a call. I was recently involved in an accident in Hermosillo, and after calling emergency services, my next call was to Yolanda Silva, who contacted an adjustor, who arrived at the scene of the accident before the police! The type and quantity of Mexican insurance to buy is another subject altogether. I had comprehensive coverage from Seguros Quálitas that promised replacement value for my car. Though it was old and had many miles on it, my car
was in perfect condition. The insurance company offered to repair my car, with repairs that were not guaranteed, or they offered to pay me for my car, the equivalent of around $3,500. We finally agreed that the car would get repaired, and the insurance company would pay me half of the total value, but I pay the repairs. Such a deal. The commercial tractortrailer that hit me from behind, caused the accident, was insured by AXA Seguros. It seems as if AXA would be responsible for replacing my car. Or that Quálitas would replace my car, then deal with AXA to be reimbursed for the expense. Neither insurance company took care of me. My insurance agent explained that my policy is responsible for my car, and the truck driver’s insurance company is responsible for taking care of any injuries we sustained. Since no-one was injured, the insurance company of the guy that caused the accident had no responsibility! The money I spent on comprehensive insurance was wasted - I could have saved LOTS of money by purchasing liability only policies. In the future I will be sure to have a USA insurance policy that covers my car in Mexico, and in order to be in compliance with Mexican law, I will have the least expensive liability-only Mexican policy. I will have to be very careful not to cause any accidents. If I am involved in an accident in Mexico, by all means I will depend upon my USA policy to take care of me and my car.
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
45
46
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
100 Years! – the Ajo Copper News
People driving through Ajo may notice a store just off the Plaza (between the Plaza and the Elks Lodge) with a huge mural and wonder what it’s all about. The building houses the Ajo Copper News — Ajo’s weekly newspaper — and the Copper News Book Store. While the mural and the bookstore are only a few years old, the newspaper has just celebrated 100 years in business. The first issue of the Ajo Copper News bore a dateline of April 29, 1916, making the publication one of the oldest businesses in Ajo. Renwick White, encouraged by John C. Greenway and Mike Curley, founded the newspaper in March 1916, and published the first official issue in April. The first office was located in Clarkston, just east of the present Ajo, and later was moved to Ajo. The paper was owned by Ted Beggs, Geraldine Beggs, George Gable, and then
Barry Gable before Richard F. & Ann Hollister David bought the Ajo Copper News in 1967 and served as publisher and editor respectively. When they retired in 1983, their son and daughter, Hollister J. “Hop” David and Gabrielle David, took over as publisher, editor and owners, positions they still hold today. Their brother Joseph David is a partner in the business. The Copper News Book Store was started in 2010 and is located in the newspaper office at 10 Pajaro Street. Along with a great selection of new and used books, it carries basic office supplies, greeting cards, maps and gifts. The store stocks all the best sellers, has a large selection of Arizona and southwest books along with a large selection of biographies. Most used books are priced at less than $10, however some sell in the hundreds of dollars.
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
“One of the most popular books is The Edge of the Sea of Cortez, Tidewalkers’ Guide to the Upper Gulf of California. It has been out of print, but is now available at the Copper News Book Store, and is «a must for those who like to walk the beach,” says bookstore manager Dick Ducic, who joined the newspaper staff as a proofreader but used his knowledge of books to enlarge the bookstore area. He not only keeps best sellers and an eclectic selection of other books on hand, he also tracks down books people want and haven’t been able to find on their own.
When the current location of the newspaper and bookstore was purchased, it was the goal of Hop David, (the artist, also the publisher) to have a mural on the front of the building. That dream came to fruition, when in 2012, Hop completed the current mural with the help of another local artist, Mike “DaWolf ” Baker as part of ASAP (Ajo Street Art Project). It is now one of the “must see” tourist spots in Ajo and is best viewed from the painted footprints on the corner of Pajaro and Highway 85 by the tiny park in order to get the complete effect of the trick-perspective mural. The Native American figure playing saxophone in the mural is a Tohono O’odham musician — the notes emanating from the instrument are “Ghost Riders in the Sky”, a popular chicken scratch tune. Those who spend a few minutes gazing at the mural will see the ghost riders and cattle in the clouds along with dozens of other hidden pictures in the mural. Need something to read on the beach or forgot your book? -stop by and see us. We are the only bookstore between Phoenix and Puerto Peñasco! The Ajo Copper News and Copper News Book Store, 10 Pajaro St., Ajo Hours: Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. (520) 387-7688 email: dickd@cunews. info.
47
48
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
49
50
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Booze and the Beach
By Dan McWhitis
The idea of slamming drinks in the morning horrifies the uninformed, but for many avid beach lovers the concept is fairly normal. I’m fortunate to live close to one of Rocky Point’s beautiful beaches and not long ago one sleepy morning my friend Magoo knocked on the front door and proceeded to barge in sipping a screwdriver (vodka & orange juice). Coming awake I said, “Magoo it’s 6:45 a.m.” He replied, “I feel love and harmony throughout this wonderful world.” I yelled something that can’t be repeated in this article, pulled the blanket over my head and began fighting to return to sleep. This attempt failed and I soon joined Magoo, the bar was officially open. Many tourists coming to Rocky Point believe alcohol is simply part of the deal. What are the favorite libations enjoyed by our visitors? Breaking it down and if we’re talking
cocktails containing hard liquor there’s a variety of unusual names that provide quick roads to inebriation. These include: Sex on the Beach (of course); Fuzzy Navel (mine’s always been a bit hairy); B.A.F (bad & ass are the first two words of this acronym); Read-headed Slut (hey, showed-up in my research); Monkey Gland (now that’s plain weird and a tad demented); Goat’s Delight (Magoo’s favorite); Fat like Buddha (spiritual drink); Kamikaze (quick, very quick) and my favorite A.M.F (drinker is wishing all a hearty good bye). Enjoying beer on Mexico’s beaches can also be appealing due to the myriad of fantastic brands. What is the best Mexican beer? While pondering this monumental question with my friend Will Smith at the American Legion a couple of weeks back we gave intense contemplation to this monumental issue. We’re both retired with gray hair & beards and favor the Dos Equis label. It’s a natural for us due to “the most interesting man in the world” scenario found in their advertising campaign. I’ve been drinking Dos Equis since my earliest days in Mexico and if I remember correctly, Will’s also been involved with the green bottle for many years. Today, since we’ve downed so much of this hearty liquid we consider ourselves extremely interesting. Unfortunately, the main character in these famous commercials is being retired. Does this mean our years of guzzling have been wasted? Gone for not? I think not. “Welcome to Rocky Point my friends and stay thirsty.” Yeah baby.
New Regulations for Bringing Your Boat into Mexico
Historically, the experience of crossing into Mexico via the Lukeville border crossing has been one of very relaxed regulations and little actual oversight. Over the past few years, they have slowly began enforcing some of the regulations more strictly. A couple years ago, they added an agriculture inspector subsequently prohibiting certain foods, certain types of dog food, plants, potting soils, and other items which were prohibited but previously overlooked. The latest change seems to be the
need for a boat permit in order to cross with your boat in tow. You will need to get a Temporary Vessel Import Permit. They will also ask for the original and a copy of the boat registration, your passport, driver’s license and title to your vehicle. Unfortunately, you cannot obtain the permit in person at the Lukeville crossing. The easiest way to obtain the permit in advance is on the website, Sport Fishing Mexico Click the “Customs” tab on the upper right of the page and follow the instructions.
This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
Ruidoso now has sister city in Mexico Source thru Dave Tomlin, Ruidoso News
Consul Efren Leyva, left, pauses during a chat Saturday with District Judge Dan Bryant. Leyva helped broker the new sister city pact between Ruidoso and Rocky Point, Mexico. Village development director, Greg Cory, has long wanted a sister city relationship for Ruidoso. Village leaders met Saturday evening to talk about the Mexico problem, and nobody said a single word about higher border walls or deportations. On the contrary, the problem under discussion was how to establish closer cross-border relations, and the solution was already at hand – a sister city for Ruidoso south of the border. The new relation is Puerto Peñasco, but its mayor, Kiko Munro, prefers to use the name the site was first given by a retired British naval officer looking for pearls and precious metals there nearly 200 years ago. Robert William Hale Hardy scanned the barren shoreline through his telescope in 1826 and christened it Rocky Point. “We’re branding our hometown so we can make it an international site for visitors and investors,” Munro explained during a reception at the Elegante Lodge near the convention center. “Rocky Point is easier to remember.” Munro’s answer suggests why village development director Greg Cory decided years ago that Rocky Point and Ruidoso would be ideal partners and allies, with a lot to learn from each other. At first glance, the two towns don’t have much in common. Rocky Point is home to more than 50,000 people. It sits in Sonora desert at sea level, on the narrow northern shore of the Sea of Cortez. It was first established as a fishing village. Nowadays most of its U.S. visitors come from Arizona, Nevada and California. But Cory said Saturday he made the 600-mile trip to the town several times in recent years and was struck hard by its underlying similarities with Ruidoso. “We wanted them,” Cory said. “It’s a remote resort community with a large number of second home owners. It has water issues. Tourism and real estate are their prime economic drivers.” Munro agreed with all that and added another point of common experience. “We have struggled alike,” Munro added. “Since 2008 we have both been recuperating, Ruidoso from the hurricane damage and Rocky Point from the recession.” Cory said the new sister city pact accomplishes a mission he took on a decade ago when he was Chamber of Commerce president, but things didn’t
really start happening until last summer when Cory teamed up with chamber director Becky Brooks to get Ruidoso into Sister Cities International. That organization referred them late last year to the Mexican consulate in Albuquerque. “Their consul, Efren Leyva, was very responsive,” Cory said. “He picked up the ball, and within 36 hours we had an agreement with Puerto Peñasco.” Leyva and several of his staff members were here Saturday evening to bless the partnership they had brokered and to stage a display of Mexican folkloric costumes for reception guests to admire. “It’s not hard to build friendship when both sides want to be friends,” Leyva said. “This will be good for the futures of both towns.” Munro said the next step would probably be an exchange of trade delegations. Then he said village leaders would be invited to Rocky Point to talk about ideas for improving government services. Munro said he was already impressed by the village’s strategic planning process and Ruidoso’s emergency notification systems. Cory said he wanted a closer look at Rocky Point’s special policing policies for tourists. After that there will be teacher and student exchange visits and cultural events in both towns, and the relationship can grow from there in whatever direction the two sides want it to. “We have quite a bit in common,” Munro said. “We both experience seasonal influxes of tourists. I think we can learn from each other. I think it’s going to be good.” Rocky Point already has several other sister cities, including Fremont, CA, and Pima County, Arizona, where Tucson is located, plus others within Mexico. But large families of sister cities are common. Chicago has nearly 30 sister city pacts. Munro said Ruidoso would not have to stand in line for attention. “We appreciate the fact that we are the first sister city of your village,” he said. “We take that responsibility seriously.”
This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
51
52
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
From New Zealand to Puerto Peñasco! By Rita Pizarro
April brought beautiful weather and also the most unusual guests: our first family to come from New Zealand, it’s hard to imagine someone coming from all across the globe to visit Rocky Point, the logistics of flying, renting a car and driving across borders didn’t turn them off, they were on a mission to come to our shores and they planned quite ahead. Darren and I we were in touch about renting one of our vacation rentals, he found us through our website, so that world wide web really was worldwide, we emailed back and forth for a while before they actually committed to the trip, I was worried about them renting a car in USA and having trouble crossing the border, We have had a few tenants cancel last minute due to this issue, and I informed him so, since it wasn’t a holiday or any particular event in town I thought it was safe if Darren waited until his plans firmed up a bit, finally after deciding which was the best way to book he sent me a PayPal, again technology working to convert his New Zealand dollar into US dollars and then safely into my account, I remember the times when I had a travel agent, he even took care of our visas plane tickets and hotels, now you can book a room from your phone and pay with PayPal all across the world, I wonder if travel agencies are still in business with this trips at our fingertips, when we can connect so easily. The family lives on the southernmost part of New Zealand in the city of Invercargill, they flew from New Zealand to Los Angeles, Ca. Their first stop in the American continent was Disneyland, after enjoying a few days of
amusement park rides, shows and fast food they started the trip to Rocky Point or more appropriately: Puerto Peñasco, for which they decided it was best to rent a car in Tijuana, so cross the border on foot, rent a car close to the border and drive all on the Mexican highway that includes a very winding road through the desert rocky mountain called “La Rumorosa” with very steep grades and many days of high winds it’s not for the faint of heart.
The adventurous family arrived to Peñasco, safely and energetic after their super long voyage to enjoy a week of relaxation by the shores of the sea of Cortez. I am glad to report they did not regret coming from so far, they visited the craters at Pinacate (twice) they enjoyed relaxing at the pool in the Baja Cantina and the swim up bar almost every day of their stay, one of the favorite things for Amelia was learning to speak Spanish to the very kind people (In her own words), they loved the
beautiful house we provided for their stay, the non-stop movies with Netflix, and of course the warmth (they visited us while we had some perfect April days one of the best times to visit Rocky Point before it gets humid and hot). They loved the food and ate shrimp until they couldn’t eat anymore! The young couple enjoyed the relaxation and rest, They even extended their stay a few days from their original booking and were sad to leave, William spent his birthday in Puerto Peñasco and they bought a piñata to celebrate, we also arranged for a horse ride on the beach and brought our own horses to ride with them. Both kids are very polite and sweet, and the entire family was a pleasure to meet, and be with, and their accents so sweet and melodic. We were glad to have them as guests and now we have some friends in New Zealand. Darren and Julie are a very energetic and adventurous young couple, and their kids Amelia and William are very sweet and well behaved, we hope they tell their friends in New Zealand that they enjoyed their visit and soon we will have more interesting international visitors to our beautiful shores. See you at the beach!
Cruise Ship Home Port Work to Resume Soon
Funding delayed after new state government took office. Sonora government officials say they are clearing up problems left by the previous administration in preparation for releasing more funds for the construction of a cruise ship home port in Puerto Peñasco. Construction of the facility, which consists of a one-kilometer jetty, terminal buildings and a pedestrian walkway at Sandy Beach, was halted by the new state government which has claimed the previous one had not met federal government reporting requirements. It is one of many claims made by Institutional Revolutionary Party Governor Claudia Pavlovich regarding her National Action Party predecessor, Guillermo Padrés, who is under investigation in connection with missing funds. But a meeting last week in Puerto Peñasco, was given assurances that Governor Pavlovich and the Federal Government, which is funding the port, are on board. Work was forecast to resume within 3060 days. The home port also came up last week at Tianguis Turístico in Guadalajara, where the coordinator of the state’s Tourism Development Commission said the project would be “transcendental,” bringing cruise ships that would serve the northwest region, the state of Sonora and the country as a whole. Antonio Berúmen said cruise lines such as Carnival, Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Princess have expressed interest in the port. The market for the port extends beyond Sonora and into Arizona, California and New Mexico. Its construction cost was estimated a year ago at 1.4 billion pesos, or US $93 million at the time. Construction began in 2013 but several delays have slowed things down. It had been expected to begin operating during the first half of this year. In 2011 Mazatlán had been under consideration as the site of such a home port, but the plan was scratched after an upturn in violence. This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
53
54
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
Boulevard Fremont, the street which runs east/west in front of the Red Cross and Fire dept, and heads to Las Conchas and Caborca, was named after Puerto Peñasco’s sister city… Fremont, California. But, what about all the streets with people’s names? This is a monthly article, in a series, to explain Mexico’s history behind some of the street names, here in Rocky Point.
(May 8, 1753 – July 31, 1811) (Calle 13) runs east and west Early life Hidalgo y Costilla was born in the Corralejo Hacienda in Pénjamo, Guanajuato, to a criollo family (historically, a Mexican of unmixed Spanish ancestry). Growing up in an hacienda, where his father Cristóbal Hidalgo y Costilla was employed as a superintendent, Hidalgo y Costilla developed an early sympathy for the unskilled Amerindian workers. He attended El Colegio de San Nicolas de Valladolid and studied philosophy. Then he trained as a priest, and was finally ordained in 1789 in Dolores. He retained an interest in political and social questions, which he carried with him to his first parish in the town of Dolores, now called Dolores Hidalgo, in the modernday central state of Guanajuato. His unusual interests in the economic advancement of his parishioners soon garnered suspicion from Spanish authority. This interest marked Hidalgo as a possible activist. He learned several indigenous Amerindian languages, wrote texts in the Nahuatl (Aztec) language and organized the local communities in Michoacán. In 1808, Spain was invaded by French troops, and Napoleon forced the abdication of King Ferdinand VII of Spain in favour of the French emperor’s brother Joseph Bonaparte, prompting the Spanish colonial government to oppose the new king. Many Mexicans became divided and formed secret organizations; some supporting King Ferdinand VII, and others desiring independence from Spain. It is impossible to say exactly when Hidalgo turned his thoughts towards rebellion against the colonial power, but the break is thought to have come sometime after Bonaparte replaced Ferdinand on the throne of Spain. Organizations began to emerge, expressing a variety of radical views, discontented against the French political leadership; and issues of
Spanish oppression in the Spanish Empire. Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest of unconventional views, attended one such provincial group in Guanajuato. It was there that educated criollos started conspiring for a large-scale uprising of mestizos and indigenous Amerindian peasants. Uprising A statue of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in front of his church at Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato. By 1809, Hidalgo’s sense of discontent was turning openly into revolutionary politics, and the possibility of an uprising against the colonial government of what was then the Viceroyalty of New Spain. He was joined by Ignacio Allende, a career military officer from the nearby town of San Miguel, also a criollo, who was frustrated by the inherent chauvinism in the colonial administration, which preferred the advancement of Spaniards and foreign immigrants, rather than criollos born in Mexico, no matter how “pure” their blood. The fall of King Ferdinand VII of Spain created a void which Allende and other ambitious criollos were determined to fill. On the late night of September 15, 1810, Hidalgo y Costilla and Allende received a message of warning from Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, that the Spanish colonial authorities had intelligence of the rebellion, and were on the move. Just before the dawn of September 16, Hidalgo y Costilla rang the bells of his church in the village of Dolores. Many parishioners, indigenous Amerindians and mestizos had been coming in from the surrounding countryside, expecting to hear mass; instead they heard a call to arms. He made a speech known as Grito de Dolores (“Cry of Dolores”), in which he demanded independence. Hidalgo called on his people to expel all foreign invaders and rulers out of Mexico, so that Mexicans could govern their own country. War of Independence Dolores Hidalgo Church at night. On the dawn of September 16, the rebel army moved on to the town of San Miguel el Grande (later renamed San Miguel de Allende),for gathering and support. The army then marched on to the city of Guanajuato, a major colonial mining center, where Antonio Riaño, the Spanish governor, attempted to organize a defensive strategy. But he was only able to assemble some 500 Creole and Spanish soldiers, against an Amerindian and mestizo army estimated at 20,000 soldiers. The town fell to the onslaught on September 28, during which many of the Spaniards and criollos were massacred at the Alhóndiga de Granaditas. In the ensuing victory at the Battle of Monte de las Cruces, the rebel army then moved southeast towards Mexico City, to the region where General Félix Calleja had placed 3000 cavalry and 600 infantry at the pass of Las Cruces. The Spaniards managed to hold off the advance during two days of fighting, assisted by the fact that many of Hidalgo’s men were poorly equipped, without firearms. Hidalgo y Costilla’s soldiers were defeated by the heavily armed Spanish army, forcing the rebel survivors of the battle to seek refuge in nearby areas. Defeat and execution A painting of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, by
José Clemente Orozco, Jalisco Governmental Palace, Guadalajara. Calleja, with an enhanced army, followed in close pursuit, finally forcing Hidalgo y Costilla and Allende to make a stand on the banks of the Calderón River, where the Battle of the Bridge of Calderón was fought on the morning of January 16, 1811. Although small in numbers, Calleja’s soldiers were still heavily armed. Hidalgo, moreover, had poorly organized his army, ignoring the advice of the more experienced Allende. Under sustained attack by the Spanish cavalry, infantry and artillery, the rebel army collapsed in panic, prompting a Spanish victory. Allende had grown increasingly frustrated with Hidalgo y Costilla during the campaign, a mood that was compounded by the murderous indiscipline of the criollo, Amerindian and mestizo army. He promptly relieved his leader of command, and carried him northwards with his remaining force, towards the United States-Mexican border, where he hoped to buy arms. However, on March 21, they were betrayed and handed to the Spanish army, and taken prisoner. Four leaders of the revolution, including Hidalgo y Costilla, Allende, José Mariano Jiménez and Juan Aldama, were held in the Federal Palace of Chihuahua. They were tried for treason, found guilty and executed by firing squad; Allende, Jiménez and Aldama on June 26, 1811 and Hidalgo on July 31, 1811 at Chihuahua’s Government Palace. Prior to his death, Hidalgo thanked his jailers for their humane treatment of him and expressed regret for the bloodshed unleashed by the revolt, though he remained firm in his conviction that Mexico must be freed. The corpses of the four leaders were decapitated and their heads were placed on the four corners of the Alhóndiga de Granaditas in Guanajuato, with the intention of intimidating the insurgents. Following the death of Hidalgo, one of his surviving soldiers, José María Morelos y Pavón assumed leadership of the army and continued the war of independence. Hidalgo and the other three leaders heads remained on display in Guanajuato until 1821, when Mexico finally won its independence. Hidalgo y Costilla’s decapitated body was disinterred from his burial place in the San Francisco Temple in Chihuahua and re-buried in Mexico City after independence had been achieved. Legacy Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla is a national hero of México. In his honor, the state of Hidalgo and city of Dolores Hidalgo are named for him, as is the international airport in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Hidalgo’s image is portrayed on the 1000 peso note, and, in addition, a monument to his honor stands on the periphery of the Walled City in Manila, the Philippines. In the United States, Hidalgo County, Texas, and Hidalgo County, New Mexico, are named in his honor. Every year on the late night of September 15, just before the dawn of September 16, Mexico’s president re-enacts the event by ringing the bells of the National Palace in Mexico City and repeats a cry of patriotism to all Mexicans, based upon the Grito de Dolores. September 16 is celebrated as Mexico’s Independence Day.
Quack Ups
By Bob Snyder
In my column last month I had stated that at 61, the one lie I tell myself is: “I don’t need to write it down, I’ll remember” Well, here is a prime example of mental aging. Leaving the store, I could not find my keys. They were not in my pockets. Suddenly, I realized I must have left them in the car. Frantically I headed for the parking lot. My wife has nagged me many times for leaving my keys in the car ignition. She’s afraid that the car could be stolen. As I looked around the parking lot, I realize she was right. The parking lot was empty. I immediately called the police. I gave them my location. Confessed that I had left my keys in the car and that it had been stolen. Then I made the most difficult call of my life to my wife: “I left my keys in the car and it’s been stolen”. There was a moment of silence. I thought the call had been disconnected but then I heard her voice, “Are you kidding me?” she barked, “I dropped you off ”. Now it was my turn to be silent. Embarrassed, I said, “well come get me”. She replied, “I will, just as soon as I convince this cop that I didn’t steal your damn car.” Welcome to the golden years. ------------------------------------------Husband brings the child home from kindergarten and says to his wife, “He’s been crying the whole way home. Is he sick or something?” “No,” replies the wife, “he was just trying to tell you, he isn’t our Tommy.” ------------------------------------------An elderly man was on the operating table awaiting surgery to be performed by his son, a renowned surgeon. Just before they would put him under, he asked to speak to his son: “Don’t be nervous, son, do your best and just remember, if it doesn’t go well, if something happens to me… your mother is going to come and live with you and your wife.
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
55
56
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Death in Mexico By Lannette Phipps (2012)
I wrote this article because a number of residents of Mexico and Rocky Point are retirees who may face the death of a loved one someday and need to think about these things in advance, and be more prepared than I was. It’s not pleasant, but it needs to be done and if done ahead of time, it saves a big headache and possibly a lot of confusion. If your loved one is ill, or at the final stages of his or her life, I would suggest the following…please keep in mind I am no expert, and rules and processes may vary in other cities, but this will give you somewhere to start to be more prepared. 1. Make sure you have a local doctor who is familiar with your medical condition and make sure that he or she has a 24-hour phone number where they can be reached. 2. Find out the cost for burial and cremation by visiting the funeral home (there are two in Rocky Point) and asking. You can purchase a burial plot locally – the funeral home will guide you through this. 3. If you need to make a report to the Ministerio Publico about an imminent death, please take someone who is fluent in English and Spanish unless you are. Even if you think your Spanish is good enough, I urge you to have someone by your side so there is no miscommunication. And make sure that you have a note from the doctor, on their letterhead or prescription pad that states the condition of the ill person and that is the wish of the dying person to pass at their home in Mexico and not at a hospital or facility of any kind. 4. If your loved one is to be buried in the U.S. or some other country, inform your doctor and the funeral home and ask about the expense of transportation. If transportation or airfare is required to get your loved one home, find out in advance what the procedure is in the U.S. Same with cremation. Some insurances and VA’s offer this service. 5. Have a conversation with your doctor about what will take place once your loved one passes. Find out what your role is and what the doctor can take care of. 6. Never, ever transport a deceased person in your personal vehicle anywhere in Mexico. Bodies must be transported in authorized and licensed vehicles. 7. Make sure you have all personal information in one place, such as place of birth, date of birth, mother and father and their maiden names, retired date – anything you can think of that may help ease the process of the paperwork. 8. Make sure that you have a legal Will and that everything is spelled out clearly if property or assets are in one name only. These steps should save you a lot of grief if you are caring for someone that is terminally ill, and wishes to die at home in Mexico. The process is a little more complicated for foreigners living in Mexico, but if you are prepared in advance there should be no problems…or maybe just a few tiny snags. I have no experience with a sudden death, but I would follow step No. 1 and speak with your doctor and find out what happens if your loved one has an unexpected death. Definitely not a fun subject, but if you are a foreigner living in Rocky Point, you don’t have to fear what will happen when you or a loved one dies.
Do You Know The Way To San Jose? - Part 2
By Mike Bibb
My April Rocky Point Times article on the church in Cholla Bay produced an unanticipated response - did I have any pictures of the little sanctuary before the recent restoration project? I knew I did, but it would require some research into my discombobulated photo archive. Fortunately, after an hour or so, I located the camera media card containing the older photos. I’m not exactly certain when the pictures were taken, but I believe it was about five or six years ago. As the pictures indicate, the building was in a state of advanced deterioration; no windows or doors, dilapidated roof, missing gables and weather beaten wood trim. The interior was equally in shambles; graffitied walls, unpainted trusses, sand and dirt covered rough cement floors, and obvious signs of animal infestation. Since the chapel wasn’t fit for any semblance of conducting worship services, the San Jose Mission continued to decline from years of neglect. In spite of being physically beaten down, the spirit was still alive, awaiting resurrection by concerned citizens. A few attempts to revive interest in the church were unsuccessful, compelling Catholic
Cholla Bay area residents, or anyone else, to drive into town to attend Mass. Then about a year and a half ago, local congregants began in earnest to clean and repair the building. Slow going initially, their determined efforts began to show signs of progress until finally in November of 2014, Padres from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Rocky Point
conducted a bi-lingual Mass. The first in many years. Maybe, the first ever. Mass has been conducted ever since. Interest continued to grow, with Cholla homeowners and visitors contributing whatever they could to the restoration project. Doors and windows have been installed, as has a new coat of interior and exterior latex. Decaying wood trim and roof shingles have been repaired or replaced. New pews, complements of Willie and Janet Fenderson of Pinetop, Arizona were recently installed, replacing folding chairs, buckets and cinder blocks. A refurbished altar, with appropriate religious icons, now adorns a previously vacant and vandalized area. Unpainted ceiling trusses are now painted. A single strand of electrical wire provides energy to a small cluster of overhead light bulbs. Not much, but a start on what may eventually be a total wiring of the facility. While significant progress has been made, there is always more to do. Funds are presently being collected to provide new ceramic floor tiles to cover existing and difficult to clean concrete surfaces. Finally, after 25 years - the church’s foundations were constructed in 1991 the San Jose Mission now resembles its originally intended purpose. Thanks, in large part, to the tireless efforts of area volunteers, financial contributors and the local Catholic community. San Jose Mission in Cholla Bay about 2010.
San Jose Mission in Cholla Bay, undergoing restoration, in March 2016.
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
57
58
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
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@ aol.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)
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) 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)
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) 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 Mayan Palace and International Airport. Beachfront, large 2bd, 2ba. Private parking, security. HOA. Call Paul at 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) EL GOLFO, SONORA, MX. PROPERTY on the Sea of Cortez. – 1 1/2 hrs. west of Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point). 1Bd, 1ba. block house on 2 corner lots. Good area within city. Needs some interior work. Trees, city water, electricity. Separate maids casa if necessary. Cement slab w/full RV hook-ups. Completely fenced property. American owned w/Mexican coorporation. Clear title. Call Esther in Pto Peñasco. (Rocky Point) Mx Cell (638) 1128908 Local Mx (638) 388-5318 or AZ cell (602) 324-9558. (#10217)
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 JEWELTY - 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) 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 D E P E N D A B L E PROFESSIONAL CANADIAN MALE – seeks 2-3 BR Sandy Beach rental for 3 months from November 2016. agentbriefs@ yahoo.com. (#192-4)
CLASSIFIED AD PRICES 25 WORDS FOR $15 WORDS AFTER 25 ARE 20¢ PER WORD
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
59
60
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Letters to Editor Send your letters to the editor to our mailing address P.O. Box 887 Lukeville, AZ 85341 or email us at rockypointtimes@yahoo.com
We do appreciate what SandyO is doing and subscribe to her RPTimes paper. Without it, we would be in the dark about a lot of goings on. Edward Swafford How nice of you to say, Ed. Thank you!! SandyO Thanks so much for that info. We came down to watch them for about 5 years in a row then I heard they weren’t coming any longer. This is such good news, thanks Sandra O’Hare Liz Cypert We hope the skydivers keep returning to Peñasco....LOVE their show! Thank You... My Little Amigo David is going to have insurance for another year because you all went out and had some FUN... But that’s how we get things done ;) and why Peñasco Rocks... Muchas Gracias a todo... Mark Olszewski Any time we can help with your charities. It was a perfect day on the water! Thanks for the distance update! When we went out about 10 days ago, the whales were out at 15 mile! Great to hear the whales are moving in closer... Love how they like to show off! Great photo, btw! Gillie Matthew Panasewicz Yes, we were out 7 or 8 miles on Sunday, and there were hundreds a dolphins and quite a few whales. SandyO When I practically lived in Peñasco, 6 years ago, this was my go to and prime example of off the path non touristy place...best papa rellena Eric Brown Yes, Tacos Brisas con Gama is always excellent, they never disappoints. Please include locations with your pics. I tend to go to the same places over and over and would like to try out some new spots. Sandy McAfee OOPS! I USUALLY am very careful to include address and directions when posting....evidently not vigilant enough. Thanks. SandyO How do I get a copy of your newspapers? Elizabeth Erickson The first of each month, you pick them up FREE in Rocky Point, Why, Ajo and Gila Bend. You subscribe from our www.rptimes. com. You email us rockypointtimes@yahoo.
com. You call us at local 383-6325 or US 480-463-6255 or you come to our offices off Calle 13 behind the south side OXXO OR YOU SEND US A MESSAGE ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE “Rocky Point Times Newspaper”. Many ways. Sandra I thought I would let everyone know about the new policy for the internet if you get it thru the phone company. This year after my stay was cut short due to a death in the family the phone company refused to take the router back and demanded I pay for 6 months. I have been using this service for many years and always returned it each season and payed for time of use only. The phone company will not tell you that they NOW have a 6 month minimum but will demand you pay a 6 month bill with no exceptions. We’ve always known that there is a minimum of 6 months, I think before it was 12 months. Hello... My family and I were planning a stay in our motor home at one of the RV parks along Sandy Beach next week 3/10-3/13, but got somewhat hosed on a reservation. Water under the bridge. Now we’re scrambling to find another RV park. We’ve sent an email into The Reef, waiting anxiously on a reply. Any recommendations/info on another full hookup RV park in the area? Tia You can always look on the Rocky Point Times information pages, under CAMPING. If you do not have one of my papers, you can go to www.rptimes.com and click on the orange ISSUU logo to read the paper online. Permanent trash bins on the beach would help too! Along with a few signs in Spanish and English telling people to use the trash bins or be fined. It’s an ecological problem besides a sanitary one. Just as erosion of the beach from all the cars and atv’s. Karen Adamski Bethune My youngest son is leaving in a few hours for Rocky Point. Spring break. Oh child be careful. Kathy Toll Yes, tell him that if they rent ATV’s to follow the posted street speed limits AND watch for STOP / ALTO signs. I have sent your suggestion to Luis Molina our connection to the Administration and I will keep you updated as to the progress of adding signs... That issue had been brought up at one of our meetings but I
guess nothing has been resolved as yet... Thanks for the suggestion and I apologize for my late reply... The keys are so tiny on my phone I have a hard enough time trying to see them let alone trying to touch just one at a time while typing... Mark Olszewski Thanks Mark for letting me know. I do think that it would be beneficial to add a TOURIST INFORMATION sign to the locations. Do you have any information regarding a dialysis unit being available in Puerto Peñasco? We have friends who want to come but need dialysis. (I left phone message but feel free to answer here. Gracias Diane Leonard Almost ready to go...just not yet. We will print and post when it opens. I feel safer walking the beach in Puerto Peñasco than I do in the USA. I will be ready to walk the beach for some soul soothing in May! Just soul searching, crying out all the bad in the last year and letting the tears be caught by the ocean and releasing the negative, then to breathe the fantastic new in and smile because when I am in Puerto Peñasco.... everything is gonna be alright, fresh and new for the next year! Can’t wait! Charmen Haag May is a perfect time to beach-walk....and it is just around the corner 5 stars-The Rocky Point Times Newspaper always has good information if it’s your first time here. Helps you find places to stay, eat, fish and places to go and see. How do I get a copy in the states? Is there an online version? Wendy AnDrew Kay You are very welcome to become a subscriber, or read us online at www. rptimes.com Just click on the orange ISSUU logo. Got mine today I’m half way thru it, so luv’ng the articles. Earlita Borucki Thanks! We love our writers!! Sandy, My wife and I were going to RP back in the 90’s. Like others, we would go to the Hole in the Wall with butter ready, at around 2pm all most every day. My question is, were was it located, as we do not remember. We are planning to be RP residents again. Thanks, Jim and Ginger Main Blvd Benito Juarez to Calle 13 (Sailfish Monument) turn west, stop at
RRX tracks turn right at first street (dirt road), past the fruteria on your left is the bakery. Enjoy SandyO Good morning Alicia, I was involved in a different type of conversation last week dealing with the steps to take when someone passes away here in Rocky Point. We have a large retirement community from the USA and I’ve been here when a few people have died. Nobody seems to know how to legally handle this. It would be a great service if our local RP Times could address the subject. Just a thought, Dan McWhitis... We will locate the article Lannette wrote in 2012, up-date it and re-publish it in the June issue. You are right we should have this info handy. Just completed 2 1/2 months in beautiful PP. One thing very unsettling though. It’s a beautiful, calm morning, the tide is out and dolphins are playing and then, all of a sudden, like a swarm of angry bees, here they come, the daily jet-ski onslaught coming from Old Port. Needless to say, the dolphins decided to get out of Dodge fast as the skis headed straight for them. Once again another day of rentals to a bunch of mental-midgets whose only goal in life is to go as fast as they can, as close as they can to the beach, kayakers, swimmers, paddle boarders etc, Are there not any regulations, guidelines??? Where are the Policia? Our last night there was a typical, beautiful sunset, calm seas, the morons had gone and the dolphins made a pass down the beach to say goodbye!!! Good Bye Puerto Peñasco Rod Clayards Victoria Canada We checked for you, and can’t find any restrictions about jet skis in the Sea. Sorry. Thank you Sandy, for sharing all the great places to eat. We have eaten at most of the ones you have shown. Jerrie Sundermeier It’s a tough job...but somebody’s got to do it. LOL
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
CROSSWORD PUZZLE 4
5
6
7
8
10
9
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 24 27
22
21 25
33
31
32
52
53
38
37 41
40 44
43 46
45 48
30 35
34
36
47
13
23
29
42
12
26
28
39
11
50
49
51
54
55
58
59
60
61
62
63
ACROSS 1. Daddy 5. Nightmare, e.g. 10. Edibles 14. Regatta necessities 15. Actress Hiller 16. Telephone wire 17. “__ Leaving Home” 18. Keebler workers 19. Andes native 20. Tricky curve 21. Drama 22. Putter 24. Ridiculous 26. Soil 27. Digging tools 29. Cutting tools 33. Prodded 34. Female opera stars 35. Zodiac lion 36. Departs 37. Cuba’s Castro 38. Diamond defect 39. Actress Sothern 40. Fountain and Seeger 41. Auto gear 42. Withdraws 44. Scanty 45. Sarge’s pooch 46. Actress Reed 47. Surprise attack 50. Pummel 51. Golf gizmo 54. Lacking fat 55. Sra. Peron 57. Actor Glenn __ 58. Motel employee 59. More aged 60. Nautical prison 61. Industrious insects
62. Psychics 63. “Peekaboo, __ you!” (2 wds.)
56
57
E W E S H O L E
S E X E S I N E P T M O T O R
S L O T E L S A C O L E
A U G
A S L L A A V E R E A M S E R E D I L G M T A N O R O A T I T A E L S T E N O R S
H F R E R A V A A R E L T I N E C I N K T A N D D R I N G P E A F A NM A T M R I S E N A C E R L E E N D E D R O S S E S E N A A S S N E W L O R E S S S N I S I L L
S M E A R
A R E A
R A H S
CROSSWORD MAY
DOWN 1. Assumed attitude 2. Tongue-depressor sounds 3. Public relations person (2 wds.) 4. Braying beast 5. Lives 6. Team race 7. Green with __ 8. Summer beverage 9. Supernatural 10. Lighters’ components 11. Hog sound 12. Not twice 13. “__ Abby” 21. Implored 23. Irritates 25. Roman date 26. Brubeck and
Letterman 27. Sweet stuff 28. Face downward 29. Conceals 30. Everglades denizens 31. Use a loom 32. Seed scatterer 34. Likewise 37. “Horse __” (Marx Brothers film) 38. Actress Drescher 40. Coddles 41. Fender blemish 43. Doctor’s duties 44. Some teeth 46. Dissuade 47. __ matter 48. Imply 49. Worm, perhaps 50. Meerschaum 52. Buffalo’s waterfront 53. Small advantage 56. Compete 57. Hoover’s gp.
S A S S
3
L E N T
2
C L A M
1
61
62
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Speedy Gonzales’ Relationship with The Hispanic Community
Stereotypes die hard, as we know, and sometimes backfire, as it was and is the case of the beloved Speedy Gonzales, the cartoon character created to poke fun at Mexicans but who became a much-loved hero in the Spanish-speaking world, especially in Mexico and Spain. Speedy Gonzales was born in the early 50’s and was intended to be a real stereotype of what Anglophones in the United States considered to be a “typical” Mexican: he spoke with an exaggerated Mexican accent; he wore an oversized sombrero, Mexican type, and white shirt and trousers, with a red kerchief around his neck. His speech was sprinkled with Spanish words like ¡ándele! ¡arriba! amigo, gracias, señor, gringo, hasta la vista... and others to make him sound authentic and real. The cartoon hero became very popular and was an instant success with audiences who laughed at the Mexican mouse’s way of talking and acting. However it backfired on its creators and American audiences as well. Speedy Gonzales’s character welcomed by Hispanics Speedy Gonzales did not offend the Hispanic public, on the contrary, they found the mouse amusing, clever and a character that outsmarted the “local” cartoon personalities he was pitched against, like Sylvester the Cat (el gringo pussygato), Porky Pig, Wily Coyote and even Duffy Duck. How so? Mexicans have always been depicted as slow and easy going but the creators of this cartoon character turned him into a plucky, energetic, speedy hero of the underdog, like a modern cartoon Zorro. He helps hungry Mexican mice get to a cheese factory guarded by Sylvester, the gringo cat, who is constantly humiliated and outrun by this little mouse who
speaks with a funny Mexican accent. I believe that Speedy Gonzales popularized that stereotype accent that most Englishspeaking Americans identify as Mexican English. Was the cartoon racist, offensive, insulting, prejudiced? Possibly the creators intended it to be so, and exploited the audience’s weaknesses, animosity and foibles against foreigners, but in the long run all that backfired and ended up making the whole world laugh at the shenanigans and antics of the hero of the “undermouse,” Speedy Gonzales, who is quick-witted, fast, nimble, funny, cute and endearing. He’s the “fastest mouse in all Mexico; a friend of everybody.” He was also a ladies’ “mouse” who took all the girls away from the other mice to the point that the rejected lovers hit on the great idea of bringing in the gringo pussycat to chase Speedy out of town. Imagine! Sylvester, the pussygato, was no match for Speedy Gonzales. Sylvester guarded the border fence to keep immigrant Mexican mice from entering the country and eating all the cheese. That was 60 years ago, mind you. I urge you to watch Speedy Gonzalez’s cartoons and you will have a good time, many laughs and will develop an admiration for this hero that I think should become the symbol of Hispanics in the United States of America to prove that they all have a sense of humor and are as quick-witted as Señor Speedy. Should we try to bring back this champion of the “undermouse,” this MouseZorro, now 60 years old, in order to calm things down and put politics in perspective? “Us good guy always win” as he said. And W.C. Fields told us to “Start every day off with a smile and get it over with.”
This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
Livintha Dream...
By Vince Deadmond
If living, fly fishing, and eating in a Mexican beach town sounds like a good life to you, stay tuned. Staying at the Casa de Pescadores, (home of the fishers) my trailer at the Playa de Oro Trailer Park in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico has its moments. I invited two new friends to join me in some fly fishing fun, and culinary delights. Both Greg Baker and Dave Rettler had fly fished great fishing destinations before, and they arrived with the right gear for our saltwater adventure. Our trip from Mesa, Arizona to Rocky Point went smoothly, and took about four hours. When we arrived we bumped into some mutual fly fisher friends, and got the latest fishing report, and some wonderful appetizers. The word was the fishing was good, but expect some wind, normal for spring fishing. I have been coming to Rocky Point for so long that sometimes I forget what a good value it is compared to other destination fishing spots. Dave and Greg were pleased with the dinner we had at La Curva. The food, service, atmosphere, and price were all just right. Friday morning, at the trailer park, after gourmet coffee, fruit and rolls, we set up our pontoon boats, fishing gear, and took the incoming tide towards the Malecon. When we first started the wind was mild, by the time we made the point the wind was urging us to return to the RV Park. We did catch some Pompano, Cabrilla, and Trigger. Everyone caught fish and we were off to a good start. The guys were not opposed to street food, so I introduced them to the Hot Dog Guy (Chon’s) on Constitution.
The guy is an artist at grilling bacon wrapped hot dogs, loading them up with condiments, and serving them with a flair. After lunch I gave the guys a tour of downtown Puerto Peñasco, Sandy Beach, Cholla Bay and tried to point out the landmarks, and dredge up all the colorful stories that I could think of. Our evening meal was at Pollo Lucas, and again my guests were impressed with how good the food was and how inexpensive the meal cost. Saturday morning we stopped at Reggie’s and picked up burros on our way to the Second Estuary. We didn’t launch the pontoon boats, but we found some fish from the shore. We caught Pompano and Cabrilla. We decide to hit the First Estuary on the way home and we managed to land enough Flounder for dinner. I filleted the Flounder and marinated it in orange juice. Veggies got chopped and marinated in Italian salad dressing then grilled. The veggies took most of the time on the grill, but the fish turns almost magical after being brushed with butter, lime juice, chardonnay and spending a short amount of time on the grill. One of the biggest problems with a weekend trip to Puerto Peñasco, is that you can’t possibly eat at all the good places in three or four days. After our Flounder dinner we went to La Casa del Capitan for dessert-coffee and flan. Again the food, service, atmosphere, and view were superb. My friends have vowed to come back to Rocky Point for the food and the fly fishing. Vince Deadmond “The Fly Fishing Hardware Guy” can be reached at Best Hardware 237 N Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ and vince@ajbest.com or at (480) 982-7461.
I hope this short story has brought a smile to your lips, and a desire to get out and fish Puerto Peñasco. Vince Deadmond The Fly Fishing Guy can be reached at Best Hardware 237 N Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ, vince@ajbest.comand at (480) 982-7461. Hope to see you on the water soon!
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
63
64
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
BARB’S DOG RESCUE NEWSLETTER “Help Us Help Them”
How Monarchs Arrive at their Destination
By Barb Mumaugh
It is an exciting time of year, with school being out for the kids. Summer temperatures hitting highs across the country (not always the best thing in our Southwest US and Northern Mexican desert but we will pray to the weather fairies to keep us around 100 degrees – ha!). This is the time of the year for enjoyment of some A/C time as well as some beach time in the water down here in Rocky Point. We hope, when you come down here for some “ocean breeze” and “sand between your toes” time, that you make a stop at Barb’s Dog Rescue on your way in or out of Rocky Point.
At the 501c3 non-profit rescue organization, Barb houses, rehabilitates, spay/neuters, vaccinates and takes care of over 150 dogs and puppies at any given time. We just went through an extremely busy period that happens every year called puppy (or kitten) season and we are now filled to the brim with dogs of all ages! Most people are surprised that there are not all pit bulls and Chihuahuas at Barb’s Dog Rescue or in Rocky Point in general. While there are definitely some, the majority are of the dogs are shepherds, terriers and everything in between. We take in all breeds so have a few wonderful pit bulls and Chihuahuas (given a bad name just as a result of a few “bad” owners!) but mostly have dogs and pups that are not those 2 breeds but about every other shape, size, color, temperament, age, etc. that you can imagine!
Scientists create model of butterflies’ neural control mechanisms
With the summer months upon us, we are definitely in need of plastic play water pools for the dogs to soak in (the pools you can buy at Walmart, Target, Costco) and if anyone has any extras or sees a good sale, please let us know. Inevitably there is a puppy that comes along every month or so, that chews a hole through the pool for fun (and because they are teething!) so any donations of pools are always put to good use. Puppy training pads, dog kennels, bleach, dog beds, pooper scoopers, canned dog food and dry dog food are greatly appreciated as well! Every penny goes straight to helping the stray and homeless dogs - come visit and see for yourself! We have lots of puppies that would love to be held and big dogs that need a few extra pets. So stop by, donate a bag of dog food to feed some appreciative animals and get a kiss or two! We would not be able to help any of these dogs without your support and all donations are greatly appreciated. Donations can either be dropped off at the rescue, mailed to P.O. Box 116, Lukeville 85341 or sent online at www. barbsdogrescuerp.com. We can also coordinate donations to be transported from Phoenix to Rocky Point. Please visit us on our Barb’s Dog Rescue Facebook page as well for updates, pictures and news.
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.
A team of scientists from the United States may have finally uncovered the mechanism that allows monarch butterflies to migrate up to 7,700 kilometers without getting lost. And in the process they may have come up with the means of creating small, insectsized drones that could aid scientists and environmentalists in efforts to protect the monarch butterflies on their yearly North American migration. A group of mathematicians from the University of Washington teamed up with biologists from the University of Massachusetts and along with a third team of specialists from the University of Michigan set out to recreate the internal compass the monarchs use to navigate on their journey between the U.S. and Canada and Mexico. In a report published in the journal Cell Reports, the joint team said it has modeled the neural control mechanisms at work in the butterfly’s brain. Lead researcher Eli Shlizerman explained that, as a mathematician, he wanted to know how the insects’ neurobiological systems are wired and what can be learned from them. “Monarch butterflies [complete their journey] in such an optimal, predetermined way,” he told BBC News, “they end up in a particular location in central Mexico after two months of flight, saving energy and only using a few cues.” Shlizerman’s research identified that those cues depend entirely on the sun: “One is the horizontal position of the sun and the other is keeping the time of day, giving [the insects] an internal sun compass for traveling throughout the day.”
“We wanted to understand how the monarch is processing these different types of information to yield this constant behavior, flying southwest each fall,” said Shlizerman. Monarchs watch the sun, but that’s not enough to get them where they need to go. They also need the time of day. For that they possess an internal clock of sorts that aids them in keeping track of the time. This “clock” is centered in their antennae. After identifying the inputs for the butterflies’ internal compass, Shlizerman then created a system to simulate it consisting of two control mechanisms, one based on the timekeeping “clock” neurons in the butterflies’ antennae and the other from what are called azimuth neurons in their eyes, which monitor the position of the sun. “The circuit gets those two signals then matches them, according to how it’s wired, to control signals that tell the system if a correction is needed to stay on the correct course. “For me this is very exciting, as it shows how a behavior is produced by the integration of signals,” he added. The scientists’ model also accounted for how the butterflies get back on course if they stray, and suggested that the neural mechanisms just reverse direction when it’s time for them to head back north in the spring. “And when that happens, their compass points northeast instead of southwest,” said Shlizerman. “It’s a simple, robust system to explain how these butterflies, generation after generation, make this remarkable migration.” Shlizerman explained that one of the team’s goals was to build a robotic monarch butterfly that could follow the insects and track their entire migration. “It’s a very interesting application that could follow the butterflies and even aid in their preservation. Their numbers are decreasing, so we want to keep this insect, the only one that migrates these huge distances, with us for many years.” Source: Discovery News (en), BBC News (en).
This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
65
66
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255
Our Contributing writers...
Sandy Spain
Marcia Diane
Born in Colon, Panama and lived in Venezuela before moving to the U.S. at the age of 11, returning to Venezuela for the summers. Educated in California, High Scool in Burbank and College in Santa Barbara. Retired from City of Scottsdale after 23 years of service and 10 years service before that in Cypress, California. In both cities was involved in financial services and the environment. I am a widow with two married sons and two grandchildren. I purchased my home in Playa Encanto in 1986 and moved to Mexico full time after retiring in 2002.
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 is 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. Ten years ago, 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, 17 years later and 2 newspapers under my belt (more before 1995) and I’m still here. I never left. When you are a family business you pretty much have to do everything so that’s what we all did. 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
rockypointtimes@yahoo.com • find us on facebook • follow us on twitter • www.rptimes.com
67
68
The Rocky Point Times Newspaper • (011-52-638) 383-6325 • US (480) 463-6255